T400 / T500 and newer T series ThinkPad Laptops

[#1]

My new T400 was delivered yesterday, and despite it having a monster dead pixel (luckily it's along the very left edge of the screen), the only concern I have with it is there are two "lumps" on the back of the lid. They are visible when the ThinkPad is held at an angle, and you can feel them when you run your hand over the lid. They don't seem to be affecting the screen at all, though.

I also ordered one of the 2nd gen Intel SSDs that I'll be installing tomorrow.

Loves

• LED-backlit screen is heinously bright at full brightness. I've always disliked ThinkPad's dimmer-than-most screens, this one is anything but
• Keyboard is acceptably rigid, save for the area near the DVD drive
• The always-awesome ThinkPad hinges
• ThinkLight isn't "blinding" as many reviews I read said it was; illuminates the keyboard perfectly
• Quiet operation
• ThinkVantage Toolkit
• That the system asked me if I wanted Norton at first boot instead of just installing it
• Easy to get a Windows install disc burned for future clean installs

Ehhhs:

• The off-center screen (to accomodate the antenna on the left side) was a little off-putting at first, but you get used to it
• The dead pixel
• The "lumps"
• Position of the charger connector
• Battery is a little loose, but nothing major
• Stickers! On the lid and the palmrest...always end up using a little Goo-Gone to remove them, but wish manufacturers would just leave them off

[#2]

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bhamblin wrote:

 the only concern I have with it is there are two "lumps" on the back of the lid. They are visible when the ThinkPad is held at an angle, and you can feel them when you run your hand over the lid. They don't seem to be affecting the screen at all, though.

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If I'm right about your "lumps" I believe you are referring to something which was noticed when the T60 first arrived on the market. Please have a look at Matt Kohut's blog "It's a feature, not a defect".

[#3]

Hi, Andy:

I'm assuming you are referencing post #15 in regard to the "lumps" I spoke of, and the blog post in general as evidence of certain perceived flaws actually being structural improvements?

I've no problem with it other than I would imagine most consumers would question why there are two prominent lumps/humps/bumps on the lid and likely return their ThinkPad instead coming to a forum like this one and asking questions.

Thanks for the reply.

[#4]

Your assumtion is sort of right, I referenced the blog to offer you an explanation for the "lumps", I didn't have any particular post in mind other than what Matt had written.

I would sincerely hope and presume that before someone returns a system they contact Lenovo in order to explain their reasons for doing so, in which case I also sincerely hope and presume whoever they speak to would be able to inform them of the feature and resolve the situation.

[#5]

lenovo really should at least tell the sales people (in computer shops) about these. i personally have been selling laptops in hong kong for quite a while, but i wouldn't've known about this (amongst other thinkpad unique features) if i wasn't a thinkpad fanboy

[#6]

I confess to selling ThinkPads in Germany and have always had a very good Lenovo rep. who explained this feature when it was first introduced.