2.66GHz Intel Core i5-560M
4GB RAM
128GB solid-state drive
DVD±RW
14.1 inches (1,440x900 native resolution)
Nvidia NVS 3100M; Intel HD graphics (on-chip Core i5)
3.2 pounds
0.8x13.3x9.5 inches
Windows 7 Professional (64-bit)
4GB RAM
128GB solid-state drive
DVD±RW
14.1 inches (1,440x900 native resolution)
Nvidia NVS 3100M; Intel HD graphics (on-chip Core i5)
3.2 pounds
0.8x13.3x9.5 inches
Windows 7 Professional (64-bit)
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.
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.
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.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.
