Lenovo ThinkPad T400s Multi-Touch Notebook


Introduction and Specifications


In case you haven't noticed, Lenovo has a thing for re-introducing machines with a tweak here or there and maybe a dash of new functionality. The IdeaPad S10-2 is a great example of that, as is the partially-new, multi-touch ThinkPad T400s. Frankly, the ThinkPad T400s that emerged in June wasn't all that different than the original ThinkPad T400. The T400s offered a slimmer profile, a tweaked keyboard, a few new internal hardware upgrades and optional WAN connectivity. The new T400s, which is equipped with Windows 7 and a multi-touch display, adds one major feature: touch.



But really, is adding touch input to an already decent notebook enough to make you think twice about buying a Lenovo? Or better yet, could it convince existing T400 and T400s owners to upgrade? In the pages to come, we'll take a look at how think machine performs with a new operating system. Unlike the original T400s that we reviewed earlier in the summer, our multi-touch T400s shipped with Windows 7 Professional, whereas the earlier T400s shipped with a variety of Vista options.


Lenovo ThinkPad T400s Multi-Touch; Click To Enlarge

Of course, those interested in gaining multi-touch will have to pay for the privilege. The original T400s started at just $1599. The T400s Multi-Touch starts at $1999. That's a $400 premium just for the fancy display, and if you feel like computing with an upgraded 2.53GHz CPU and an SSD, be prepared to shell out even more. There's no doubt that this machine could end up pushing $3000 before all was said and done, which just seems outrageous regardless of how cutting-edge the whole multi-touch aspect is.  That said, when you consider what Apple gets for a Macbook Pro with less functionality than this, perhaps it's not all that exorbitant?

Lenovo T400s Multi-Touch Notebook
Specifications and Features

Processors (Speed, L2 Cache, FSB)

  • Intel Core 2 Duo SP9400 (2.4GHz, 6MB Cache, 25 watt)
  • Intel Core 2 Duo SP9600 (2.53GHz, 6MB Cache, 25 watt)

Chipset/CPU

  • Intel 4500MHD/Core2, SV Small FF, 25W

Preloaded Operating Systems

  • Genuine Windows XP Professional 32 downgrade
  • Genuine Windows Vista Starter Edition for India
  • Genuine Windows Vista Home Basic 32
  • Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium 32
  • Genuine Windows Vista Business 32
  • Genuine Windows Vista Business 64
  • DOS License
  • Windows 7 (various versions)

Memory

  • 1GB/2GB/4GB DDR3 1067 MHz

Serial ATA Drives

  • 80GB, 128GB SSD SATA
  • 120GB, 250GB 5400RPM SATA

Displays

  • 14.1" wide LED WXGA+ (1440x900)
  • 14.1" wide LED WXGA+ (1440x900) with Multi-Touch

Graphics

  • Integrated Intel GMA 4500 MHD

Optical Bay

  • 9.5mm Optical Drive with Blu-ray, Multi Burner DVD, Combo DVD

Wireless

  • Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 5300 (3x3)
  • Intel Wireless Wi-Fi Link 5100 (1x2)
  • Intel WiMAX Wi-Fi Link 5150 (1x2)
  • ThinkPad b/g/n card
  • WWAN, WiMAX, WLAN Bluetooth, ConstantConnect

Ports and Slots

  • Standard USB 2.0, 1 Powered USB 2.0, 1 USB/eSATA
  • VGA, DisplayPort, Mic/Headphone, RJ45
  • Optional 34mm Express Card or 5-in-1 Multimedia Card Reader
  • Combo Microphone in /Audio out

Protection

  • Roll-cage protects against rough-handling or accidental drops

Warranty

  • 1 or 3 Year Depot TopSeller 
  • 1 or 3 Year Depot 
  • 3 Year On-Site including GMP
 

Additional Features

  • Integrated 2MP Camera
  • Multi-Touch TouchPad

Security

  • Integrated Fingerprint Reader with LED
  • Trusted Platform Module
  • ConstantSecure (WWAN models)

Form Factor/Dimensions

  • 14" Wide
  • 3.91 lbs/1.77kg with optical drive
  • 21.1mm x 337mm x 241mm (6-cell battery)

Battery

  • 6 cell Li Ion Prismatic Battery: up to 5.5 hrs
  • 3 cell Ultra Bay battery: up to 8.5 hrs with 6 cell battery

Energy Efficient

  • Energy Star 5.0 qualified
  • Mercury and arsenic free low-power displays
  • Improved packaging
  • Low power Solid State Drives

As for specifications other than the display, essentially everything here remains the same. Have a look at our T400s options--you'll see more similarities than differences.

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