Business today requires more power, stability, security, and durability than it has in the past. The folks at Lenovo have listened to these calls and answered with the new ThinkPad T400. "Some people offer hardened laptops as an upgrade, we have always offered semi hardened ones. It's a requirement." says a Lenovo representative. The new system operates on Windows 7 and Vista.
The T400 is equipped with all the communication features that you could possibly need, including WWAN, WiMAX, WLAN, Bluetooth, and UWB. With one standard USB port and a powered one that is perfect for recharging your Balckberry, even when the laptop is in stand-by mode. Of course this means that a newly designed docking port is just around the corner. Among the standard features it boasts is a biometric finger scanner that can be used as a sign on device set for several users. The keys on the keyboard have been placed very close together to prevent spills and crumbs slipping in behind them.
With its integrated 2MP webcam, and set of stereo microphones, voice and picture business communication is made easy and very clear. Even in low light, picture transmission still comes across sharp.
The thin, lightweight design is still very recognizable as a ThinkPad, and without changing the look they have increased the appeal. Only 0.83 inches thick, and weighing in at only The ThinkPad's trademark red highlighting on its touch pad, and of course the familiar touch button, which this user actually prefers to the touch pad. I find that I often rest my hands exactly on the pad causing my cursor to jump around on the screen. Traveling an awful lot I have always found this simple device a great help with all the bumps and lurches associated with travel. It is also extremely durable, the matte black finish does not scratch easily.
Lenovo has supported a recent scientific expedition set up to explore the formation of tornados (reported previously HERE.) During this test they used one of the team's DOWs (Doppler on Wheels) to test the business device's true hardiness. The 24 ton truck drove over the ThinkPad. Although the screen did not survive, all other major components seemed to have escaped without much damage. Swapping the hard drive into a new laptop, all the information that had been stored on it was still accessible.
This is thanks to something that Chet called a "mesh roll cage". The roll cage's monocoque carbon reinforced fiber is also used in bicycle frames and airplanes. The frame helps keep the laptop extremely light yet surprisingly sturdy. To demonstrate this, Lenovo representatives handed me the device, open, and by the screen. As a long time laptop user, I cringed at this, but then noticed that the screen did not flex or bend.
In all it is a great business machine, what we have all come to expect from ThinkPad and Lenovo.
Specs:
- Choices of Intel® 2.53 GHz Core™2Duo processors (standard voltage) and graphics
- Choices of solid state drive storage up to 128 GB or 250 GB hard drive storage 9.5 mm slim DVD burner or Blu-Ray player
- Ethernet, WiFi and optional WiMAX3, WWAN,3 Bluetooth and ultrawideband connectivity
- 34mm Express Card slot or 5-in-1 multimedia card reader
- Support for Lenovo's ConstantConnect and Protect technology that allows users to maximize integration of their BlackBerry smartphone and ThinkPad laptop
- Nearly six hours of battery life
- Supports up to two monitors via a Display Port and VGA connector
- Meets the Energy Star 5.0 criteria for energy efficiency
- Built-in USB/eSATA port