When we reviewed the ThinkPad T410s back in July, we appreciated Lenovo’s ability to take an already stellar business notebook and make it even better. As with that earlier model, the latest iteration of the T410s sports some notable improvements, including a processor upgrade and the addition of Nvidia’s Optimus graphics technology, which automatically engages the laptop's dedicated graphics processor when needed.
The good news is that the improved CPU in the new model we tested earns the updated T410s laurels for best-performing thin-and-light notebook we’ve seen to date. The bad news is its battery life is below average, and for a 3-pound machine that's nearly $1,800, that merits a markdown from the previous version, which earned an Editors' Rating of 9.3 and cost $400 less. If you need maximum performance in a short-haul travel machine, however, choosing this version for its superfast performance is a no-brainer.
Prices start at $1,299 for a base configuration, but our (nearly) fully loaded T410s will set you back a cool $1,779, making our test model one of the pricier thin-and-light notebooks around. You can save hundreds of dollars if you opt for a traditional hard drive, half the amount of memory, and an integrated graphics chipset, but you’ll be sacrificing performance if you do.
A modest selection of ports lines the sides and back of the chassis. Rear-mounted connections include VGA, HDMI, and DisplayPort video outputs, as well as Ethernet and power jacks, an eSATA/USB combo port, and an “always on” USB port, identified by its yellow connector. The last lets you charge USB devices even when the T410s is powered off. (The AC power brick must be plugged in, however.) On the left edge, you'll find a headphone jack, an additional USB port, and a three-format card reader, and on the right is a DVD burner. The optical drive is modular and can be swapped out for an optional three-cell battery pack ($120) to extend your overall battery life.
On the bottom of the ThinkPad T410s is an expansion-dock slot that's compatible with the optional Lenovo Mini Dock Series 3 ($219.99), Mini Dock Plus Series 3 ($249.99), and USB Port Replicator with Digital Video ($149). Of the three expansion units, the Plus Series 3 offers the most connectivity options, including six USB ports, audio outputs, Ethernet and eSATA ports, and five video outputs (one VGA, two DVI, and two DisplayPort). When attached to a ThinkPad equipped with Nvidia’s Optimus technology, the Mini Dock Plus Series 3 makes it possible to send a video signal to up to four displays, including the notebook’s display. The Nvidia GPU uses any combination of the two digital ports (DVI and DisplayPort) to send a video signal to two of the three external displays, while the integrated Intel GPU uses the analog (VGA) port to send video to the third monitor and to the notebook’s built-in screen.
Lenovo was kind enough to send us a Plus Series 3 dock to test-drive, along with three 19-inch ThinkVision L1951P monitors ($239.99 each) to test its multi-display capabilities. After following a set of easy directions and enabling the “Extend desktop to this display” option in the Display Screen Resolution control panel, we had all three monitors, plus the laptop screen, working together. This setup is ideal for business users who work with multiple documents and spreadsheets, as you can comfortably view two pages on each monitor while leaving the notebook screen available to display your desktop. Or you can take multi-tasking to the next level by displaying a different application on each screen.
ThinkPad fans will love the classic keyboard layout, complete with TrackPoint and touch pad controls.
We love that Lenovo offers both a TrackPoint pointing stick and a touch pad for input, each with its own set of mouse buttons that are quiet and easy to press. The textured touch pad is flush with the deck and provides smooth cursor control. A fingerprint scanner is positioned to the right of the touch pad, while at the top of the keyboard deck are dedicated volume, mute, and microphone mute buttons. There’s also a blue ThinkVantage button that launches a toolbox (powered by PC Doctor) where you can manage passwords, backup and restore important files, enable virus protection, monitor system health, and run diagnostic tests.
As with the earlier ThinkPad T410s, this model sports a 14.1-inch LED-backlit display with a resolution of 1,440x900, which is a step up from the typical 1,366x768 panels used on most 14-inch notebooks, including the Samsung QX410. The panel delivers excellent color fidelity and has a matte finish that reduces glare without reflecting ambient light. Our 720p HD test clip, “Adrenaline Rush,” looked awesome on the brightly lit screen, and motion blur was not an issue. The integrated speakers are standard notebook issue; you don’t get much in the way of volume, but they are adequate for presentations in close quarters. The 2-megapixel Webcam embedded in the upper screen bezel delivers decent video, even in low light, and is well suited to video chats from the road. Still images are a tad grainy, however.
Networking features include 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, and a Bluetooth radio. Lenovo offers an integrated 3G mobile-broadband option (Gobi 2000 with GPS) for an additional $125.
With its speedy solid-state drive, an Intel Core i5-560M processor running at 2.66GHz, and 4GB of DDR3 RAM, the ThinkPad T410s cranked out the highest productivity benchmark scores we’ve seen from a thin-and-light notebook, and its multimedia scores were also quite impressive.
On our PCMark Vantage test, which measures overall system performance, its score of 11,156 bested our previous leader, the Dell Latitude E6410, by more than 3,000 points and left the earlier ThinkPad T410s (6,312) in the dust. (The average score for the thin-and-light category of laptops is around 5,500 points.) On our 64-bit Cinebench 10 test, which gauges raw CPU power, the T410s managed a score of 8,875, which is just 62 points shy of the Latitude’s score but 662 points higher than the earlier T410s.
On our iTunes Conversion Test (in which we convert 11 standard MP3 files to AAC format) and our Windows Media Encoder test (in which we convert a standard 3-minute-and-15-second video clip to DVD-quality format), the T410s excelled. Its score of 2:43 on the iTunes test was the fastest time to date for a thin-and-light notebook and almost a full minute faster than its predecessor (3:35), while its WME score of 3:56 was just 2 seconds behind our current leader, the Dell Latitude. The previous T410s scored 4:08 on this test.
The ThinkPad T410s has the ability to switch automatically between its discrete Nvidia NVS 3100M graphics chip and integrated Intel HD graphics, and it did so with great success. With the Optimus engine juggling the graphics duties between the chips, the T410s scored 4,209 on our 3DMark06 test, which we use to measure DirectX 9 gaming performance. That’s more than 600 points higher than average for a thin-and-light and over 2,000 points higher than the earlier T410s, but notably slower than the $849 Gateway ID49CO8u (7,863), which costs about half as much but has the advantage of a speedier Nvidia GT 330M GPU.
On our real-world Far Cry 2 gaming tests, the T410s sputtered, managing just 10 frames per second (fps) while running in DirectX 9 mode and 12fps on the DirectX 10 version of the test. Ideally, you’d want at least 30fps for smooth gameplay, but it’s safe to say that most ThinkPad users are not looking for gaming-class graphics performance, anyway. These numbers indicate that demanding current 3D games are not a good match for this machine.
One thing that's even more certain: The battery life was disappointing, especially since Optimus is supposed to extend battery life when the discrete graphics chip isn’t needed. The six-cell battery lasted just 2 hours and 13 minutes on our DVD battery-rundown test, in which we play a DVD movie until the battery dies. (Playing a DVD requires occasional use of the discrete graphics chip, but most of the time, the integrated graphics circuitry is doing the work.) This score is only 9 minutes longer than what we saw from the earlier T410s and more than an hour shorter than the category average of 3:24. The Dell Latitude E6410, by contrast, lasted 3:40. You can buy a modular bay battery ($119) to give you a couple more hours of use.
Lenovo backs the T410s with a standard one-year parts-and-labor warranty that includes 24/7 telephone support, and you can supplement that with a number of upgrades, including accidental damage protection ($69) and onsite service ($99). Two-, three-, and four-year service plans are also available.
The ThinkPad T410s delivers the same outstanding business features and robust performance we’ve come to expect from the ThinkPad line and remains one of our favorite business notebooks. While we’re disappointed in the battery life, its slender, lightweight frame makes it an ideal travel companion, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable keyboard layout. Most important, however, its performance is the best in its class. If maximum power and portability for short distances are what you need, the T410s is what you should buy.
Price (at time of review): $1,779 (direct, as tested)
www.lenovo.com
877-338-4465
The good news is that the improved CPU in the new model we tested earns the updated T410s laurels for best-performing thin-and-light notebook we’ve seen to date. The bad news is its battery life is below average, and for a 3-pound machine that's nearly $1,800, that merits a markdown from the previous version, which earned an Editors' Rating of 9.3 and cost $400 less. If you need maximum performance in a short-haul travel machine, however, choosing this version for its superfast performance is a no-brainer.
Prices start at $1,299 for a base configuration, but our (nearly) fully loaded T410s will set you back a cool $1,779, making our test model one of the pricier thin-and-light notebooks around. You can save hundreds of dollars if you opt for a traditional hard drive, half the amount of memory, and an integrated graphics chipset, but you’ll be sacrificing performance if you do.
Design
On the outside, the ThinkPad T410s hasn’t changed at all since our last review, and that’s fine by us. We love that Lenovo managed to keep this 14-incher at just over 3 pounds and under an inch thick. Over the years, ThinkPads have always maintained a business-centric style, and this model continues the trend; the familiar matte-black chassis certainly isn’t what you’d call flashy, but it has a sturdy feel, and the finish is smudge-resistant.A modest selection of ports lines the sides and back of the chassis. Rear-mounted connections include VGA, HDMI, and DisplayPort video outputs, as well as Ethernet and power jacks, an eSATA/USB combo port, and an “always on” USB port, identified by its yellow connector. The last lets you charge USB devices even when the T410s is powered off. (The AC power brick must be plugged in, however.) On the left edge, you'll find a headphone jack, an additional USB port, and a three-format card reader, and on the right is a DVD burner. The optical drive is modular and can be swapped out for an optional three-cell battery pack ($120) to extend your overall battery life.
VGA, Ethernet, an always-on USB port, an eSATA/USB combo port, and a DisplayPort are all positioned along the rear of the chassis.
On the bottom of the ThinkPad T410s is an expansion-dock slot that's compatible with the optional Lenovo Mini Dock Series 3 ($219.99), Mini Dock Plus Series 3 ($249.99), and USB Port Replicator with Digital Video ($149). Of the three expansion units, the Plus Series 3 offers the most connectivity options, including six USB ports, audio outputs, Ethernet and eSATA ports, and five video outputs (one VGA, two DVI, and two DisplayPort). When attached to a ThinkPad equipped with Nvidia’s Optimus technology, the Mini Dock Plus Series 3 makes it possible to send a video signal to up to four displays, including the notebook’s display. The Nvidia GPU uses any combination of the two digital ports (DVI and DisplayPort) to send a video signal to two of the three external displays, while the integrated Intel GPU uses the analog (VGA) port to send video to the third monitor and to the notebook’s built-in screen.
The optional ThinkPad Mini Dock Plus Series 3 offers multiple USB and digital video ports as well as Ethernet and eSATA connections.
Lenovo was kind enough to send us a Plus Series 3 dock to test-drive, along with three 19-inch ThinkVision L1951P monitors ($239.99 each) to test its multi-display capabilities. After following a set of easy directions and enabling the “Extend desktop to this display” option in the Display Screen Resolution control panel, we had all three monitors, plus the laptop screen, working together. This setup is ideal for business users who work with multiple documents and spreadsheets, as you can comfortably view two pages on each monitor while leaving the notebook screen available to display your desktop. Or you can take multi-tasking to the next level by displaying a different application on each screen.
Using the Optimus technology and the Plus 3 docking solution, you can send video to four separate displays.
Features
Our ThinkPad T410s came with a 128GB solid state drive (SSD), but for an additional $80 you can choose a 160GB SSD if you require more storage. Lenovo also offers a traditional 250GB hard drive option that’ll save you $210, but it’s a relatively slow 5,400rpm drive. As always, Lenovo’s full-size ThinkPad keyboard is outstanding; the beveled keys are very responsive and provide a firm foundation, and the keyboard is spill-resistant. ThinkPad fans will love the classic keyboard layout, complete with TrackPoint and touch pad controls.
We love that Lenovo offers both a TrackPoint pointing stick and a touch pad for input, each with its own set of mouse buttons that are quiet and easy to press. The textured touch pad is flush with the deck and provides smooth cursor control. A fingerprint scanner is positioned to the right of the touch pad, while at the top of the keyboard deck are dedicated volume, mute, and microphone mute buttons. There’s also a blue ThinkVantage button that launches a toolbox (powered by PC Doctor) where you can manage passwords, backup and restore important files, enable virus protection, monitor system health, and run diagnostic tests.
As with the earlier ThinkPad T410s, this model sports a 14.1-inch LED-backlit display with a resolution of 1,440x900, which is a step up from the typical 1,366x768 panels used on most 14-inch notebooks, including the Samsung QX410. The panel delivers excellent color fidelity and has a matte finish that reduces glare without reflecting ambient light. Our 720p HD test clip, “Adrenaline Rush,” looked awesome on the brightly lit screen, and motion blur was not an issue. The integrated speakers are standard notebook issue; you don’t get much in the way of volume, but they are adequate for presentations in close quarters. The 2-megapixel Webcam embedded in the upper screen bezel delivers decent video, even in low light, and is well suited to video chats from the road. Still images are a tad grainy, however.
On the left is a USB port, a card reader, and a headphone jack.
Networking features include 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Gigabit Ethernet, and a Bluetooth radio. Lenovo offers an integrated 3G mobile-broadband option (Gobi 2000 with GPS) for an additional $125.
Performance
On our PCMark Vantage test, which measures overall system performance, its score of 11,156 bested our previous leader, the Dell Latitude E6410, by more than 3,000 points and left the earlier ThinkPad T410s (6,312) in the dust. (The average score for the thin-and-light category of laptops is around 5,500 points.) On our 64-bit Cinebench 10 test, which gauges raw CPU power, the T410s managed a score of 8,875, which is just 62 points shy of the Latitude’s score but 662 points higher than the earlier T410s.
On our iTunes Conversion Test (in which we convert 11 standard MP3 files to AAC format) and our Windows Media Encoder test (in which we convert a standard 3-minute-and-15-second video clip to DVD-quality format), the T410s excelled. Its score of 2:43 on the iTunes test was the fastest time to date for a thin-and-light notebook and almost a full minute faster than its predecessor (3:35), while its WME score of 3:56 was just 2 seconds behind our current leader, the Dell Latitude. The previous T410s scored 4:08 on this test.
A DVD multi-drive sits alone on the right side.
The ThinkPad T410s has the ability to switch automatically between its discrete Nvidia NVS 3100M graphics chip and integrated Intel HD graphics, and it did so with great success. With the Optimus engine juggling the graphics duties between the chips, the T410s scored 4,209 on our 3DMark06 test, which we use to measure DirectX 9 gaming performance. That’s more than 600 points higher than average for a thin-and-light and over 2,000 points higher than the earlier T410s, but notably slower than the $849 Gateway ID49CO8u (7,863), which costs about half as much but has the advantage of a speedier Nvidia GT 330M GPU.
On our real-world Far Cry 2 gaming tests, the T410s sputtered, managing just 10 frames per second (fps) while running in DirectX 9 mode and 12fps on the DirectX 10 version of the test. Ideally, you’d want at least 30fps for smooth gameplay, but it’s safe to say that most ThinkPad users are not looking for gaming-class graphics performance, anyway. These numbers indicate that demanding current 3D games are not a good match for this machine.
One thing that's even more certain: The battery life was disappointing, especially since Optimus is supposed to extend battery life when the discrete graphics chip isn’t needed. The six-cell battery lasted just 2 hours and 13 minutes on our DVD battery-rundown test, in which we play a DVD movie until the battery dies. (Playing a DVD requires occasional use of the discrete graphics chip, but most of the time, the integrated graphics circuitry is doing the work.) This score is only 9 minutes longer than what we saw from the earlier T410s and more than an hour shorter than the category average of 3:24. The Dell Latitude E6410, by contrast, lasted 3:40. You can buy a modular bay battery ($119) to give you a couple more hours of use.
Conclusion
As with all ThinkPad products, Lenovo forgos the usual bloatware found on most consumer notebooks. In addition to Windows 7 Professional and the extensive ThinkVantage tool set, the T410s comes with a Lenovo edition of Corel DVD MovieFactory and Skype preinstalled. There’s also a 30-day trial version of Norton Internet Security 2011, which you have the option of installing or not. (We appreciate that it’s not preinstalled, as that can be a pesky program to uninstall.)Lenovo backs the T410s with a standard one-year parts-and-labor warranty that includes 24/7 telephone support, and you can supplement that with a number of upgrades, including accidental damage protection ($69) and onsite service ($99). Two-, three-, and four-year service plans are also available.
The ThinkPad T410s delivers the same outstanding business features and robust performance we’ve come to expect from the ThinkPad line and remains one of our favorite business notebooks. While we’re disappointed in the battery life, its slender, lightweight frame makes it an ideal travel companion, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable keyboard layout. Most important, however, its performance is the best in its class. If maximum power and portability for short distances are what you need, the T410s is what you should buy.
Price (at time of review): $1,779 (direct, as tested)
www.lenovo.com
877-338-4465
