Odds and Ends
I have had a lot going on post-CES. Here is what I am thinking about these days:
AC/DC Combo Adapter
A few months we switched from the Slim AC/DC combo adapter to the next generation ULTRAslim AC/DC Combo Adapter. Our team made a lot of improvements.
- On DC power, you no longer need to carry the brick with you. If you are like me and keep it in your bag for airplane and cigarette lighter use, it takes significantly less room – about 2/3 less.
- Unlike the previous version, we ship the Y cable in the box and don’t make you order it separately. It also comes with a USB tip attached.
Here are pictures of the new and the older adapters.
![4369654150_a6ef4fd1a0_m[1]](http://lenovoblogs.com/insidethebox/files/2010/02/4369654150_a6ef4fd1a0_m1.jpg "4369654150_a6ef4fd1a0_m[1]")
![lenovo_slim_ac-dc_adapter[1]](http://lenovoblogs.com/insidethebox/files/2010/02/lenovo_slim_acdc_adapter1.jpg "lenovo_slim_ac-dc_adapter[1]")
I have not had any problems using the new adapter at all on any of the airplane power ports. The cigarette lighter adapter works great on American Airlines and when I’m on United, the Empower port works as advertised too. I know some airlines limit wattage per power port to 75 watts, but never have drawn anywhere near that with my T400s – even with an empty battery.
Calpella Switchable Graphics
Over on our forums and on thinkpads.com, there has been a lot of confusion over the graphics capabilities of our Calpella T Series systems. To be clear, the only 2010 ThinkPad system with switchable graphics capabilities is the ThinkPad T410s. The ThinkPad T410 and T510 and W510 are either integrated graphics only or discrete graphics only. It might be possible to do a hack to allow “cold” switching between the integrated graphics core on the CPU or the discrete graphics chip, but this is not something we’ll support or even say is possible on any given system. There is extra circuitry required to enable switching capability. For 2010, buy a T410s if you want switchable graphics capability from Lenovo.
Color Calibrated T400s Display
Shortly after CES I decided that my T400s display had a decidedly blue cast – disgustingly so. I decided to color calibrate it. Before color calibration it did not really shift colors as I tilted it forwards and backwards. Now, calibrated, if I fold it back, I can see a red cast.
![4295811280_35c55d2e45[1]](http://lenovoblogs.com/insidethebox/files/2010/02/4295811280_35c55d2e451.jpg "4295811280_35c55d2e45[1]")
If I tilt it forward, it shifts to blue.
![4295811300_c4cd051570[1]](http://lenovoblogs.com/insidethebox/files/2010/02/4295811300_c4cd0515701.jpg "4295811300_c4cd051570[1]")
But fortunately, if I look at it head on, it looks decidedly better than it ever has before. I will never mistake this panel for a W510 display, but it is a definite improvement. I can’t tolerate it without color calibration any longer.
![4295811288_c4ff060ece[1]](http://lenovoblogs.com/insidethebox/files/2010/02/4295811288_c4ff060ece1.jpg "4295811288_c4ff060ece[1]")
Audio over DisplayPort
This may have already been solved over on the forums, but I have long since stopped following “that thread.” I have a note in my inbox that says without a doubt that our 2010 Caplella machines will carry audio over DisplayPort.
Graphics Memory
I am constantly astounded when our corporate customers ask for 512MB or 1GB of graphics memory on a T Series system. If you have a workstation, I absolutely understand. But on a T Series — What the heck are you doing with all of that graphics memory? Someone, please.
Lenovo Meet the Modder Dean Liou
Lenovo Meet the modder- Chris Blarsky Dairy 2
Lenovo Meet the modder- Chris Blarsky Dairy 1
Lenovo H320 desktop
February 19th, 2010 2:09 am
Good to hear about the Display Port Audio!, as far as the video ram goes, well, I used to sell phone systems, and it always seemed, that the people who got the largest phone were the managers, who besides never using the thing, didnt even know how to use it, having to ask the office manager or secretary for help, I’m convinced its much like those managers with the video ram, they dont need it, but they have to have it due to their status, and cannot justify the cost of a W series (to either accounting, IT or their boss), and well, it benefits people like me, cause I cant afford the W Series either!
aaand, I syndicated this Blog and the Design Matters Blog to LiveJournal, so those like me who read there, can do so!
February 19th, 2010 7:28 am
> What the heck are you doing with all of that graphics memory?
Games.
February 19th, 2010 8:51 am
What about providing better quality LCD panels? I would really like to see IPS or AFFS in high resolution again, 12″ 1280×900 is not enough space for doing real work instead of creating powerpoint slides.
February 19th, 2010 10:26 am
I’d disagree, somewhat, on the issue of graphics memory.
The ThinkPad T(number)p series has always pushed the edge on portable graphics memory for the purpose of providing a “portable workstation” class system. Among others, an emphasis on OpenGL-centric graphic chipsets with a large amount of graphics memory were available in both stock and CTO “p” systems.
For myself and others, this was vital when using autocad, 3dsmax, maya, viz, solidworks, etc. on the road. Between expansion bay options and solid 3d performance, it was the perfect system.
Since the T6x however, the “p” suffix has been curiously missing. While I’m sure the W series are nice systems, both 15″ and 17″ are too large and heavy for my needs. (Not to mention the W7(xx) have gone mysteriously gone missing from the product page)
This general “dumbing down” of the T series from its place as a serious 14/15″ workstation option to that of a generalized business laptop simply pushes it away from my (and others’) list of true desktop replacements. I could see how leaving this level of graphics performance in the T series, or bringing back the Tp series would undercut sales of the W, but to those of us used to an option for a seriously powerful 14″ laptop with realworld graphics performance, it’s disappointing.
In the end, do I turn away from Lenovo altogether and go with a subpar system from another vendor, aiming to capture the gaming market, and hope that my software plays nice with it in direct3d rendering mode?
February 19th, 2010 10:28 am
T series are widely used by big company´s like Coca Cola, SAP and Pfizer etc. these employees, what to play games. That is why they want more video ram. I also heard that many software company´s use the t series notebook to load server editions of windows OS and use them as a demo to clients so sometimes they are disappointed because Lenovo do not provide drivers for these systems. These clients want these notebooks to be able to install even more ram from 4GB.
February 19th, 2010 10:29 am
I would also add, that yes, I understand where NON-p variant T series really don’t have a need for the graphics power, but requests for more video options previously had a purchasing option…
February 19th, 2010 10:36 am
As a happy and current T42 owner finally realizing it would be nice to upgrade my system, I of course looked at the T-series’ current line (T410 & T510). Yet something didn’t “feel” right regarding the specs (for what I wanted) as I looked at them… and part of this was the graphics system. I then discovered the W510, and I knew that this was the machine for me. (I’m now waiting for the screen availability issue to sort itself out as well as some good web reviews before I place my order… and a good sale, too, wouldn’t hurt!).
On to your question. Why 512MB or 1GB graphics? For me, three reasons: (1) Logos Bible Software’s newest release recommends 512MB and is pretty graphically intensive (it runs with my 64MB of video RAM now, but crashes at times when graphics are particularly needed); (2) DVD editing/creation and RAW photo editing; (3) future-proofing. That is to say, I’d rather not buy a machine that in a year or two I’d wished I’d had more video RAM (since Thinkpads tend to last!).
February 19th, 2010 11:04 am
May I know how do you calibrate the panel? Last time I check, i.e. T400s, only has brightness control. A meaningful calibration would at least need brightness, contrast and individual RGB gain and offset control.
February 19th, 2010 11:20 am
Hi Matt,
I was saddened to hear about the lack of switchable graphics, particularly since this feature was advertised in the release of the new laptops. This is really a big step backward for the T-series, since it was supported for the T400/T500. For now, this is a show stopper for me, and I probably will not buy a new laptop until the next generation. Unless you can release a “T510s” with switchable graphics. =P
Tell the engineers to take a look at NVidea’s Optimus (recently profiled on Anandtech). This technology for automated instantaneous switchable graphic is high on my wishlist (and should be on everyone else’s too).
Personally, although the amount of graphics memory doesn’t concern me, I would like the option of a consumer graphics card (as opposed to the Quadro workstation card in the T410/T510). I do play games occasionally on my thinkpad, and a consumer oriented card might give a bit of extra oomph.
–J
February 19th, 2010 12:07 pm
Switchable graphics brings up an interesting possibility – I know it’d add more complexity, but I think this is something where Thinkpads could lead the market instead (including leading ahead of a certain company with fruit as a logo)
Switchable graphics means there’s enough horsepower to run two monitors on either graphics card. Within reasonable thermal and power limits (which I’m sure can be managed, particularly on A/C, since if you have the setup below you’d be on A/C), we should be able to have both the integrated and discrete graphics running at the same time.
That way you could run (say) the built-in panel on the onboard graphics, and monitors on both the VGA and Displayport interfaces at the same time, running off of the discrete chip. (or whatever mix was practical engineering-wise, the point is that there’s plenty of horsepower there to run triple-head without a USB DisplayLink adapter)
February 19th, 2010 12:32 pm
[...] keep you in suspense over these two big topics, but I do recommend you head over to check out some other stuff Matt has been pontificating. It is confirmed that the ThinkPad T410s does have NVIDIA/Intel [...]
February 19th, 2010 12:58 pm
Do *all* T410s models include switchable graphics, and if so, switchable to what?
The Canadian Lenovo site lists “System graphics: IT 5700MHD, i5-520M AMT”
While the US Lenovo site lists: “Intel Graphics Media Accelerator HD, Intel Core i5-520M Processor (2.40GHz, 3MB L3, 1066MHz FSB)”
I’d like to give Lenovo my money, but I need to know what I’m actually buying.
I’d also like to add my voice to the tired chorus of “give us better screens and we will pay.”
February 19th, 2010 2:29 pm
I travel.. A LOT.. I want my T Series to play Star Trek Online, WoW and possibly other games when I’m stuck in a hotel for days at a time.
Why is it still so difficult for Lenovo to comprehend that business people sometimes play as well as work on thier Thinkpads?
grrrrrr
February 19th, 2010 5:33 pm
I’ll have to ditto Maco, but I wont even take it to IPS panels. Forget about colour, just ask yourself why the contrast is so poor. Not average but plain poor.
Let’s just put it this way, that the price point and market position that you are presenting the T400s/T410s – how can this product be well served by such a poor quality LCD? It’s mind-boggling.
An no calibration isnt addressing any of that. You’ll need to put a better quality LCD in. At least as an option, if not standard.
February 19th, 2010 6:12 pm
People dont want to buy a $1500 machine for work, and another $1000 machine for play, they want 1 machine that can do both. That is why I bought a t500…
February 19th, 2010 6:16 pm
I second Steven Garrity’s question about all T410s’ having switchable graphics, or if it’s just the i5-540 models.
As for graphics memory, I only need one word: CUDA. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CUDA
February 19th, 2010 6:40 pm
Matt,
I have to concur what Sam said. I recommend a little experiment: Take your colorimeter and measure the contrast ratio of your calibrated T400s screen. Take the same colorimeter and measure the contrast ratios of a few recent (made in the last 3 years) desktop LCD monitors around office. Compare the two results.
I suspect you will get around 160:1 contrast on your T400s, and above 400:1 on the desktop LCD monitors. Not all business users have 20/20 eyesight, and a display with high contrast ratio (i.e., bigger differences between black, white, and various shades of gray) really does help us see more clearly. Is there something you can do to equip future ThinkPads with screens that have decent contrast (at least 300:1)?
February 19th, 2010 6:57 pm
I am a little glad that my t500 has non led backlight now. And the better graphics card from ATI.
February 19th, 2010 7:03 pm
To clarify, at launch, the t500 had a decently powerful graphics system. Keeping the performance the same or worse on the next gen is going to make the purchase a harder choice. Esp for people wanting mobile graphics performance without the extra price jump to go to the w series.
February 19th, 2010 8:16 pm
It is unfortunate the trusty Thinkpads are watered down for the sake of economics. The only thinkpad IPS models available seem to be the X series tablets, so I am constrained to 12″ screens. I will most likely delay my thinkpad purchase till they offer an IPS screen at least 15″ wide. Look at how Apple emphasized IPS technology in their IPAD as well as new IMAC lines. It will only be a matter of time before Apple drives the price of IPS down and allow Lenovo to FOLLOW their lead and offer IPS on Thinkpads.
February 19th, 2010 10:42 pm
Dan — the “p” systems are now “w” systems. Nothing has really changed except for the naming convention. We wanted to designate workstations with their own letter. The W510 is physically a T510 with better graphics. If I understand you correctly though, you want a 14″ W410, if such an animal existed.
Cheung — I used a Spyder 3 Pro to calibrate my display. I use this on my desktop workstation setup. I’m quite happy with it’s performance (my prints match my screen — what more can I ask for?)
Steven — all T410s machines with discrete graphics are automatically switchable graphics. If you pick something with Intel graphics only, it will not be a switchable system. That model you have would be an integrated graphics only system.
February 19th, 2010 11:59 pm
Dear Matt,
Regarding customers wanting 512+ of graphics memory on T series always remember that in business you always give people what they want not what you think is better for them!
February 20th, 2010 12:00 am
My problem with Lenovo has always been that they don’t offer the ThinkPad models I want to buy, in the country I am in. So I should buy a W500, T500, T510 or W510? Great. Can’t see it on the website, Lenovo (Taiwan). And no customization either.
I think Lenovo should simplify their sales model. Do it more like Apple, sell the same machines all over the world. Keep it simple. That’s what the customers want.
And coherent information on your websites. Like Steven Garrity said above, we need to know what we are actually buying.
February 20th, 2010 5:09 am
Better contrast! I am typing this on a T400, and I hate the screen with a vengenance!
Why can we not get better screens? The LED backlights got us better brightness, but the contrast is still as bad as ever!!
February 20th, 2010 7:52 am
As a Linux user I’m alarmed that most of the thinkpads are switching to nvidia graphics chips. Besides being power hungry (I hate fan noise), those chips have no open source drivers available so I only want machines with ATI or Intel graphics. The other thing is my current machine is a T61/Intel G945 and I was disappointed to find that only the nVidia configuration of the T61 generation supported dual link dvi from the docking options (I lust after a 30″, 2560×1600 external display). I hope for some thinkpads with Intel graphics that support dual link.
I’m glad to hear that the W510 and W710 have four dimm sockets, something I lobbied for several times on the Design Matters blog. It just seemed silly for a “workstation” to have just two slots. But, I hope maybe the next generation will support ECC memory?
I actually have no quarrel with the lcd quality of my T61 (1680×1050). I just wish higher resolution (1920×1200) were available with intel graphics but again that seemed to be reserved for the nvidia systems.
February 20th, 2010 11:14 am
I have a possibility to buy a T410 with discrete grafics at a lowered price. I want one with integrated, but those are not available.
Mat, will i be able to switch that one to Intel? This will be a turning point for or against the T410.
I’d be happy to buy a Lenovo, but only if it meets my expectations.
February 20th, 2010 12:24 pm
The irony of this statement:
“all T410s machines with discrete graphics are automatically switchable graphics. If you pick something with Intel graphics only, it will not be a switchable system. That model you have would be an integrated graphics only system.”
…is that no T410s has yet to be listed for sale with anything but integrated graphics only (US at least). I’m disappointed in Lenovo’s ability to deliver “launched” machines. I settled for a configuration less than I wanted in order to get a ship date less than 9 weeks out, but decided to cancel the order when even the lesser configuration was equally delayed.
February 20th, 2010 5:22 pm
Matt,
if, as you say, the ‘p machines are now W’s, i’d like to ask: where is my W410 with a decent screen and the dimensions and weight of the T400s?
This was one of the very nice points of the ‘p models: they fit in the same chassis as did the weaker brothers.
cheers
Hecke
February 20th, 2010 5:38 pm
It seems that the only panels with decent contrast are 15.4″ on T61, T500 etc (I don’t know about resolutions though). I had R61 with 15.4″ WSXGA+ and it had quite decent screen. I replaced it with T61 14.1″ SXGA+ which had very poor contrast and terrible viewing angles. Now I am on T500 with WSXGA+ and this screen is as good as my R61 used to be – decent contrast and good viewing angles.
February 20th, 2010 10:44 pm
…and where do I get a T510 with a decent screen resolution at an affordable price? Stop abusing us Europeans (or is it only in Scandinavia?) by tying usable resolutions to the highest priced models! I use my T61 for word processing and emails, so I don’t need an i7, 4 GB ram or 9 cell battery, nor will I be paying a premium to get those. I do however require more than an absolutely ridiculous 768 lines of vertical resolution from a 15.6″. 768 vertical is what I had on a 12″!
Reasonably priced T5xx with i5, 2-3 GB ram, cheapest graphics chip that will still run ordinary office applications, 900 lines or more of vertical resolution = I’m on it! No need to think up interesting configurations either, just let us configure our own systems like the Americans are allowed.
Oh, I’d also instantly buy an X100 with a processor that’s either slow and frugal (Atom?) or reasonably fast (Core 2 low voltage). The Neo is neither fast nor truly frugal.
February 21st, 2010 3:26 am
Matt,
Thinkpads really deserve better screens on them. The shots you posted clearly showed how poor the quality of typical Thinpad screens are.
It’s time to put Flexview back to Thinkpads, rather than having us to void the warranties by modding our Thinkpads
http://forum.thinkpads.com/vie.....mp;t=84941
February 21st, 2010 12:23 pm
“I do however require more than an absolutely ridiculous 768 lines of vertical resolution from a 15.6″. 768 vertical is what I had on a 12″!”
A 4:3 12″ is only a centimeter less tall than a massive 15.6″ 16:9 screen. (A 16:10 14″ is almost exactly as tall as a 4:3 12″.) Without significant increases in the DPIs displays are produced in, you can’t expect much more than 768 pixels at that size. (Most desktop displays are still dismal 100dpi, better laptop displays 120 or 130dpi, only smartphones have upto 200dpi). But I think it’s wrong to look at the pixel counts. What matters more are the physical size, for how much information can be displayed, and the resolution as DPI, for how precisely this information can be rendered.
For example, a 14″ or 15″ 4:3 display, can display an A5-sized document in portrait, in almost real size. In 16:10 or 16:9 a massive 17″ display is necessary for that. Since I work a lot with text documents/LaTeX/PDF, I will therefore not buy a new laptop until 4:3 or pivotable displays become available again.
On the other hand, on a 12″ 4:3 display 768 pixels gives about 120dpi of resolution, while on a 15″ 4:3 you need 1050 pixels for the same resolution, while 768 gives only about 100dpi, comparable to desktop displays. This makes a huge difference to the rendering of fonts, fo example. That said, even 120dpi is _abominable_ for the currently popular, nearly force-fed, font blurring/anti-aliasing. I always turn it off.. while still possible, and that’s why I will never get a Mac. Only at the 200dpi of my phone it becomes remotely tolerable, but still too distracting/unfocussed/with poor contrast for any real work.
February 21st, 2010 2:45 pm
Yes, I know that the height of a 12″ 4:3 is roughly the same as a 15.6″ 16:9, but at the same time I would expect DPI to go up as technology progresses, not stay the same. Also, as demonstrated by the more expensive T510 and W510, 15.6″ with 900 or 1080 vertical is available, but Lenovo chose to not offer it with low-priced T510s here. In the US webshop simply upgrading to 900 vertical instead of 768 is just $50 extra as a stand-alone, while getting the better screen here require us to pay 11 times as much ($551!) for an upgrade that also gives us a faster cpu, more ram and bigger battery, things generally not needed for a simple text processor.
February 21st, 2010 3:47 pm
A lot of people are saying Gaming is the reason for wanting more RAM. And that’s probably a big motivator. But GPGPU technologies like CUDA are also becoming a big deal and I will definitely be looking for a system the size/weight of a T500 with a good CUDA-friendly GPU soon. Like they say at Hak5, “Trust your Technolust.”
February 21st, 2010 3:59 pm
“There is extra circuitry required to enable switching capability”
What does this mean?
Is there a way of getting Intel HD ON over BIOS?
This all is very confusing…
February 21st, 2010 8:33 pm
“There is extra circuitry required to enable switching capability”
and somehow the extra circuitry could be incorporated into the thinner T410s but not their thicker, and more powerful alternatives T410, T510, and W510?
February 22nd, 2010 6:13 am
I just want to sound another vote for:
- better screens in general
- a high quality 14 inch system, either just better screens, or a W410 or even better a T400sp
I do not play games at all, but I do use CUDA in data crunching.
cheers
r.
February 22nd, 2010 4:32 pm
Matt – does the T410s have switchable graphics as the ONLY option, or will there be models with integrated only and others with switchable? The website is rather confusing.
February 22nd, 2010 4:35 pm
Hi Matt,
I wonder why it was deemed necessary to leave out switchable graphics feature on T410/T510/W510? if I’m not mistaken the second GPU is part of the Core i7-6xx processor, if so then why waste it? There must be some sound explanation behind putting it in T410s but not in the rest of above models. Very curious!
Maliha
February 23rd, 2010 4:04 am
To add my two cents worth…
- The new ultraslim adapter is really nice. Kudos to Lenovo for making a good product (the slim adapter) even better. One suggestion for the next version to make it a bit lighter and less bulky would be to integrate the Y cable instead of having it be removeable. Still, no complaints.
- Please listen to what everyone is saying about displays. I know that Lenovo claims to want to engage with us (your customers) — but on the single issue that matters most to us, the silence is deafening. We’re all feverently hoping for a new IPS/Flexview, high-resolution, high-contrast-ratio, 4:3 display (like Apple realized was critical for the iPad’s success, incidently). Is this a possibility? Are you hearing us? Do you realize that your displays have gone from being the best in the industry to below average? Does Lenovo care anymore? If nothing else, how about a blog post about displays?
February 23rd, 2010 10:34 am
Apparently the US sales reps now claim that switchable graphics and i5-540m were dropped from the T410s line. Is that correct? Maybe you can update your blog and shed some light on that matter.
February 23rd, 2010 10:36 am
I think apple ordered the last few IPS for their new ipad product line that costs less than 1/2 of a thinkpad..
February 23rd, 2010 10:52 am
I feel that the focus on IPS allows Lenovo to wriggle away. Even if not IPS why is Lenovo unable to offer a standard 14″ LCD with black levels below 0.5 cd/m and real life contrast ratio of 400:1. That isnt asking the world – just asking for a quality LCD on what puports to be a quality product.
Then IPS is another level of improvement beyond. But before we get to IPS, why cant you at least stop putting 5 cent screens in a high end laptop and instead produce a decent quality LCD of standard type.
But all this stuff about calibration – personally I take it as an insult to the consumer that Lenovo tries to distract with this hed herring,when they there are a lof of people concerned with real issue of quality.
Honesltly what is the obsession by PC manufactuers with chasing each other to the bottom of the barrel? Is it not clear that the pendulum has gone too far? If i want netbook-quality screen, I dont need to buy the Thinkpad T-series brand for that – I can save money and buy an An Acer, Asus or Gateway – for much cheaper.
February 23rd, 2010 12:39 pm
@Volker I have heard this from sources. @Matt – could you comment?
February 23rd, 2010 12:55 pm
Matt, I know you get questions like this all the time, but when will the discrete graphics option on the T410s be available. I check the lenovo website around 15-20 times a day(no kidding), called customer service, contacted my reseller but no one knows. Is it fair to expect it in a week or two or is it going to be longer?
The lack of information is very frustrating especially given that these models were announced at CES in Jan and availability started in Feb, but nothing on the discrete graphics options.
As corporate customers, we need a better timeline for planning deployments, upgrades, replacements etc.
Thanks.
February 23rd, 2010 1:42 pm
Any discussion about very poor display quality introduced by Lenovo is pointless, hopeless and endless. I’ve given up on buying any new ThinkPad because the price does not match the $2.99 display component used.
The most frustrating fact is that better quality panels are *still* available and some people do screen mods like putting 12″ Boe-Hydis AFFS panel into X200: http://forum.thinkpads.com/vie.....mp;t=84941
But the panel would cost more than current constrastless, viewangleless panels suitable for supermarket cash registers but not a $1000+ notebook !
February 23rd, 2010 1:56 pm
“Surprisingly” the X201 review on NBR http://www.notebookreview.com/.....ewsID=5546 has a column about display quality which is the weakest point of X201 (except the tablet) again. Why Lenovo … why ? Please ask those people in the previous link where to buy decent LCD panels, they seem to know it.
February 23rd, 2010 7:50 pm
Our CEO just saw an iPad demo and compared the screen it with his Thinkpad. As a result, I just got a message asking why the Thinkpad screen looks so bad in comparison, and when Lenovo will add that screen technology to Thinkpads.
I found this blog post while preparing my reply to him. It’ll be interesting to see what he says when he finds out that IBM used to sell 4:3 aspect ratio high-resolution screens but took them out to save money… and that we’re paying a top-of-the-line price for headache-inducing screens.
I have a hunch our “buy Thinkpad” policy is going to change… On one hand, it’s long overdue. On the other hand, it’s tragic how utterly clueless and incompetent Lenovo has become.
February 24th, 2010 4:23 am
In answer to the question of why many of us using ThinkPad T-series laptops want 512 MB of graphics, I’d add that a lot of developers (like myself) are long-time, loyal ThinkPad Txxx users. I’m typing this on my now-aging T60, which has a discrete graphics card, the ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 w/128 MB of RAM.
And what do software developers do when we’re taking a break? Play Left4Dead, or Unreal Tournament, or whatever. So of course we want discrete graphics cards that can play a few FPS games at reasonable frame-rates. I’ve been really happy with the way Windows 7 switches between full glass/aero and the “areo basic” when on battery and in “power saver” mode, so I’m really WAITING NOT VERY PATIENTLY for the ThinkPad T410s with switchable nVIDIA 5100M parts to start shipping. (and really – does it matter *why* your customers want a particular feature – I’m a firm believer in giving the customer what they want).
Seriously – if I call and beg, can I get one shipped in the next 30 days? Who exactly can I bribe to be able to pay Lenovo for a replacement for my 3-year-old T60 ?!?
February 24th, 2010 10:20 am
Graphics performance + display quality in t series is very important to a lot of people.. I just hope it gets sorted out before my t500 needs to be replaced, so I don’t have to go there.. A worse 3dmark06 in the t510 vs the t500 means im not buying it, and I am not paying $400 more for a w series either..
February 24th, 2010 10:42 pm
Re: Graphics performance and screens.
Matt:
These issues are related. And I think you’re missing something.
We’re dealing in a new business world. Half the people I know who used to work for Thinkpad buying companies are now consultants, freelancers, or small business people.
They – we – I – buy Thinkpads as much for what they say as how they perform. The keyboards are fantastic. They’re built like rocks. They say Serious in a way that Dell doesn’t. And if you go for the “next day service,” the guy is there the next day to fix it. Try that with a Dell.
But what you’re missing is that this “new business world” means the “business computer” has to work harder: Photoshop. Powerpoint. Skype. Twitter, Outlook, MSWord, Excel, and 17 open Firefox windows, all open at the same time. And yes, games on those business flights. Most of this is a function of RAM. But throw in video editing, and the graphics chip becomes a huge consideration.
I’ve got an R-61 with discreet graphics. As someone else pointed out, I bought it to “future proof” for at least 36 months. I wish it had color calibration, because I’m worried about how the graphics/picture heavy presentations that I send out will look. And I want the prints I make at Shutterfly – after I’ve used Photoshop – to look right.
I know too many people in this boat – the multitasking entrepreneur – to ignore them. And to be honest, when a Thinkpad sits next to a Mac, the screen pales by comparison.
This is the future. When I buy my next notebook (later this year), I will buy the biggest, fastest graphic chip I can find.
February 25th, 2010 11:17 pm
“I will buy the biggest, fastest graphic chip I can find.”
I will too when its time for me, but then again, I am wanting to get into video editing and like video games..
February 26th, 2010 5:45 am
sony z series packs a W510 graphics class GPU (roughly 170 GFLOPS) with 1GB video RAM into a 13 inch formfactor laptop (http://www.sony.co.uk/product/.....pcz11z9e-b). why it is needed? because it is possible!
February 26th, 2010 7:49 am
toby: also notice the *Premium* word in “VAIO Display Premium with LED backlight” display specification. Can we get preimum display for preimum ThinkPad price, please ?
February 26th, 2010 11:28 am
Zaral Says:
“…Do you realize that your displays have gone from being the best in the industry to below average?…”
Thank Zaral!
I would like to get a clear answer.
February 27th, 2010 10:08 am
——————
Zaralara Says:
Our CEO just saw an iPad demo and compared the screen it with his Thinkpad. As a result, I just got a message asking why the Thinkpad screen looks so bad in comparison, and when Lenovo will add that screen technology to Thinkpads.
—————–
Fruit company was able to get IPS screen because this company is not lazy, and does not inventing excuses like “industry moves” and “lack of second source”.
As we know from eBay, _retail_ price for 1280×800 pix AFFS panel is $189.
According to iSupply, wholesale price for iPad panel (1024×768 pix IPS with touchpanel) is $80.
http://www.isuppli.com/News/Pa.....mates.aspx
Probably my W500 will be my last Lenovo notebook. Lenovo products are not outstanding anymore. Now they are built from the same component set as the products of main competitors.
February 27th, 2010 7:25 pm
Yeah, I second the idea of having much better screen for Thinkpad. That’s only reason why I still stick with my X61 Tablet. I just can’t stand a screen in other models, but I want larger screen. Do I have to switch to fruit company only to get that better grade of product?
You can just have IPS or VA or any comparable as an option; That’s all we ask!
February 27th, 2010 11:11 pm
As you can see from your pictures as soon as you change the angle the color shifts. Low-end TN screens are not good enough for movie watching and hobby photography, which is what majority of people do on their laptops.
Untill screens improve, I’m sticking with my X61T and T42p.
February 27th, 2010 11:50 pm
Multi-Touch on Superbright backlight LED WXGA Panel? Does anyone know if this is coming to the X200T any time soon?
March 1st, 2010 3:00 pm
Matt,
How come the X201s is available with an “8 GB RAM” option, but the T410s isn’t? Is this an oversight, or is there some kind of technological/implementation limitation?
March 2nd, 2010 5:02 am
Curios about the switchable graphics being “S” only.
My new ThinkPad T410 has an menu item for “Switchable Graphics” that shows when I right-click the (Lenovo) battery icon in the task bar. Leftovers from the T400?
This item cascades to two sub-menus: “Energy Saving” and “High Performance”. I don’t know if it really does anything or not, because I haven’t run any graphics benchmarks. If I choose “Energy Saving”, then Power Manager gives me a warning that some apps might not support this features, yada, yada, yada.
I have read in another forum that a BIOS update will make this option disappear!
March 6th, 2010 9:40 pm
I have a w500 that I ran win-xp-pro-sp3 on for 8 months. I am now running it under gentoo linux. I bought the extra battery that plugs into the ultra-bay, and also a second 9-cell. I have noticed something that seems rather dumb to me. The 3-cell in the ultra-bay is discharged first, then the 9-cell takes over. This is backwards from my point of view, as I want the 9-cell to discharge, then the 3-cell to take over. That way, I can use the 3-cell to keep the box alive while I swap 9-cell batteries. The way it is now, I have to keep the 3-cell out of the ultra-bay until the 9-cell is almost dead, then plug in the 3-cell, then swap the 9-cell.
Is there any way to force the w500 to discharge the 9-cell first?
March 6th, 2010 10:06 pm
I am using the intel integrated graphics, but I swapped out the lcd panel that came with the w500 (it was a WSXGA 1610×1090) for a WUXGA 1920×1200 model. Under win-xp-pro, the intel graphics will only go to 1610×1090, but under linux I can get 1920×1200, so it is a windoze software limit, not a hardware limit.
Oh yes, My machine has 8gb ram and a 256gb solid state disk drive. and I do *NOT* play games on it. I own my own consulting company, and I earn my living with this machine.
Besides, software development is so much more fun than playing stoopid video games, and more profitable too.
March 8th, 2010 3:33 am
[61] The standard switchable graphics needs to have both GPUs connected to outputs (LVDS/LCD, DisplayPort, VGA) via mux. NVIDIA Optimus needs outputs connected to Intel GMA (NVIDIA GPU send it’s signal over the PCIe bus to the GMA). T410 and T510 have outputs connected to NVIDIA GPU, so that you can’t use Intel GMA, becouse there is no way to send it’s signal to the internal LCD or VGA/DisplayPort.
March 10th, 2010 8:19 am
I own a T410s with Core i5 – bought in Germany.
I am not able to get any sound output over the Displayport.
So whats up with your statement Matt?
—————-
I have a note in my inbox that says without a doubt that our 2010 Caplella machines will carry audio over DisplayPort.
—————-
March 11th, 2010 8:50 pm
It’s still unclear how one gets a T410s with switchable graphics, since parts of your website make it sound like it’s currently offered, and others don’t.
Way to pooch it for many weeks despite frequent requests for clear info.
March 14th, 2010 4:10 pm
Sorry to jump on the bandwagon here, but I would also like to know (approximately) when to expect availability of the T410s with the switchable graphics. I’m in no big hurry because my purchase decision isn’t until July, but I just want ot know it’s coming eventually.
One other question. The main hard drive bay is a 9.5mm bay?
Thanks,
Keith
March 17th, 2010 6:51 pm
This may be related. I’ve just bought an X201 with the 128GB Solid State Drive. Nobody at customer support (186696THINK) could tell me which manufacturer and model is used for the SSD. Obviously an SSD with an Intel controller is superior a model with other controllers, so a difference this does make! Are you able to get any in this Matt?
Thanks,
Brent
March 19th, 2010 10:16 am
I just spoke to a sales agent at Lenovo, who told me that he’d sold over 100 models with switchable graphics in the past (where was this option online?) and that it had been cancelled three and a half weeks ago, due to not enough sales, and so would never be an option again.
This specifically contradicts what this blog says, and all other information I’ve read anywhere else. Can we please get some clairification here? Everybody seems to have misinformation, and it’s not clear what the truth is. Left hand, meet Right hand. Discuss.
Thanks.
June 14th, 2010 6:02 am
Is this adapter still consuming 2 watts in DC mode, while having a switched off notebook attached? The slim does, and if this is the same for this new one, then there is no reason to buy this for my solar power equipment. thanks for clarification.
June 14th, 2010 6:17 am
Oh sorry for the double post, I forgot to mention this: the tip is really large (because it’s a double), and it can easily break the power plug. considering the usage scenarios (tight places in a car / airplane) it’s not a wise thing to have such a long part standing out of the back.
as a diy mod of the plug is not easily possible because of the builtin electronics (I tried), I would like to ask you to provide a 90 degree angle tip as well for this adapter.
July 13th, 2010 3:44 pm
Boe-Hydis makes some excellent AFFS+ panels that are drop-in replacements for the screens that ship in the X200 and X201 series.
So if I can manage to source them, if dozens of other modders can manage to source them, if innumerable Chinese electronics exporters can manage to source them… well… I gotta ask: why can’t Lenovo?
August 19th, 2010 11:20 pm
In our household we have a T43 Flexview, T61p and now my newly acquired T410s. I am in independent IT consultant now, but in past years I have used many Dells, HPs and Toshibas.
Without a doubt, the LCD panel in my T410s is the worst I have ever used. I am still scouring the the net looking for a compatible “premium” panel I could swap into my “premium” notebook. I can understand that corporate buyers might not be interested in a quality LCD, but is it too much to ask to have one available as an option? I would have, and still will, pay $300-500 more for a great LCD panel. Interestingly, there is an upcoming twin panel tablet from http://www.kno.com, which is apparently sporting 2 (yes, two) 14.1″ 1440×900 IPS LED LCD panels. It’s a shame that I can’t get my hands on even one.
Sadly, I’m struggling with this fantastic, well built, machine (T410s i5 2.4GHz, 8GB RAM, 160GB SSD) with it’s craptastic LCD as it’s Achilles heel. Way to ruin an otherwise fantastic machine!
Unless there are high quality screen options in Lenovo’s future, this will likely be my last Lenovo.