ThinkPad T400 and T500 are successors of T61 and we can predict just from these marks that T400 has 14.1’’ screen and T500 has 15.4’’ screen, both of course in wide format. ThinkPad T500 is novelty on the market and as it happens in these occasions this is a sample model, unfortunately. So you must be aware that some deviation in looks, quality and characteristics are possible regarding to final product that will appear in shops.

When it’s closed, T500 has recognizable “ThinkPad T” looks – cubical, dark and firm. Beside well-known elements that instill confidence (like for example metal monitor hinges) there are some noticeable details that we didn’t prefer much. Like with previous generation, part of case from inside (near keyboard) is made of a bit softer material. Representative from Lenovo insured us that this detail will be corrected on final product version. So we must again underline that we cannot give final mark for quality made based only on this tested “sample” (with yellow marker were marked places that need to be corrected in some way).

T500 has dual positioning systems touchpad and track point (each one with appropriate set of keys). We got the feeling that touch pad is bigger than it was on model T61, which is definitely change for better and with its better precision this is true improvement. Keyboard is still first-class but we did notice insignificant bending. This is almost unnoticeable but we still think that difference between T500 and T61, as far as keyboard is considered, exists. According to unofficial information, Lenovo made significant changes in inner construction which effected on keyboard. Effect of these changes is best reflected through lighter construction, tuned air-flow and more efficient cooling of all components. It seems that negative consequence of these positive changes is a bit reduced solidity of keyboard. We again remark that this change is minimal and probably most of users will not notice it anyway. But we are kinda picky.


Centrino 2

T500 is based on (incomplete) Centrino 2 platform and you can read our review of Centrino 2 platform HERE . Lenovo had decided to use Atheros wireless adapter instead of Intel’s and that’s why T500 doesn’t have Centrino certificate. Notebook is powered by newest generation of Intel CPU that has great performances (2.53GHz, FSB 1066MHz) and fast HDD goes without saying. Resolution from 1920x1200px (WUXGA) on matte 15.4’’ screen looks almost unreal. Of course, we won’t waste words on picture quality but actually, real treat is graphics subsystem.


“Switchable Graphics”

Lenovo ThinkPad T500 has two graphics cards. One is integrated and it is a part of Intel GM45 chipset and wears a tag X4500. Performances are better than previous generation (X3100) had but that’s not good enough for any demanding 3D application. Non integrated graphics card is product of Intel’s rival AMD, ATi Radeon HD3650. It is equipped with 512MB DDR3 memory and has quite reliable performances even by hardcore gamers’ standards. Such a high performance graphics card was unexpected but that isn’t something that we will complain about.

Certainly the most interesting part in whole story is possibility of changing active graphics card with just a two clicks. With click on “tray” icon you’ll get option for choosing which graphics card will be active: the one with great performances or the one with reduced consumption. Whole procedure is smooth and fast so it takes only few seconds to change active graphics card. Whole process is almost unnoticeable for user and this procedure doesn’t require restart. Just a blink on screen and it’s done. We are pleasantly surprised with “painless” change and it’s up to user to take the best from this possibility.
When there is no power socket near, T500 is powered by powerful but clumsy 9-cell battery. It has asymmetrical shape and pretty much stands out from the back side of notebook violating visual harmony. Big autonomy helps to turn a blind eye to not so good aesthetic effect that this battery has on this notebook. According to test results we can tell that autonomy is bigger for around 20% when integrated graphics card is used and that’s something that shouldn’t be underestimated.