Thinkpads Forum

I just felt like writing a line or two here about the T420s. I've been, more or less a hard core Thinkpad user for some time now and just recently purchased a very nicely equipped T420s. Unfortunately, I had an unplanned test of its structural strength today when i hit the underside of the sink while holding onto the screen, and it feel about 1.5 feet to the ground.

Now I've dropped many Thinkpads to the ground through the years and I don't believe one has ever stopped working because of a fall. Neither did it this time, but oh man, it just fell into pieces. the whole corner just deformed opening up this huge hole, revealing everything inside and making it impossible to close the screen. It really is no surprise that it just cant take as much beating as they used to when they make them this thin and light. Apparently that is the sacrifice, but in the same time makes you appreciate the structural integrity and the extra weight of the good old T6x-series. The good news is that the base cover and the keyboard bezel really aren't that expensive. About 1200 in Swedish kronor, meaning about 150 USD.

Unfortunately, I didn't get to take any pics before fixing her up again, but take my word for it. Don't drop it like you used to. =)

I bet your heart stopped when that happened!!!
Which corner did you drop it on? Back or front?
Hope it's all fixed now.

One thought that occurred to me was that you could have unluckily dropped it on a particular weak point at a specific angle. Like a glass object that survived multiple drops only to inexplicably shatter at a mere tap one day.

Still, I used to jam my T21 into solidly packed bags. I wouldn't do that now with a T420s!

It was the left corner, straight on the edge. The screen was open so nothing happened there. Its all fine now, but I dont think I'm the only one. Sure the old T-series could have cracks here and there but they never totally deformed and collapsed as it seems they do nowadays.

Here is a X220 on the Swedish equivalent to Ebay that looks just about the same. It is just crumbled to pieces in the corner.

http://www.tradera.com/x220-garanti-kva ... _155639078

wow. thanks for sharing the pic.
glad yours is all fixed now.