![]() ![]() Performing the same test under stress (zipping files in the background), the T400s shined more brightly, finishing in 9:04, more than 7 minutes faster than the category average (16:45). The T400s completed our video transcoding test, in which we convert a 5-minute-and-5-second MP4 to AVI using Handbrake, in a speedy 6:10, more than 1:30 faster than the category average (7:42). That score was also more than 50 percent greater than the ones received by the original T400(3,576) and such 14-inch business notebooks as the HP EliteBook 6930p(3,749) and Toshiba Tecra R10(3,490). On PCMark Vantage, which measures overall system performance, the system scored 5,893, which is the highest we've ever seen on any laptop we've tested, and almost 3,000 points above the category average for thin-and-light notebooks (those with 13- to 14-inch screens that weigh less than 6 pounds). The T400s' 2.53-GHz Core 2 Duo SP9600 CPU and speedy solid state drive allowed this notebook to break benchmark records, despite our configuration's 2GB of RAM. For added security, any user without administrative rights can also be forced to log in via fingerprint rather than password. The scanner was also highly accurate, rarely requiring multiple swipes to register. After configuring the bundled software and storing an impression of our index finger, we booted the system, bypassing the Windows login screen and going straight to the desktop, with just one swipe. Like many business notebooks, the ThinkPad T400s sports an integrated fingerprint reader, but unlike any other we've tested, the reader remains on, with its green LED lit, even when the system is asleep, or powered off. We recommend turning up the volume to full blast if you're sitting more than a few inches away. Sound from videos, including DVD movies, was also clear though quiet. When listening to music, the sound from the stereo speakers was clear and distortion-free, though not very loud, even at maximum volume. Our test system came with a standard DVD burner, but the T400s can be configured with a Blu-ray drive ($560). Still, quality should be acceptable for business travelers. While watching Dark City, we noticed quite a bit of pixelation in all scenes and noise in night scenes. If you're planning a presentation, you'll surely want to use an external monitor or projector. ![]() At 45 degrees on either side, the colors wash out significantly. While the screen is bright and images are sharp, viewing angles leave something to be desired. However, the X300 series screens are a little small for that much screen real estate, so the additional 0.8 inches of panel on the T400s make it much easier on the eyes. ![]() The 14.1-inch LED-backlit screen provides a native resolution of 1440 x 900, which is the same as the 13.3-inch X300 series. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |