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MagyarLenovo ThinkPad T440s 20AQ006BGE Ultrabook Review Update
For the original German review, see here.
When we tested the device, Lenovo announced on its website that delivery delays are expected for the ThinkPad T440s. The reason for that is high demand. It was not a surprise to us since the T440s takes first place in the business notebook charts. So far, we have tested two models of the series, namely the ThinkPad T440s 20AQS00500 (Core i5-4200U, HD Graphics 4400) and the ThinkPad T440s 20AQ0069GE (Core i7-4600U, HD Graphics 4400). Additionally, the new representative of the series is equipped with a GeForce GT 730M graphics core. The test will tell us whether the dedicated GPU is an enrichment for the T440s.
The T440s counts among the 14-inch business ultrabooks with dedicated GPU. There are not many competitors within this category, to which for example the Acer TravelMate P645-MG-74508G75tkk (Core i7-4500U, Radeon HD 8750) belongs. Both devices are within the same price range.
Since it is the third T440s model we are testing, we are not going to elaborate on the casing, equipment, input devices and speakers – unless there are differences. Corresponding information can be obtained from the reviews of the previous two models (20AQS00500 and 20AQ0069GE).
Case
The casing of the current T440s is similar to its predecessors. The only difference: there is no docking port.
Display
The ThinkPad is equipped with a matte 14-inch display that works with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. The brightness of 293.2 cd/m² is impressive. The display of the TravelMate (249.1 cd/m²; Full HD) does not achieve such a value.
In comparison to the T440s that was previously tested, we find another integrated panel. While color and gray scales at delivery show one advantage of this panel, coverage of the color space could be better.
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Brightness Distribution: 86 %
Center on Battery: 304 cd/m²
Contrast: 844:1 (Black: 0.36 cd/m²)
ΔE Color 3.45 | 0.5-29.43 Ø5
ΔE Greyscale 1.94 | 0.57-98 Ø5.3
51% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 1.6.3 3D)
63.2% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
86.4% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
68.2% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
Gamma: 2.58
| Lenovo ThinkPad T440s 20AQ006BGE FHD LP140WF1-SPK1 | Lenovo Thinkpad T440s 20AQ0069GE FHD B140HAN01.2 | Lenovo ThinkPad T440s 20AQ-S00500 HD B140RTN03.0 | Acer TravelMate P645-MG-74508G75tkk AUO113D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Display | ||||
| Display P3 Coverage | 68.2 | 66.9 -2% | 47.24 -31% | 65.8 -4% |
| sRGB Coverage | 86.4 | 92.8 7% | 70.4 -19% | 94.5 9% |
| AdobeRGB 1998 Coverage | 63.2 | 67.8 7% | 48.91 -23% | 67.9 7% |
| Screen | ||||
| Brightness middle | 304 | 310 2% | 232 -24% | 258 -15% |
| Brightness | 293 | 282 -4% | 220 -25% | 249 -15% |
| Brightness Distribution | 86 | 85 -1% | 91 6% | 93 8% |
| Black Level * | 0.36 | 0.38 -6% | 0.98 -172% | 0.38 -6% |
| Contrast | 844 | 816 -3% | 237 -72% | 679 -20% |
| Colorchecker dE 2000 * | 3.45 | 4.56 -32% | 9.22 -167% | 3.8 -10% |
| Greyscale dE 2000 * | 1.94 | 5.12 -164% | 11.6 -498% | 4.13 -113% |
| Gamma | 2.58 85% | 2.66 83% | 2.36 93% | 2.68 82% |
| CCT | 6399 102% | 6116 106% | 13452 48% | 6519 100% |
| Color Space (Percent of AdobeRGB 1998) | 51 | 64 25% | 45 -12% | 61 20% |
* ... smaller is better
The T440s display shows good performance, not only in terms of brightness, but also in terms of contrast (844:1) and black level (0.36 cd/m²). The contrast of the TravelMate (679:1, 0.38 cd/m²) is slightly worse, but can be considered decent. The color spaces sRGB and AdobeRGB are not covered by the display of the T440s; sRGB coverage is 69%, AdobeRGB coverage is 51%.
Color precision of the display is no point of concern. At delivery, the display has an average DeltaE-2000 deviation of 3.45. With that, it just misses the target (DeltaE-2000 less than 3). This value could not be improved through calibration. The display does not show any sign of blue cast.
Lenovo has equipped the ThinkPad with an IPS panel, which implies that the display can be read from almost every angle. Outdoor use also does not pose any problems, which is mainly due to the combination of matte surface, good brightness and high contrast.
Performance
With the ThinkPad T440s series, Lenovo offers a series of 14-inch business notebooks. They have all common characteristics of business notebooks, such as safety functions, TPM, docking port (last is not valid for all models). Our test device can be purchased for around 1600 Euros (~$2182). There are also less expensive variants available.
Processor
The ThinkPad uses a Core i7-4600U processor, which works at a basic speed of 2.1 GHz. Via Turbo, speed can be increased to 3 GHz (two cores) or 3.3 GHz (single core). The Core i7 is based on the Intel Haswell architecture and has a TDP of 17 Watts. The single-thread tests of the Cinebench benchmarks are processed with 3 GHz, multi-thread tests with 2.6 to 2.7 GHz. Thus, multi-thread applications do not allow for full processing power. The test device behaves similarly off mains and battery operation.
System Performance
A powerful processor in combination with the SSD make sure the system runs smoothly and very fast. Windows boots immediately. Consequently, ratings of the PC Mark benchmarks are positive.
| PCMark 7 Score | 4746 points | |
| PCMark 8 Home Score Accelerated v2 | 2757 points | |
| PCMark 8 Creative Score Accelerated v2 | 2684 points | |
| PCMark 8 Work Score Accelerated v2 | 3826 points | |
Help | ||
| PCMark 8 - Work Score Accelerated v2 (sort by value) | |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T440s 20AQ006BGE | |
| Fujitsu LifeBook E744 | |
| SCHENKER S403 FHD GT745M (W840SN) | |
Storage Devices
For its ThinkPad, Lenovo uses a Samsung SSD with a capacity of 256 GB. It shows good transfer rates, but the sequential write rate is considerably lower than for other top ultrabooks.
| Lenovo ThinkPad T440s 20AQ006BGE GeForce GT 730M, 4600U, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD256HAFV | Fujitsu LifeBook E744 HD Graphics 4600, 4702MQ, Samsung SSD PM851 256 GB MZ7TE256HMHP | Lenovo Thinkpad T440s 20AQ0069GE HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD2560/0L9 | Acer TravelMate P645-MG-74508G75tkk Radeon HD 8750M, 4500U, Toshiba THNSNJ256GMCT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AS SSD | 9% | -11% | -23% | |
| Seq Read | 516 | 513 -1% | 488.7 -5% | 479.7 -7% |
| Seq Write | 227.5 | 254.7 12% | 247.9 9% | 442.3 94% |
| 4K Read | 30.12 | 33.31 11% | 24.18 -20% | 13.1 -57% |
| 4K Write | 109.9 | 98.2 -11% | 56.4 -49% | 41.63 -62% |
| 4K-64 Read | 355.1 | 368.5 4% | 362.6 2% | 386.7 9% |
| 4K-64 Write | 183.8 | 196.3 7% | 217.9 19% | 148.5 -19% |
| Access Time Read * | 0.223 | 0.096 57% | 0.1 55% | 0.179 20% |
| Access Time Write * | 0.031 | 0.033 -6% | 0.062 -100% | 0.081 -161% |
* ... smaller is better
Graphics Card
The ThinkPad has two graphics cores: the Intel HD Graphics 4400 GPU and the GeForce GT 730M graphics core. The Intel GPU deals with everyday applications and times when running on battery power. The GeForce is used for more demanding applications such as computer games. Both cores support at least DirectX 11. The GeForce core belongs to the GPU mid class. Lenovo, however, cuts the GeForce core by its Turbo, probably to assure sufficient cooling of all components. Thus, the graphics chip works at 718.5 MHz maximum. In any case, it is superior to the integrated GPUs of the other ThinkPad models; in comparison to the GT 730M chips (unrestricted), the T440s lags by 15% during this test.
| 3DMark 06 Standard Score | 8982 points | |
| 3DMark 11 Performance | 1647 points | |
| 3DMark Ice Storm Standard Score | 41007 points | |
| 3DMark Cloud Gate Standard Score | 5627 points | |
| 3DMark Fire Strike Score | 986 points | |
Help | ||
Gaming Performance
The ThinkPad is not designed for gamers. Nevertheless, it can handle many computer games and can run them smoothly with HD resolution (1366x768 pixels) and average quality settings. Compared to both T440s models that we have already tested, the new model is clearly superior.
| low | med. | high | ultra | |
| Dirt Showdown (2012) | 51 | 32.4 | 19.7 | |
| Hitman: Absolution (2012) | 48.3 | 30.4 | 19.2 | |
| Tomb Raider (2013) | 83.6 | 41.8 | 24.4 | |
| StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm (2013) | 223.7 | 82.1 | 42.7 | 15.3 |
| BioShock Infinite (2013) | 65.1 | 34.8 | 29.4 | 10.4 |
| Splinter Cell: Blacklist (2013) | 46.2 | 33.7 | 14.6 | |
| Saints Row IV (2013) | 47.2 | 36 | 14.1 | |
| The Bureau: XCOM Declassified (2013) | 43.5 | 35.8 | 23.3 | |
| Total War: Rome II (2013) | 49 | 38.5 | 31.1 | 9.4 |
| F1 2013 (2013) | 110 | 75 | 63 | 26 |
| Batman: Arkham Origins (2013) | 85 | 52 | 22 | |
| Assassin´s Creed IV: Black Flag (2013) | 33.3 | 23.7 | 13.3 | |
| Thief (2014) | 24.8 | 14.6 | 12 | |
| The Elder Scrolls Online (2014) | 79.4 | 41.8 | 24.6 | |
| Wolfenstein: The New Order (2014) | 38.1 | 33.3 | 14.3 | |
| Watch Dogs (2014) | 35.5 | 21.9 | 6.2 | |
| GRID: Autosport (2014) | 155.1 | 53.8 | 25.2 | 13 |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T440s 20AQ006BGE GeForce GT 730M, 4600U, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD256HAFV | Acer TravelMate P645-MG-74508G75tkk Radeon HD 8750M, 4500U, Toshiba THNSNJ256GMCT | Dell Latitude E6440 Radeon HD 8690M, 4300M, Seagate ST500LM000 Solid State Hybrid Drive | SCHENKER S403 FHD GT745M (W840SN) GeForce GT 745M, 4200U, Crucial M500 120 GB CT120M500SSD3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomb Raider | -19% | |||
| 1024x768 Low Preset | 83.6 | 59.9 -28% | ||
| 1366x768 Normal Preset AA:FX AF:4x | 41.8 | 33.6 -20% | ||
| 1366x768 High Preset AA:FX AF:8x | 24.4 | 22.1 -9% | ||
| Total War: Rome II | -20% | |||
| 1024x768 Low Preset | 49 | 41 -16% | ||
| 1366x768 Medium Preset | 38.5 | 32 -17% | ||
| 1366x768 High Preset | 31.1 | 23 -26% | ||
| Thief | 31% | |||
| 1024x768 Very Low Preset | 24.8 | 27.9 13% | ||
| 1366x768 Normal Preset AA:FX | 14.6 | 19.9 36% | ||
| 1366x768 High Preset AA:FXAA & Low SS AF:4x | 12 | 17.1 43% | ||
| Total Average (Program / Settings) | -20% /
-20% | -19% /
-19% | 31% /
31% |
Emissions
System Noise
Even though the ThinkPad is equipped with a dedicated GPU, it does not generate more noise than the previous models that we tested (20AQS00500 and 20AQ0069GE). Thumbs up for that. In Idle-mode, the notebook is almost inaudible. The fan is practically silent the whole time. Of course, the fan has to work for tasks that require more processing. We could not determine excessive noise generation. The continuous low-frequency whooshing is clearly audible, but not disturbing. Under mid (3D Mark 06 is running) and full load (stress test, Prime95 and FurMark are running) we measure sound pressure levels of 31.8 and 35.6 dB(A), respectively.
Noise Level
| Idle |
| 28.2 / 28.2 / 28.2 dB(A) |
| Load |
| 31.8 / 35.6 dB(A) |
 | ||
30 dB silent 40 dB(A) audible 50 dB(A) loud |
||
min:  , med:  , max:  Voltcraft sl-300 (15 cm distance) | ||
| Lenovo ThinkPad T440s 20AQ006BGE GeForce GT 730M, 4600U, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD256HAFV | Lenovo Thinkpad T440s 20AQ0069GE HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD2560/0L9 | Lenovo ThinkPad T440s 20AQ-S00500 HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630 | Acer TravelMate P645-MG-74508G75tkk Radeon HD 8750M, 4500U, Toshiba THNSNJ256GMCT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Noise | -0% | -5% | -12% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 28.2 | 28 1% | 29.8 -6% | 31.2 -11% |
| Idle Average * | 28.2 | 28 1% | 29.8 -6% | 31.3 -11% |
| Idle Maximum * | 28.2 | 29.8 -6% | 29.8 -6% | 32.1 -14% |
| Load Average * | 31.8 | 32.9 -3% | 34.8 -9% | 35.1 -10% |
| Load Maximum * | 35.6 | 33.4 6% | 35.4 1% | 41.2 -16% |
* ... smaller is better
Temperature
Since the fan of the ThinkPad does not turn any faster than the previously tested T440s models (20AQS00500 and 20AQ0069GE), it heats up more. After all, the GeForce core is another cause for heat generation. During the stress test, the 40 °C (104 °F) level is reached at several measuring points.
The stress test (Prime95 and FurMark are running for at least one hour) shows a similar result during mains operation and when running on battery only. The CPU is working at 2.1 to 2.2 GHz. The graphics core is working constantly at full speed (718.5 MHz). The CPU temperature levels off at 82 °C (179.6 °F) during mains operation.
(-) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 46.2 °C / 115 F, compared to the average of 34.2 °C / 94 F, ranging from 21.2 to 62.5 °C for the class Office.
(±) The bottom heats up to a maximum of 43.5 °C / 110 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 28.1 °C / 83 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(±) The palmrests and touchpad can get very hot to the touch with a maximum of 37.9 °C / 100.2 F.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (-10.2 °C / -18.3 F).
| Lenovo ThinkPad T440s 20AQ006BGE GeForce GT 730M, 4600U, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD256HAFV | Lenovo Thinkpad T440s 20AQ0069GE HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD2560/0L9 | Lenovo ThinkPad T440s 20AQ-S00500 HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630 | Acer TravelMate P645-MG-74508G75tkk Radeon HD 8750M, 4500U, Toshiba THNSNJ256GMCT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heat | 12% | 13% | -9% | |
| Maximum Upper Side * | 46.2 | 36 22% | 34.6 25% | 50.1 -8% |
| Maximum Bottom * | 43.5 | 37.4 14% | 35.7 18% | 52.7 -21% |
| Idle Upper Side * | 29.4 | 27.8 5% | 27 8% | 32.2 -10% |
| Idle Bottom * | 29.8 | 27.8 7% | 29.2 2% | 28.9 3% |
* ... smaller is better
Energy Management
Power Consumption
In Idle-mode, the T440s requires the same amount of power as the other two models (20AQS00500 and 20AQ0069GE). As soon as the GeForce graphics core has to work as well, energy intake increases, too. Nevertheless, power demand stays within acceptable limits.
| Off / Standby | 0 / 0.1 Watt |
| Idle | 3.8 / 7 / 9.5 Watt |
| Load |
37.7 / 57.9 Watt |
   
| |
| Lenovo ThinkPad T440s 20AQ006BGE GeForce GT 730M, 4600U, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD256HAFV | Lenovo Thinkpad T440s 20AQ0069GE HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD2560/0L9 | Lenovo ThinkPad T440s 20AQ-S00500 HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630 | Acer TravelMate P645-MG-74508G75tkk Radeon HD 8750M, 4500U, Toshiba THNSNJ256GMCT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power Consumption | 14% | 14% | -20% | |
| Idle Minimum * | 3.8 | 3.4 11% | 4.1 -8% | 5.9 -55% |
| Idle Average * | 7 | 7.5 -7% | 7.8 -11% | 9.2 -31% |
| Idle Maximum * | 9.5 | 8.5 11% | 8.7 8% | 10.4 -9% |
| Load Average * | 37.7 | 27.5 27% | 26.9 29% | 41.1 -9% |
| Load Maximum * | 57.9 | 42.2 27% | 27.4 53% | 56.6 2% |
* ... smaller is better
Battery Life
In Idle-mode, both batteries last for 14:16 h. For the TravelMate, it is around four hours less (10:15 h). Idle-mode is tested via the Battery Eater Reader’s test. Display brightness is set at lowest brightness, energy-saver mode is activated and the wireless modules are deactivated. Under load, the T440s stops working after 1:27 h. The TravelMate (2:08 h) lasts longer. Battery life under load is determined with the Battery Eater Classic test. The display is set at maximum brightness; high-performance mode and wireless modules are activated.
The ThinkPad finishes the Wi-Fi test after 5:06 h. Again, the TravelMate lasts longer (6:46 h). During this test, websites are automatically accessed in a 40-second interval. Energy-saver mode is activated and display brightness is set to around 150 cd/m².
Overall, the T440s has a good battery life. It does not reach exactly the values of the ThinkPad T440s 20AQS00500 (no dedicated GPU). Both notebooks have the same battery equipment: an integrated 24 Wh battery and an exchangeable 24 Wh battery. Both models cannot compete with the ThinkPad T440s 20AQ0069GE (no dedicated GPU). Instead of a 24 Wh external battery, a 72 Wh battery is used. Hence, it lasts twice as long. If the two models were equipped with such a battery, similar endurance could be achieved.
| Lenovo ThinkPad T440s 20AQ006BGE GeForce GT 730M, 4600U, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD256HAFV | Lenovo Thinkpad T440s 20AQ0069GE HD Graphics 4400, 4600U, Samsung SSD 840 250GB MZ7TD2560/0L9 | Lenovo ThinkPad T440s 20AQ-S00500 HD Graphics 4400, 4200U, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630 | Acer TravelMate P645-MG-74508G75tkk Radeon HD 8750M, 4500U, Toshiba THNSNJ256GMCT | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Runtime | 134% | 7% | 17% | |
| Reader / Idle | 856 | 1695 98% | 668 -22% | 615 -28% |
| WiFi | 306 | 750 145% | 357 17% | 406 33% |
| Load | 87 | 225 159% | 109 25% | 128 47% |
Verdict
The ThinkPad T440s 20Aq006BGE is almost identically equipped as the ThinkPad T440s 20AQ0069GE (Core i7-4600U, HD Graphics 4400). The notebook has a bright and high in contrast full HD IPS panel, a powerful processor, a fast SSD and a very good keyboard. Good battery life and low noise generation add to the list. A 3G modem allows for mobile Internet connection.
Graphics performance is significantly improved by the GeForce graphics core, which does not affect battery life and noise generation negatively. However, the ThinkPad heats up more and needs more power. Unfortunately, a docking port could not be integrated due to the graphics core. Potential customers have to ask themselves whether a docking port or a dedicated graphics chip is more important.
