Lenovo Indonesia was supposed to launch its ThinkPad T420 at the end of last month, but it is looking like we might have to wait a little longer for the new notebook. Perhaps the software still needs some tweaking. Or Lenovo is still waiting for the certification from our Communications and Information Technology Ministry as the notebooks already have an optional 3G or WiMAX module embedded.
Still, it is good to know another major attack on the professional notebook segment is impending. The T420 will replace the T410, while the T520 will take over from the T510. The supposedly ultra thin and ultra-light T420s is rumored to be the equivalent of the X300 and X301.
Courtesy of Lenovo Indonesia, I have had the luxury of playing around with a sample unit of T420 over a weekend.
The model I was testing is very close to being a final product. There is much to talk about, but let’s start with highlighting the main features that make this notebook so mouth-watering.
First, this new batch of T Series runs on Intel’s second generation of core processors, which is dubbed Sandy Bridge. The new processors run significantly faster than the first generation, has the Graphics Processing Unit (GPU) and Central Processing Unit (CPU) in one single die. Because they are in a single die, the package is smaller and engineers can design thinner notebooks. Other benefits include faster video editing and more enjoyable multimedia with a HD display and Blu-ray.
Intel has added other technologies into the CPU and GPU mix, such as Intel Clear Video HD and support for Blu-ray 3-D stereo content.
However, if we want more powerful graphics, the T Series is also equipped with a discrete NVIDIA Optimus, which has a dedicated 1 GB of memory.
Discrete graphics means we can switch between Intel’s integrated GPU and the NVIDIA processor on the fly without having to reboot the system.
In conjunction with the second generation of processors, Intel has also updated its Turbo Boost. This technology, which is also included in the T Series, has the intelligence to deliver power on demand. So if you are watching a DVD, not too much power will be required.
But, when you do some movie editing, it will ramp up power. It is like stepping on the throttle each time you want to overtake another BMW on the toll road. The obvious advantage of this capability is that it allows the notebook to stay cool and it saves battery juice.
Lenovo then complements Intel Turbo Boost with its own Turbo Boost technology to increase performance even further. The company claims Lenovo Turbo Boost results in the fastest boot time and shutdown time for notebooks with a similar configuration.
T420’s 14-inch screen is wide. You can choose the HD 1366x768 or the HD+ 1600x900 version. The T520 can also be ordered with a full HD 1920x1080 screen. You will have to dig deeper into your wallet if you choose the higher resolution screen, of course.
The advanced graphics allow us to work simultaneously on at least three separate displays: The notebook screen, an external screen monitor connected via the Display Port and another one via the docking station or port replicator.
However, if you are expecting a bright and shiny screen to watch movies or play games, you had better look somewhere else. While I found the color to be more vivid, the screen is still basically more suitable for working with documents and reading e-books.
As usual, you can find the camera on top of the screen. However, Lenovo has inserted a High Definition 720p camera there. If we do a lot of videoconferencing, a dual-array digital microphone has been added in as well.
By the way, I had a surprise when playing around with the T420. When I positioned it on its side, the screen turned from landscape to portrait. This notebook also comes with an accelerometer. Lenovo never told me about it.
Unfortunately, the Web window is not adjusted for the difference in width. So, when I access www.thejakartapost.com, for example, part of the page disappears behind the bezel. Here it seems the software is not ready for prime time yet.
Besides, I wonder how I can navigate across the page in this position. The TrackPoint seems to be one solution, but the ThinkPad design team must come up with a more elegant and useable solution.
There are several hard disk alternatives, all wrapped in proven protective technologies. However, if your company wants to buy a T Series for you, you should go all the way and ask for one with a Solid State Drive (SSD). The largest is Intel 160 GB SSD.
Finally, if you are a super-computer-man and want to be able to work for 30 hours in a row, you can add to your list of specs a 9-cell battery to replace the 6-cell standard battery “plus” an optional battery slice. Trust me, with a Lenovo logo on these accessories, the prices will never be really affordable.
Some of the pre-loaded software includes Microsoft Office Starter 2010, a 30-day trial version of Norton Internet Security, Skype Application 4.2 and several video tools from Corel.
