Since taking over production of the ThinkPad line from IBM, Lenovo has managed to maintain and perhaps even increase the line’s prestige and respect among demanding users. The T410 is the latest iteration of the ThinkPad, and rather than make any radical changes, Lenovo has elected to make only subtle yet significant refinements to the formula. Does the ThinkPad T410 maintain its position as the pre-eminent business notebook, or has the competition caught up?
Positives
Satisfied owners of past ThinkPad models will be glad to know that the T410 is still a solidly built, highly capable, no-nonsense notebook designed with business users in mind. It has the hardware muscle necessary to handle just about any task with aplomb, including a 2.53GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 320GB hard drive. While Lenovo has added other models to the ThinkPad lineup that offer specialized design features, like the super-thin T400, the T410 is possibly the best combination of value and functionality in the line, at a retail price of about $1400 for this setup.
Where the ThinkPad has always excelled is with sturdy yet user-friendly design, and the T410 is no exception. Great design features from previous models, such as the excellent keyboard and generously proportioned touchpad, remain as good as ever. The T410 is a further step forward for the line, especially with respect to ports, as it boasts four USB ports, a DisplayPort connector, an eSATA, FireWire, and more. Simply put, the T410 is as good as any laptop out there when it comes to being prepared for every possible contingency.
Negatives
The T410 really only has one notable weakness in relation to other 14-inch business-focused laptops, and that is its battery life. It might have been expected given its impressive hardware specs, but it is a bit disappointing that the T410’s battery life is so mediocre. Under heavy duress, the battery will last about two and a half hours, which is roughly half an hour less than the average for a laptop of its size. Lenovo does offer the option of upgrading to a 9-cell battery for $50, though.
The Bottom Line
Although its price may be a bit too high for students or more casual users, overall, business users won’t find a better notebook than the ThinkPad T410.
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