thinkpad t410s

Lenovo announces support for NVIDIA Optimus on ThinkPads, docks

by ThinkPads on October 5, 2010

Coinciding with their 60 million ThinkPads sold milestone, today Lenovo announced the availability of NVIDIA Optimus graphics in their ThinkPad T410, T410s, and T510 notebooks and their corresponding docking solutions.

What is NVIDIA Optimus?

Optimus actually refers to a new generation of switchable graphics, rather than an all-new GPU core. While prior switchable graphics technologies, including the latest from AMD/ATI as well, required manual switching between GPUs via software, Optimus is 100% automatic and transparent. The discrete NVIDIA GPU sits 100% powered down when it isn’t needed. When a need for graphics acceleration is detected, such as a game, HD video, or even Flash video, the Optimus software automatically powers on the discrete GPU. The frames rendered by the discrete GPU are sent to the integrated GPU over the PCI Express bus, where they can be output to the display.

First generation switchable graphics required a reboot to change GPUs and the second generation improved to a software change only, but both utilized complex and expensive hardware routing solutions. Optimus is implemented entirely in software, to the point that, if physically possible, you could remove the discrete GPU and Windows wouldn’t know the difference until it needed GPU acceleration.

The end result of Optimus is a transparent, seamless switchable graphics solution that gives up no battery life compared to integrated graphics only in non-accelerated situations. If you want a more technical look at Optimus, I recommend Anandtech’s article on the subject.

Update: I just came across this video from Lenovo on what Optimus does.

First in business

NVIDIA launched Optimus earlier this year and it has shown up in a handful of laptops, but no business-class machines. Lenovo is proud of the fact that they are the first to support Optimus in a business laptop and in the docking solutions.

Not only does Optimus’ slick GPU switching continue to operate when docked, but thanks to the NVS 3100M GPU you can output up to 4 external displays. Both of these are a first for Lenovo and Optimus in general, fitting to coincide with their anniversary of ThinkPad sales and recognition of its achievements.

Pricing and availability

The Optimus equipped ThinkPads are available for purchase today. It is a $100 option on the T410 and T510 models start at $1069, a $130 premium over integrated-ony. Unfortunately on the T410s you will shell out $1829, as the only configuration with Optimus includes the faster Core i5-560M CPU and pricey 128GB SSD. While this is a pricey combo, that is one well loaded machine that will give up no unnecessary battery life to its discrete graphics.

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BREAKING: Lenovo ThinkPad X301 to be discontinued, supplanted by T410s

by ThinkPads on July 13, 2010

A preliminary report states that Lenovo will not be furthering development of the ThinkPad X300/X301 ultrathin laptops, instead favoring the T400s/T410s models that were developed based on X300 technology.

This move is not unexpected, although perhaps disappointing for those who favored a thin & light 13.3-inch ThinkPad. Intel has come out with ULV versions of their 2010 Core processors that would be suitable for an X301 update, but the cost of updating, certifying and upgrading anything needed for the refresh likely made the choice a difficult one. Then considering the limited market for an upscale, SSD-only premium laptop (with an arguably sub-standard display), the economics made this decision.

The X300 series led the way in ThinkPad technology in a way that had not been seen for quite some time. The processes and technologies used to make it so thin, so light and so feature packed were carried over to the ThinkPad T400s, a thinner & lighter version of the T400 that was more like a 14-inch X300 than anything else. In fact, our comparison review found it superior to the X301 in many ways.

The ThinkPad X301 is still for sale on Lenovo’s U.S. website at the time of publishing, with a 15% off coupon that brings the price down to $2141. Too bad you missed when they were blowing them out for $1299.

Stay tuned for our X300 eulogy

Source: [Trading Markets]

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Deal of the day: 15% off Lenovo ThinkPad T410s, starting $1189

by ThinkPads on April 26, 2010

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Today we bring you a tasty 15% off coupon for the slim Lenovo ThinkPad T410s, which combined with $416 instant discount brings the entry price to only $1189!

The ThinkPad T410s is a minor refresh of T400s that we reviewed last year, bringing new Core i3 and Core i5 processors to the table. NVIDIA switchable graphics are also supposed to be available, but Lenovo has been hit or miss in offering that option for purchase on the website.

The real treat of the T410s is that it packs nearly all the features and functionality of the regular T410, but in a much slimmer and lighter package with a decent 1440×900 LCD. At less than an inch thick and under 4 lbs starting weight, the T410s still keeps a powerful processor, decent battery life and an optical drive.

This deal expires on April 28th. Check out the base specs and how to get the deal below

  • Core i5-520M (2.4GHz), Win7 Pro, 14.1″ WXGA+ LCD
  • 2GB DDR3 RAM, 250GB 5400rpm HDD, DVD burner
  • 6-cell battery, Bluetooth, bgn WiFi, 1 year warranty

How to get the deal

  1. Click here to configure your ThinkPad T410s of choice
  2. Apply coupon code in shopping cart w/no spaces before/after: USPT410SA3

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Core i3 coming via ThinkPad T410i, T410si, T510i

by ThinkPads on February 8, 2010

Some recently updated documents from Lenovo shed light on versions of their ThinkPads will have the lower priced Intel Core i3 processors.

We actually noted this last month when the T410s appeared in the PSREF docs, with the T410si model listed as having the lower end Core i3 chips. Now Lenovo has updated the documents indicating that T410i and T510i models, in addition to the T410si, will be available for purchase.

The big question is how one will be able to purchase a Core i3 ThinkPad. Lenovo hasn’t historically offered separate sub-models of a product for sale on their website. When you consider that it would add an extra layer of complexity to their T Series lineup for potential buyers, I’m not expecting to see the ‘i’ models on Lenovo.com.

Hopefully Lenovo will add the Core i3 chip to its existing web configurations, offering a lower price point to the already rather competitive T410 and T510.

Source: [Lenovo PSREF] via [Engadget]

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Gone as quick as they came: new ThinkPad T410s, T510, W510 pulled from website

by ThinkPads on January 14, 2010

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If you’ve been anxiously watching and checking out Lenovo’s new models on their website, you might have noticed that a number of them have been removed.

Just earlier this week, Lenovo’s ThinkPad T410s, T510 and W510 were available for purchase on their website. We covered some of the details unveiled in the configuration and pricing, but now none of them are to be found.

This is surely temporary, but we don’t know yet why they were removed. Supply is a likely culprit, but there were a number of noted issues with some of the configurations, so they could be fixing things on the backend.

For now, you can still get the refreshed T410 and brand new Edge & X100e models from Lenovo; see them here.

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Full specs & details on new ThinkPad T410, T510, W510, T410s, X100e

by ThinkPads on January 8, 2010

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Lenovo just posted updated versions of its incredibly helpful PSREF documents. These data-laden PDF files contain specific model configurations and full detail of all their products. If you are a speeds & feeds freak, these are your bible. Feel free to hit the link at the end

We’ll go through the specific tidbits gleaned for each model and then provide a little analysis at the end of the post. Let’s get started!

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[CES 2010] Introducing the HIGHLY refreshed Lenovo ThinkPad T410, T410s, T510, W510

by ThinkPads on January 4, 2010

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Continuing our coverage of Lenovo’s product launches, we have the refreshes of Lenovo’s bread & butter T and W Series ThinkPads. Lenovo is incrementing to the 10′s with the product number, so we present to you the T410, T410s, T510 and W510.

As I was writing this post, Lenovo’s Matt Kohut put up an excellent summary of all these refreshed models, highlighting the major changes, including a few that I’d have missed. I highly suggest you give it a read.

Let’s take a look at what is new:

All models

  • New Arrandale-based Intel Core i5 & i7 processors, including quad-core in W510
  • T510 & W510 are now 15.6-inch 16:9 ratio, 14-inch models stay 16:10
  • Keyboard design (larger Esc/Del keys, larger keycaps, etc) from T400s
  • Dual noise cancelling mics, low light webcams & dedicated mic mute (as seen on T400s)
  • Mini Dock Series 3 docking support (as seen on T400s, details here)
  • Full Windows 7 Enhanced Experience support
  • Larger, flush-mounted touchpads (appears to be same type & texture as on T400s)
  • Fn & CTRL key mapping in BIOS
  • T410, T510, W510 support new “bump” battery that attaches to bottom-rear of notebook (see pic below, T410s excluded)
  • Existing Ultrabay batteries no longer compatible with T410, T510, W510; is compatible with T410s
  • All LED backlit screens with symmetrical LCD (no more off-centered LCD, cosmetic change only)
  • Powered USB port that is active when machine is in standby/hibernate, denoted by yellow tab
  • USB/eSATA combo port
  • ExpressCard 34mm & 5-in-1 card reader (no more choosing between the two)

lenovo_thinkpad_bump_battery

ThinkPad W510

  • Available 95% color gamut display with optional color calibrator
  • Four SO-DIMM slots for 16GB max DDR3 1333 RAM
  • RAID 0, 1 via Bay Adapter
  • Single USB 3.0 port, in addition to three USB 2.0 ports
  • NVIDIA Quadro FX 880M 1GB switchable graphics
  • 128GB, 160GB & 256GB SSD options
  • Core 2 Quad i7-720QM (1.6GHz), i7-820Q (1.73GHz), Extreme i7-920XM (2GHz)

ThinkPad T410

  • Entirely new mechanical design
  • Adds 4th USB 2.0 port
  • 6-cell battery now sits flush (unclear if new batteries are used)
  • NVIDIA NVS 3100M 512MB switchable graphics standard (same on T510)
  • Core i5-520M (2.4GHz), i5-540M (2.53GHz) & i7-620M (2.66GHz) processors (same on T510)

ThinkPad T410s

  • NVIDIA NVS 3100M 512MB switchable graphics standard
  • Core i5-520M (2.4GHz), i5-540M (2.53GHz) processors

Phew, that turned out to be a lot more changes than I figured when just glancing at the documents. Now let’s talk a bit about what all this means – hit the jump for more analysis and photos.

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Leaked: Lenovo ThinkPad T410s coming January, minor upgrades

by ThinkPads on November 17, 2009

Graffiti courtesy tt315.cn message board members

Graffiti courtesy tt315.cn message board members

Another day, another leak; first the next IdeaPad netbook, now the refresh of the svelte ThinkPad T400s. Indicated to be launching in January 2010 (CES anyone?), the T410s will feature some evolutionary changes and they appear to all be for the better.

The overall design will be cleaner, with the subtle Lenovo logo on the exterior gone, the palm rest smoothed out and no seams between the palm rest and speakers. A USB port is added to the left and rear faces, which should bring the total to 5 including the dual USB/eSATA port.

You’ll also notice the exhaust vents on the rear are longer. Lastly, the ThinkLight evolves to a dual-LED setup, which one would assume provides more even lighting across the T410s’ expansive keyboard.

There you have it ladies and gents. Hit the jump for the rest of the photos and stay tuned for more details.

Read our review of the ThinkPad T400s

Source: [tt315.cn] via [nexus404]

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