Thinkpad T420/T420s Owner's Thread

Note that this is not for the Edge 420s.



On the T420:

http://www.tomsick.net/misc/lenovo-t...20-review.html

http://www.lenovo.com/shop/americas/...0T420-T520.pdf



On the T420s:

Lenovo Thinkpad T420s review from wfu.edu

http://shop.lenovo.com/us/ww/pdf/t420s_datasheet.pdf

http://www.lenovoblogs.com/insidethe...hinkpad-t420s/





Main specs that I was interested in were the 1600x900 screen at less than 4 pounds so that's the T420s: apparently 3.94 with a DVD and 3.68 w/o.



Main benefits of the T420s:

* Lighter and thinner

* can use ultrabay battery (10hrs)

* USB 3

* better sound for dialog in conference calls and movies



Main benefits of the T420:

* cheaper

* can use battery slice (24 hrs!?)

* can use 9mm HDDs (T420s must use 7mm)

* expresscard

Reply 1 : Thinkpad T420/T420s Owner's Thread

WOW !



$431.00 more for the (s) model over the T420 for the exact same hardware (My spec's) and the size is just a bit smaller then the T420. Was thinking of this, but not anymore.



Thanks for the links however.



The Windows Experience Index shown should not have been between the T420s and the T410 (Older model) but with the T420 or even T410s instead. Wonder why they would do such a thing ? One has the older cpu and the newer with Sandy Bridge

unless they just wanted to show the difference between old and newer technology

Reply 2 : Thinkpad T420/T420s Owner's Thread

Quote:

Originally Posted by SR45 WOW ! $431.00 more for the (s) model over the T420 for the exact same hardware (My spec's) and the size is just a bit smaller then the T420. Was thinking of this, but not anymore. Thanks for the links however. The Windows Experience Index shown should not have been between the T420s and the T410 (Older model) but with the T420 or even T410s instead. Wonder why they would do such a thing ? One has the older cpu and the newer with Sandy Bridge unless they just wanted to show the difference between old and newer technology

vs the regular T420, the T420s has USB 3.0, option of a bay battery and is lighter and thinner. If you don't need those, the T420 may be better for you.

Reply 3 : Thinkpad T420/T420s Owner's Thread

The USB3 is a good selling point, but thinner ?. By the looks of it, at least in photos comparison is really not that much thinner.



Lighter ? The weight with all the hardware matching the T420 is not that much to justify the cost either in my opinion, but others may disagree and purchase it.



Tabook shown for both models... (Only about 2/3 of a lb difference)



T420s 3.68 lbs w/6 cell battery / Size 13.5 x 9.1 x . 0.83 - 1.02

T420 4.31 lbs w/6 cell battery / 13.4 x 9.17 x 1.18 - 1.20 inch



I have to look at all the spec's to see paying $431.00 more is worth it for me or others. Not for me. Now the X220 maybe another matter, but have to look at the cost when it is released by Lenovo website.

Reply 4 : Thinkpad T420/T420s Owner's Thread

Quote:

Originally Posted by SR45 The USB3 is a good selling point, but thinner ?. By the looks of it, at least in photos comparison is really not that much thinner.

T420s is a bit thinner, take a look at the pictures and decide which is which (found on Picassa)

Reply 5 : Thinkpad T420/T420s Owner's Thread

I need to know the real life battery stats. Both with and without the bay battery.



Thanks.

Reply 6 : Thinkpad T420/T420s Owner's Thread

Quote:

Originally Posted by abachofner T420s is a bit thinner, take a look at the pictures and decide which is which (found on Picassa)

Thinner one on left but as you said "A bit thinner" Still cannot justify for me a purchase. Again, the X220 would be the way to go if you are on the road or in school, but the T420s is not. Take the T420 instead would be my advice

Reply 7 : Thinkpad T420/T420s Owner's Thread

I am wondering why Lenovo only offers one warranty upgrade option: 3yr onsite+protection at a price of >$300...

Reply 8 : Thinkpad T420/T420s Owner's Thread

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhzmark Note that this a thread for the Thinkpad T420s, not the regular T420 or the Edge 420s. Lots of good info on the T420s is available at: Lenovo Thinkpad T420s review from wfu.edu I just ordered one. Main specs that I was interested in were the 1600x900 screen at less than 4 pounds (apparently 3.94 with a DVD and 3.68 w/o).

Can I ask what you are using the machine for, not into specific details but a generalization as to the class of user you are?

Reply 9 : Thinkpad T420/T420s Owner's Thread

Once someone gets one, please post battery stats! Thanks

need help with buying qosmio

great forum!!



so here's my question.



What's the better buy and which one is more superior in terms of spec?



Toshiba Qosmio X505-Q894 i7-840QM 8GB RAM 500GB 7200rpm - eBay (item 290548594344 end time Apr-22-11 07:07:02 PDT)



or



Amazon.com: Toshiba Qosmio X505-Q8102 18.4-Inch Gaming Laptop (Omega Black): Computer & Accessories



Thanks in advance!

Reply 1 : need help with buying qosmio

I have good news for you, I actually owned BOTH those Qosmios so I know them very well.



The q8102X is the Intel Sandy Bridge version of the q894 [though the q894 you linked is modified with a beefier i7-840 instead of a i7-740].

The i7-2630QM is the second generation Intel i-core CPU [i7-840 is first generation].



If you don't already know of the advantages of the new Sandy Bridge CPUs, I suggest looking at this article.

Review Intel Sandy Bridge Quad-Core processors - Notebookcheck.net Reviews







As you can see, the lowest grade SB i7-2630QM is superior to even the highest grade i7-940XM.

What we can take away is, the new SB CPUs are superior to all the previous i7 cores.



Thus, the q8102X is better than the q894 from ebay.





Good luck and keep us posted with your decision.

Reply 2 : need help with buying qosmio

THank you!



Not going to lie, but I was waiting for your reply since you're like an expert with toshiba laptops





Anyways, does any amazon sellers accept paypal?



I live in canada by the way..



Again, your help is very much appreciated!!



There should be thanks button!



EDIT: i gave you +rep instead!

Reply 3 : need help with buying qosmio

No problem, glad to help.



I do not know how international orders work (at least from a US perspective, since your inquiring about US Qosmio models).



You might want to check some Canadian e-retailers (as I am unfamiliar with most of them). I did see that newegg.ca has the q894 REFURB for $1200, but I haven't seen any Canadian Sandy Bridge Qosmio models.



Good luck and let us know what you decide.

Trojan / Dropper.Gen2 in Intel drivers

After having some problems with my new L502x's HDMI port, I decided to format the hard drive and proceed with a fresh install, downloading the drivers I want directly from Dell's site.



What is my surprise when I finish installing the drivers and I move on with the Applications. The free version of Avira Antivirus detected the trojan Dropper.Gen2 in a weird folder: Intel Bluetooth's!



I am attaching a screenshot so you can run a scan on that folder and find out if I am the unlucky one, or maybe it's just a false alarm. I decided to "Ignore" the 4 assumpted detected trojans, but I will move them into quarantine if you find no viruses in that folder.



Cheers!

Reply 1 : Trojan / Dropper.Gen2 in Intel drivers

If you downloaded the drivers directly from Dell's site... it is a false alarm.

Reply 2 : Trojan / Dropper.Gen2 in Intel drivers

Personally, I would remove all of those and make sure the scan shows up clean. Then either download them again from Dell or the manufacturer (whichever has latest version).

Reply 3 : Trojan / Dropper.Gen2 in Intel drivers

Avira is notorious for false positives.

Reply 4 : Trojan / Dropper.Gen2 in Intel drivers

I got the same for the intel bluetooth drivers using AVG... didn't even do a fresh install yet, it was just the first avg scan I ran. Then on the 2nd I was up to 15 trojans :/

Reply 5 : Trojan / Dropper.Gen2 in Intel drivers

Probably fake positive.

Is is possible to upgrade your f series from a standard to a backlit keyboard DIY|?

I have been looking everywhere for confirmation on this please, someone in the know, canI do this? I can order a backlit keyboard on ebay for cheap but as for drivers and hardware match ups I don't know. Many F series models are missing this handy option. I thought there would be more interest in this mod.



I see user Gandalf_the_grey has a EU model with +US backlit keyboard in his signature . Does this mean he has done this mod?



I have a VPCF136FD/B bought I Canada.

Reply 1 : Is is possible to upgrade your f series from a standard to a backlit keyboard DIY|?

It is absolutely possible:

Vaio_F Series - How To Replace the Keyboard & Clean the Fan

Reply 2 : Is is possible to upgrade your f series from a standard to a backlit keyboard DIY|?

Thanks, I did find this great DIY article but I am more worried about when I actually install the backlit keyboard will it fuction properly on my f series (VPCF136FD/B)? As you may know my unit does not come with this option and as a result there are no utilites to control the back lighting as found in the example you have recommended. So to be specific is there a special bois or application I will have to install or tweak to get the backlit keyboard to work or will the laptop bois recognize the new hardware and make it work automatically. It would only take one incompatibility to make the new keyboard an official Sony paperweight. By the way I hate this bilingual keyboard in general have you seen the left shift key and the enter button layout? Just not right. Anyway I hope you might be able to shed some light. Thanks Again.

Reply 3 : Is is possible to upgrade your f series from a standard to a backlit keyboard DIY|?

it should work fine upon installation.



You may need to remap certain keys though. That should not be an issue.

~VX2S Owners' Lounge~

Hello to all Asus VX2S enthusiasts



Well, sorry I don't own it yet but I've been looking for any info about this model for almost 5 months (since I saw the VX2 in Hong Kong).



I suggest that all VX2S owners and people with real interest in this model write down here their findings, appreciation, problems, and post pictures, links, reviews, ...

So far, I can only come up with this specifications page (similar page for all their markets as far as I know: Asia, Americas, ...)



Asus UK info page for the VX2S:

http://uk.asus.com/products4.aspx?mo...25&l3=309&l4=0





I personally want to know before purchasing this notebook in the UK:

• Is the built-in 200GB hard-drive either 5400RPM or 7200RPM? What brand and model?
• It apparently comes with a Blu-Ray drive, is there any mention on the packaging of a "Ultimate package" as marketed by Asus?
• Still about this so called "Ultimate package", does the Yellow and Black models sold in the UK come with the docking station (also known as "Power Station")?
• Does the box contain a second battery for the DVD bay as the VX2 used to have in the Asia (Taiwan, Hong Kong)?
• Any difference in the supplied accessories between the VX2S-AK001G and VX2S-AK002G?

Thanks to anybody who can make this thread alive, and especially answer these questions.



Bye for now

Oxyd

Reply 1 : ~VX2S Owners' Lounge~

Hello



I ordered a vx2s with AK027G reference, it's supposed to be the reference of the "ultimate package" for France.



If I don't forget, i'll answer to your questions, but I can't be 100% sure that the packages for france and UK are identical. Maybe you should contact asus UK ?

Reply 2 : ~VX2S Owners' Lounge~

does anyone on this forum have an VX2s? I know due to its price not that many people will buy it, but no one has one at all??



the delivery date for my vx2s has been changed to Saturday.

JC

Reply 3 : ~VX2S Owners' Lounge~

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kador I ordered a vx2s with AK027G reference, it's supposed to be the reference of the "ultimate package" for France.

Salut Kador,



How much did you pay for the Ultimate Package in France?



Merci,

Oxyd

Reply 4 : ~VX2S Owners' Lounge~

aaarrrrrhhhgg..... I've just received a confirmation email from the reseller to confirm delivery date, but they got the wrong model number on the order!!! on the email it listed the previous none santa rosa VX2 model.

I really wish Asus UK and the reseller can pull their fingers out and get their act together!

it's the first time I bought an Asus laptop and the experience has not been a pleasant one so far.... and that's before I got my laptop



moan over for now....



JC

Reply 5 : ~VX2S Owners' Lounge~

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ib14132302 they got the wrong model number on the order!!! on the email it listed the previous none santa rosa VX2 model.

At the time of writing, I know that AsusLaptop have some unit left. I do also know that they contain the docking station, so this can be considered as the Ultimate Package, for almost the same price as the previous VX2... Though I'm not sure if their retail price is the right one for this particular item... it looks cheap compared to other sites.



Good luck

Reply 6 : ~VX2S Owners' Lounge~

I ordered my VX2s after the specs has been confirmed in the 'ultimate package'

blueray+docking station etc... so I know exactly what I've ordered.



I sincerely hope it was just a smiple typo, otherwise I will be asking for a full refund, I will not mention the resellers name for now, so they have a last chance to get it right. I will phone them first thing tomorrow to ask what they are playing at. and I will let you know how I got on later...



JC

Reply 7 : ~VX2S Owners' Lounge~

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oxyd Salut Kador, How much did you pay for the Ultimate Package in France? Merci, Oxyd

Don't get me wrong, I'm not 100% sure that this is what's called "ultimate package". Here we have 4 references for vx2s (2 per colour)



VX2S-AK007G and VX2S-AK008G

VX2S-AK025G and VX2S-AK027G at a higher price, so supposedly being that "ultimate package"



I believe that the contents and specs of packages differ amongst countries, so don't take anything for granted.



The price for the VX2S-AK027G was 2510 euro vat included (that's a good price, less expensive than the normal package in other stores !). www.1000ordi.fr (m not affiliated or whatever)

Reply 8 : ~VX2S Owners' Lounge~

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ib14132302 aaarrrrrhhhgg..... I've just received a confirmation email from the reseller to confirm delivery date, but they got the wrong model number on the order!!! on the email it listed the previous none santa rosa VX2 model. I really wish Asus UK and the reseller can pull their fingers out and get their act together! it's the first time I bought an Asus laptop and the experience has not been a pleasant one so far.... and that's before I got my laptop moan over for now.... JC

Seems like your reseller sucks

Reply 9 : ~VX2S Owners' Lounge~

Hello guys



I've just ordered this notebook (black version). Looking forward to test it out with games and hd movies!

A clean OS Instalation

I just got a new G73JW and I want to have a new OS instalation.

I saw the other day a post with instruccions and link to download the updated drives, but today I need it and I am unable to found this information.

Please some one point me out to the infomation I am looking for.



Regards

Reply 1 : A clean OS Instalation

I found it Complete Walk-through For Doing A Clean Windows 7 Install

Thank you

Reply 2 : A clean OS Instalation

Asus support downloads

Core i7-2720QM or Core i5-560M which one will produce more heat.

Hi,



I have Dell XPS 15 L501X with Core i5-560M.



I ordered L502X Core i7-2720QM and planning to return L501X.



But if the L502X Core i7-2720QM produces more heat then i will cancel the order.



Please advise.

Reply 1 : Core i7-2720QM or Core i5-560M which one will produce more heat.

Clearly the quad core i7 will produce substantially more heat especially under load. To be more specific, the i7-2720QM is rated at 45 watts vs the 35 watts of the i5-560M. I have the i5-460M with my L501x and watching HD videos already makes the left side slightly warm. Playing games like SC2 becomes much warmer. I can only imagine how uncomfortably warm it will become when using the 2720QM.

Reply 2 : Core i7-2720QM or Core i5-560M which one will produce more heat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4thehorde4 Clearly the quad core i7 will produce substantially more heat especially under load. To be more specific, the i7-2720QM is rated at 45 watts vs the 35 watts of the i5-560M. I have the i5-460M with my L501x and watching HD videos already makes the left side slightly warm. Playing games like SC2 becomes much warmer. I can only imagine how uncomfortably warm it will become when using the 2720QM.

I thought heat depends on Lithography:



Since the i7 740 had Lithography 45 nm

and i7-2720QM has Lithography 32 nm



And what is TJUNCTION.



Please fill me in with complete knowledge.

Reply 3 : Core i7-2720QM or Core i5-560M which one will produce more heat.

While several factors come into play when determining heat emissions, I would imagine that the number of transistors would be the most prominent factor given all else equal. Comparing the ~5.59 million transistors used in the Nehalem i5s to the ~1 billion used in the i7-2720QM, I would imagine heat levels would be substantially higher. Perhaps there is a computer engineer on this board who can further elaborate on this inquiry?

Reply 4 : Core i7-2720QM or Core i5-560M which one will produce more heat.

More cores do not equal higher heat emission when executing the same task, in fact, the sandy bridge is more efficient.

What does this mean? When executing the same moderately heavy task, in the end the i5-560m will emit more heat under load.



Idle is an completely diferent story, but i heard the sandy bridge quadcores have more efficient power gating features than the previous generation.

Reply 5 : Core i7-2720QM or Core i5-560M which one will produce more heat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Darkstone More cores do not equal higher heat emission when executing the same task, in fact, the sandy bridge is more efficient. What does this mean? When executing the same moderately heavy task, in the end the i5-560m will emit more heat under load. Idle is an completely diferent story, but i heard the sandy bridge quadcores have more efficient power gating features than the previous generation.

So exactly through what mechanism does the Sandy Bridge series manage to achieve more efficiency in terms of heat emission?

Reply 6 : Core i7-2720QM or Core i5-560M which one will produce more heat.

More cores don't, but a higher TDP does, and the i7 SB still has higher TDP than i5 duals.

Reply 7 : Core i7-2720QM or Core i5-560M which one will produce more heat.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4thehorde4 So exactly through what mechanism does the Sandy Bridge series manage to achieve more efficiency in terms of heat emission?

If i knew, i wouldn't be here

Quote:

More cores don't, but a higher TDP does, and the i7 SB still has higher TDP than i5 duals.

If sandy bridge is twice as fast and emits twice as much heat at full speed, does it matter in the end? Not at all.

It simply doesn't matter if you use 50watts of power in 10 seconds, of 500 watts of power during 1 second. The heat emmissions are the same.

Reply 8 : Core i7-2720QM or Core i5-560M which one will produce more heat.

The i7-2720QM will be hotter under a full load than the i5-560M.



Take a look at the TDP- 45 Watts vs 35 Watts, both numbers chosen by the same manufacturer, Intel. The TDP isn't the maximum wattage of the processor, but rather the amount of heat that Intel recommends that the cooling system can dissipate.



As far as idle temperatures and "light loads" like web browsing go, I don't know (but I'd bet the Quad runs hotter). Also, the same "full load" on the dual-core processor isn't going to be a full load on the quad-core processor, so it's tricky. You'll probably have to find a review site that includes temperatures.



And TJunction is the maximum temperature the processor can handle before it Throttles (lowers performance to cool down), although Dell can and will make this number lower.

Reply 9 : Core i7-2720QM or Core i5-560M which one will produce more heat.

In fact the Tjunction refers to the maximum temperature before the system shuts down and had noting to do whit the temperature it stats throttling.