New Lenovo ThinkPad T420s/X1 = HUGE letdown [ Edited ]

[Nejmann]

Hi, I have registered just to confirm that I am nor the only one who think the new ThinkPad T420s is a disappintment.

I have had nearly every single ThinkPad between my hands and have recently used the T410s and W520 extensively. The T410s is so much better than the T420s that I simply don't see myself ordering anymore T420s units. Just to highlight a few of the things that really really disappoints me:

1, The battery time is awfull, really awfull. Where I got 3,5 hour of battery time on the T410s I only have 2 hours on the T420s!

2, It's not possible to use Optimus with docking station...why even make it - if business can't use it? Isn't the T/W's targeted for business users anymore?

3, The screen is really dull and has a noticeable pixel/door effect - the T410s had neither.

4, The machine gets really hot and generates a lot of noise compared to -all- the other comparable machines aka T400/T410s/t420.

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

what do you mean you can't use optimus with docking station?

which docking station do you have?

also have you tried to update the bios? 2 hrs for a T420s does sound on the short side.

[ColonelONeill]

1. Sounds like you're doing something wrong.
2. The point of Optimus is moot if you're using a docking station; you're 99% likely to be attached to a power supply.
3. Calibrating helps this somewhat.
4. Fan noise is a bit of a known problem. Thermal issues may be related to number one.

[Nejmann]

1, What can I possible do wrong? Clean install and all updates from System Update plus all standard settings = 2 hours

2, Well I'm not attached to a dock all the time... Then I could just as well buy a desktop/workstation. So the solution is to not use the Optimus solution but the discreet solution only (since integrated doesn't have the same output options).

3, I will try that. Think we have screen calibrator lying around somewhere.

4, **bleep**

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

Hold on you said t410 was so much better, yet at the same time complain bout optimus support without dock. What is this all about.

For one thing the T420s can support 3 monitors in optimus mode without even need to attach to a dock. T410 with optimus can only support 2 monitors without the use of dock.

And the grid and door effect needs adjustment to gamma you don't need a screen calibrator for that.

[nibs Guru]

Discrete only all the time is going to make you run down the battery much faster and is probably a major cause of your poor battery life.

[Nejmann]

Yes, but we use docks at work when at the office :-(

[Nejmann]

Actually got one more issue.

The Ultrabay battery doesn't quite fit in the bay - it wopples inside when carrying the laptop around.

When I look at the side it got 1-1½ mm space to move up and down...

The T420s is without any doubt the worst ThinkPad I have ever used.

The problems found with this laptop are issues I would accept with a cheap Acer or Packard Bell but not a T-series laptop from Lenovo at a price of nearly 3000$.

[lead_org Microsoft MVP Contributor]

i am really confused at what you are trying to say about the dock.

Are you saying that the T420s with dock doesn't support Optimus?

[Nejmann]

Yes, T420s only works with docking station when Discreet is chosen in the BIOS.

Either Integrated or Optimus works with dock.