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Review Update Lenovo ThinkPad T430s Notebook

More power! Having already taken a close look at the cheap US version of the ThinkPad T430s, we now turn to the high end configuration with a Core i7 processor and a 180 GB SSD. Can Lenovo justify a price of over 1700 Euros (~$2200) for its business athlete?

ThinkPad - this brand name is no longer only known by hardcore insiders and is now synonymous with business device excellence.

Regardless of this tradition, Lenovo's development has in no way slowed down: every year the model range undergoes a more or less comprehensive update, which should further improve on the already great qualities. A short time ago we took a look at the 2012 alternative of the 14-inch format, namely the slim ThinkPad T430s, and put it through a detailed test.

In addition to that article, we now want to take a second look at the over 1700 Euros (~$2200) top model (N1RGCGE) of the series, which we bought directly from a shop. Instead of a Core i5-3320M, there is a high end dual core Core i7-3520M at its disposal, the traditional hard drive is exchanged for a 180 GB SSD and a UMTS module has already been installed at the factory. Unfortunately, the Nvidia graphics card (NVS 5200M) available with other configurations is not available; meaning the integrated Intel GPU from the processor has to take on the work.

A comparison with the corresponding competition from HP and Dell - the EliteBook 8470p and the Latitude E6430s respectively - is not possible here and sadly that is our fault, since we haven't had the chance to get those models into our test lab for a review (tests being planned). Because of this, this test will be referenced to the predecessor T420s and also the big brother T430.

Case

Stale appearance meets with proven quality
Stale appearance meets with proven quality

Simple, straightforward, functional - the T430s fits seamlessly into the classic form and design language of the ThinkPad family. The now somewhat dusty appearance should not distract us from the inner qualities of the notebook: with a chassis made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) and magnesium, Lenovo relies on high quality and high tech materials. Despite the reduced thickness in comparison to the T430 (26 mm instead of 30 mm), the stability of the base unit and the display lid is very convincing. In conjunction with the clam shell frame and the solid metal hinges, the T430s is also well prepared for unfavorable environmental conditions.

Because we couldn't notice any manufacturing defects or other problems with our test model, we want to save on a new description with specific details - you can find all of these details in our first article for the ThinkPad T430s.

Connectivity

The predecessor model T420s had to make do with only one USB 3.0 port, but there are now two of them. Furthermore, there is also a USB 2.0 port with a 'Sleep and Charge' function, meaning the port still provides power when the laptop is turned off - so something like a smartphone can be charged over night.

Another innovation is seen with the connection of external displays: the integrated HD 4000 can run up to 3 monitors for the first time - theoretically it would be possible for the simultaneous operation of the notebook display as well as two external displays through VGA and Thunderbolt / Mini Display port (Core i5 version: Mini-Display port instead of Thunderbolt). We have asked Lenovo to confirm this assumption and we will update the article accordingly.

In the case that the provided interfaces do not suffice, the T430s can be expanded through the use of the docking station connector on the underside. The Mini Dock Plus Series 3 is available for about 150 Euros (~$194), which offers a number of other connections.

Front side: no ports
Front side: no ports
Left side: USB 3.0, Headset port, card reader
Left side: USB 3.0, Headset port, card reader
Rear side: power connector, GBit-LAN, USB 3.0, Thunderbolt, powered USB 2.0, VGA
Rear side: power connector, GBit-LAN, USB 3.0, Thunderbolt, powered USB 2.0, VGA
Right side: DVD burner, Kensington Lock
Right side: DVD burner, Kensington Lock
Satisfactory 720p Webcam
Satisfactory 720p Webcam

Communication

As with its sibling model, our test candidate comes with Intel's WLAN adapter Centrino Advanced-N 6205 in Mini PCIe form factor. With Multistream technology (2x2) up- and download gross transfer rates up to 300 MBit/s can be reached. In addition to the conventional 2.4 GHz, the device also supports the more exotic 5 GHz band (802.11a/b/g/n).

Next to WLAN and Bluetooth 4.0, the T430s-N1RGCGE also has an integrated WWAN module with the standard setup. LTE is unfortunately not supported by the Ericsson H5321gw, but the maximum possibility of 21.6 MBit/s (5.76 MBit/s Upload) in good UMTS networks with HSPA+-expansion leaves nothing to complain about. Useful: with a hardware switch attached to the side of the device, all wireless connections can be easily (de-)activated.

Security

The T430s has its own interesting security features, which are aimed at business customers. With a fingerprint scanner and a Kensington Lock the notebook provides protection against unauthorized access and theft respectively. Should  the notebook be lost, the user can lock the ThinkPad remotely or destroy sensitive Data (Intel Anti Theft, Computrace). Further options are enabled through the already installed, although optionally deactivated, TPM chip, which, as an example, can be used for safe drive encryption with Windows Bitlocker (or similar programs).

Maintenance

The most important hardware components of the notebook can be reached with minimal effort and swapped out. Under the two screws of the maintenance panel are the two RAM slots (of which one is free), the WLAN module and also the WWAN module. Warning: the retrofitting of an mSATA SSD is only viable for models without mobile service! Another cover to the front left side of the notebook allows for the hard drive (2.5-inch, 7 mm) to be removed. For the Ultrabay slot, which is occupied by a DVD burner from the factory, there are also further expansions, such as an extra battery (3-cell, 31 Wh).

Warranty

Customers receive a 3 year manufacturer guarantee from Lenovo, where most others only give out a 1 or 2 year warranty for the quality of their products, this is a real highlight. If necessary, other service packs are available, extending the warranty time to 4 (about 120 Euros, ~$155) or 5 years (about 180 Euros, ~$232).

Input Devices

Keyboard, Touchpad and Trackpoint - this trio, called UltraNav by Lenovo, has been a hallmark of the ThinkPad series for years. Our detailed analysis can be found in previous tests of the T430s and also the T430. To put it simply: the high quality of all three input devices provides little room for criticism and are more than enough for a business device in this price range.

Keyboard
Keyboard
Touchpad and Trackpoint
Touchpad and Trackpoint

Display

In Germany the T430s is only offered with a matte WXGA++ Display (1600x900 pixels), which our US colleagues have already had the chance to take a close look at.  With the 14-inch diagonal screen size, the display has a pixel density of a pleasing 131 DPI, which in our eyes makes sense as a compromise between font size and working area.

Lenovo advertises the display with a brightness of 250 cd/m² (WXGA Version: 200 cd/m²), which our Xrite i1 Pro 2 measuring device (previous tests: Gossen Mavo Monitor) confirmed as nearly exact with an average of 252 cd/m².  What is peculiar here is the extremely uneven illumination - the bottom of the display emits almost 100 cd/m² brighter than the top. This is subjective, and can be a result of normal production variances. It's not that worrying and probably wouldn't even be noticed by most customers.

215
cd/m²
209
cd/m²
212
cd/m²
263
cd/m²
280
cd/m²
252
cd/m²
265
cd/m²
303
cd/m²
265
cd/m²
Distribution of brightness
Lenovo LTN140KT03401 tested with X-Rite i1Pro 2
Maximum: 303 cd/m² (Nits) Average: 251.6 cd/m²
Brightness Distribution: 69 %
Center on Battery: 280 cd/m²
Contrast: 200:1 (Black: 1.4 cd/m²)38.49% AdobeRGB 1998 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
55.6% sRGB (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)
37.61% Display P3 (Argyll 2.2.0 3D)

Thanks to a somewhat better black level (1.4 cd/m²) our test model reaches a contrast ratio of 200:1, which is still really on the level of cheaper TN panels. Together with the not so significantly improved color range, the images produced remain pale as with the predecessor T420 or the T430.

T430s vs. AdobeRGB (t)
T430s vs. AdobeRGB (t)
T430s vs. sRGB (t)
T430s vs. sRGB (t)
T430s vs. T430 (t)
T430s vs. T430 (t)
T430s vs. T420s (t)
T430s vs. T420s (t)
Outdoors
Outdoors

The display has won some serious points from us here: thanks to the constant brightness (which also remains steady while on battery power) and a non reflective surface, the T430s can be used outside, even with direct sunlight - something that not many ultrabooks manage to achieve.

As we expected, our test model confirmed the poor viewing angles that we have already had to criticize in the past. The ThinkPad is clearly aimed at customers who normally use the notebook alone and from a straight on perspective. From even slight movement above or below the screen the result is clear image deterioration.

Viewing angles of the Lenovo ThinkPad T430s
Viewing angles of the Lenovo ThinkPad T430s

Finally, we take a look at the signal quality of the analog VGA output. While sharpness and  image reproduction leaves us with a comparatively good impression even while at high resolutions, the slight ghosting (double images on the horizontal plane) is a less positive aspect.

Performance

3.6 GHz maximum turbo clock speed
3.6 GHz maximum turbo clock speed

Lenovo offers the T430s with two different Intel processors: the first is an entry level model Core i5-3320m, and the second variant is the faster Core i7-3520M. The latter is currently the fastest dual core processor on the market and comes from the Ivy Bridge generation. For better performance the Core i7 relies on not only Hyper Threading technology, but also the powerful Turbo Boost, which can raise the base clock speed of 2.9 GHz up to an impressive 3.6 GHz (2 cores 3.4 GHz). With a TDP of 35 watts the modern 22 nanometer process produced CPU fits perfectly into an office notebook of this size.

Our T430s-N1RGCGE has to pass on the optionally offered Nvidia NVS 5200M (including Optimus support), instead the processor integrated HD Graphics 4000 is responsible for the graphical output. Although Intel has made great progress in the graphics area in the last few years, this setup should result in clearly reduced 3D performance - as even the HD 4000 resides in the low end segment for graphics.

Considering the purchase price, the manufacturer has been somewhat restrained when it comes to the working memory, fitting the ThinkPad with only 4 GB of DDR3-1600. Because there is only one module, the RAM works in single channel mode, which reduces the graphical performance by several percentage points. A particular highlight is the 180 GB sized SSD, which we cover in more detail further below.

Systeminfo CPUZ CPU
Systeminfo CPUZ Cache
Systeminfo CPUZ Mainboard
Systeminfo CPUZ RAM
Systeminfo CPUZ RAM SPD
Systeminfo GPUZ
Systeminfo HWInfo
DPC Latenzen
System information Lenovo ThinkPad T430s

Processor

We begin with the processor. The Core i7-3520M is also installed in the sibling model T430 and the T530, and has already been through our test course multiple times. Can the slim T430s also take full advantage of the CPU power?

It can: even at constant utilization of all 4 threads (two core including SMT) in Cinebench R11.5 (64 bit), the Core i7 holds its maximum turbo clock speed of 3.4 GHz, which resulted in an excellent score of 3.37 points. With single threading an additional 200 MHz is added on, which raises the 3520M to striking distance of quad core models such as the Core i7-3720QM.

Speaking of quad core: with the Core i7-3612QM, as well as the 3632QM, Intel also offers a quad core in the 35 watt TDP class for the first time. Unfortunately, with these models, important features like VT-d or vPro are deactivated, which hinders application in a Lenovo business notebook. It's a shame - in accordance with the parallel software, this could raise the already excellent performance a further 60 to 70%.

Don't forget we also want the comparison between the i7-3520M and the i5-3320M: with less than 10% more power for the significantly more expensive Core i7, the customer should think very carefully about whether or not the smaller model would suffice.

Cinebench R10 Rendering Single 32Bit
4903
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 32Bit
10568
Cinebench R10 Shading 32Bit
5534
Cinebench R10 Rendering Single CPUs 64Bit
6143 Points
Cinebench R10 Rendering Multiple CPUs 64Bit
12831 Points
Cinebench R10 Shading 64Bit
5573 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Single 64Bit
1.46 Points
Cinebench R11.5 CPU Multi 64Bit
3.37 Points
Cinebench R11.5 OpenGL 64Bit
14.07 fps
Help

Storage Devices

AS-SSD-Benchmark
AS-SSD-Benchmark

A fast SSD belongs without a doubt in a high end notebook, the corresponding advantages for every day performance are a lot stronger than those from the processor or other components. Lenovo hasn't just chosen any model here, but rather Intel's SSD 520, a particularly quick and reliable example of an SSD. Under the hood it is handled through the  internally developed SandForce-SF-2281-Controllers, which are also used by other manufacturers such as OCZ and Corsair.

Depending on the program, the sequential transfer rates of 450 MB/s with reading and 250 MB/s with writing bring the SSD 520 on par with the popular Samsung SSD 830. Also in the other measurements, both drives are hard to separate: with small 4K data Intel's SSD can slightly break away, while the copy benchmark in AS SSD goes in favor of Samsung.

One thing is for certain: the SSD 520 is currently one of the best products on the market, and with a capacity of 180 GB (144 GB usable) should be sufficiently enough sized for most purposes.

Intel SSD 520 Series SSDSC2BW180A3L
Transfer Rate Minimum: 201.8 MB/s
Transfer Rate Maximum: 360.1 MB/s
Transfer Rate Average: 313.5 MB/s
Access Time: 0.1 ms
Burst Rate: 227.4 MB/s
CPU Usage: 1 %

System Performance

Thanks to the combination of the powerful processor and SSD, the ThinkPad possesses the tools necessary to excel in the system performance benchmarks of the PCMark series. It performs the tests with impressive results: 14,503 points in PCMark Vantage and 4519 points in PCMark 7 outdo all of our already tested office notebooks. The T430s tested by our US editors, which was equipped with a traditional hard drive, has to face defeat with scores of just under 50% less.

With normal office tasks our test model is left unchallenged and begging for a chance to use its available power reserves for more demanding software.

5.1
Windows 7 Experience Index
Processor
Calculations per second
7.2
Memory (RAM)
Memory operations per second
5.9
Graphics
Desktop performance for Windows Aero
5.1
Gaming graphics
3D business and gaming graphics
6.4
Primary hard disk
Disk data transfer rate
7.9
PCMark Vantage Result
14503 points
PCMark 7 Score
4519 points
Help

Graphics Card

Depending on the CPU model, the frequency of the HD Graphics 4000 can clearly variate: in the case of the Core i7-3520M, the 16 executions are clocked at 650 MHz, furthermore a Turbo speed to a maximum of 1250 MHz is available.

Despite the sub-optimal single channel connection, we found a result of 646 points in 3DMark 11 (performance preset) - a typical value for the HD 4000, but middle class graphics solutions such as the GeForce GT 640M are already three times as fast. Moreover, when compared with AMD and Nvidia, there needs to be further improvement of drive quality, even if Intel has been able to catch up somewhat in the last few years. Multimedia tasks such as accelerated decoding and encoding (Quick Sync) of videos are easily handled by the card.

3DMark 06 Standard Score
4504 points
3DMark Vantage P Result
3184 points
3DMark 11 Performance
646 points
Help

CAD Performance

A really interesting comparison is the juxtaposition of the HD 4000 with the NVS accelerator  from Nvidia in the CAD benchmark SPECviewperf 11. With the exception of the first two tests where the Intel Graphics solution does not at all (Catia) or only extremely slowly (Ensight) manage the benchmark, the results are surprisingly competitive. This is probably because Nvidia only offers special optimized professional drivers for the more expensive Quadro cards, and all other models - so not only for the GeForce series for consumers, but also the semi professional NVS cards - do not have this available.

Lenovo ThinkPad T430s
HD Graphics 4000, 3520M, Intel SSD 520 Series SSDSC2BW180A3L
Lenovo ThinkPad T430s
NVS 5200M, 3320M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
Lenovo ThinkPad T430
NVS 5400M, 3520M, Hitachi Travelstar Z7K500 HTS725050A7E630
SPECviewperf 11
82%
75%
1920x1080 Siemens NX
1.4
2.52
80%
2.32
66%
1920x1080 Tcvis
2.27
0.84
-63%
0.88
-61%
1920x1080 SolidWorks
8.2
6.27
-24%
7.86
-4%
1920x1080 Pro/ENGINEER
1.35
1.12
-17%
1.15
-15%
1920x1080 Maya
10.4
7.53
-28%
7.9
-24%
1920x1080 Lightwave
11.89
13.18
11%
12.58
6%
1920x1080 Ensight
1.73
12.41
617%
11.31
554%
1920x1080 Catia
4.61
4.53

Gaming Performance

Battlefield 3 overstrains the Intel GPU.
Battlefield 3 overstrains the Intel GPU.

A ThinkPad is designed for many different tasks, but gaming is not one of those things. Just like the questionable record of the theoretical tests has already shown, the HD Graphics 4000 falls far behind dedicated graphics cards and stay as just an entry level solution.

Anyway, if you are happy enough with minimum quality settings and a maximum resolution of 1024x768 pixels, games such as Anno 2070 or Diablo 3 are fluently playable with speeds of a good 40 fps. The fifth installment of the Elder Scrolls saga, Skyrim, stays at least playable with just under 30 fps.

Only the most demanding games like Battlefield 3 end in a less entertaining slide show  - a hard to overcome limitation for a business notebook.

low med. high ultra
Battlefield 3 (2011) 15.7 12.2
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (2011) 27.6 14
Anno 2070 (2011) 42.8 21.9 13.9
Diablo III (2012) 45.9 26.5 21.4

Emissions

Noise Emissions

In comparison to our last test,  the cooling system is somewhat more sensible and acts completely passive only when absolutely idle. Simple operations like surfing the internet or video playback raise the fan in levels up to a good noise volume of 35 dB(A). With the subjectively pleasing frequency characteristics, the T430s stays quite tolerable, even with longer use.

In 3DMark 06 the ThinkPad is more noticeable with a maximum noise of 37.2 dB(A). While under a full load, where we could measure a volume of 40.6 dB(A), the fan is not the biggest noise culprit of the notebook: the real blame rests on the optical drive, which blasts out a noise level of 45.9 dB(A) with DVD playback - film fans won't be getting their money's worth.

Temperature

Stress test
Stress test

With normal every day use there is no detectable significant heating of the case - sophisticated energy saving features of the processor ensure that the energy consumption and therefore heat dissipation is kept to a minimum while in idle mode. Therefore, the top and bottom sides both have temperatures resting around 30 °C, which allows for use on your lap without problems.

This is also true in principle while under heavy loads. Only around the fan outlet does the thermometer reach a value of between 40 to 45 °C, but aside from that, the ThinkPad is not excessively heated. Thanks to the rather cool palm rests, the user is not at all disturbed while working.

The only real heat source of the notebook is the Core i7-3520M, which after our hour long stress test of Prime95 and FurMark reached a temperature of just under 90 °C. Both the processor and the integrated graphics card stayed at their respective clock speeds of 3400 and 1250 MHz, which means a sufficient level of cooling. Customers of the ThinkPad don't have to waste any time worrying about throttling issues.

Max. Load
 40.2 °C
104 F
38.7 °C
102 F
31.7 °C
89 F
 
 37.1 °C
99 F
39.1 °C
102 F
31 °C
88 F
 
 32.3 °C
90 F
31 °C
88 F
30 °C
86 F
 
Maximum: 40.2 °C = 104 F
Average: 34.6 °C = 94 F
31.8 °C
89 F
42.1 °C
108 F
45.8 °C
114 F
31.1 °C
88 F
39 °C
102 F
38.6 °C
101 F
28.1 °C
83 F
31 °C
88 F
34.4 °C
94 F
Maximum: 45.8 °C = 114 F
Average: 35.8 °C = 96 F
Power Supply (max.)  57.3 °C = 135 F | Room Temperature 24 °C = 75 F | Voltcraft IR-360
(±) The average temperature for the upper side under maximal load is 34.6 °C / 94 F, compared to the average of 29.5 °C / 85 F for the devices in the class Office.
(±) The maximum temperature on the upper side is 40.2 °C / 104 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 45.8 °C / 114 F, compared to the average of 36.7 °C / 98 F
(+) In idle usage, the average temperature for the upper side is 30.1 °C / 86 F, compared to the device average of 29.5 °C / 85 F.
(+) The palmrests and touchpad are reaching skin temperature as a maximum (32.3 °C / 90.1 F) and are therefore not hot.
(-) The average temperature of the palmrest area of similar devices was 27.7 °C / 81.9 F (-4.6 °C / -8.2 F).

Speakers

As for the speakers, we have already covered them in our previous test so we will just refer to that. In short: for office use the small stereo speakers are adequate, for music or films the connection of an external sound system is recommended. This is possible through not only the audio jack (3.5 mm) but also through Thunderbolt (adapter to HDMI available from retailers).

Battery Life

Energy Consumption

With 7.5 to 12.1 watts the energy consumption in idle mode is not very surprising. Similar devices from other manufacturers can be a little bit more economical (Dell Latitude E6330),  or likewise there are models with somewhat higher power needs (HP EliteBook 8570p with dedicated graphics).

In relation to the maximum power usage of 57.1 watts in the stress test, Lenovo has made the power adapter overly sized at 90 watts. Under realistic conditions that may happen, such as in a 3D game, the energy usage is even smaller - in 3DMark 06 we could measure an average value of just 43.1 watts. Whoever opts for the model variant with an Nvidia graphics card should expect an extra 10 watts.

Power Consumption
Off / Standbydarklight 0.1 / 0.3 Watt
Idledarkmidlight 7.5 / 10.8 / 12.1 Watt
Load midlight 43.1 / 57.1 Watt
 color bar
Key: min: dark, med: mid, max: light        Voltcraft VC 940
Currently we use the Metrahit Energy, a professional single phase power quality and energy measurement digital multimeter, for our measurements. Find out more about it here. All of our test methods can be found here.

Battery Life

While the ThinkPad T430s can score points over the T430 when it comes to compact dimensions, it comes at the cost of part of the battery capacity. Instead of 57 or even 94 Wh the 6-cell battery of the T430s contains only 44 Wh; an extension of 31 Wh through the Ultrabay slot is only possible with the removal of the optical drive and is therefore not available for this test.

Despite these handicaps, our candidate is still very impressive in this area and confirms a time of over 7 hours in the Battery Eater Readers Test (energy saving mode, minimum brightness, wireless connections deactivated), which is almost at the manufacturer's claim (Lenovo: up to 7.6 hours). This test isn't fully relevant to practical use due to its minimal use of hardware power.

What is more relevant is our WLAN test (energy saving mode, 150 cd/m²), which simulates typical use of surfing the internet and playing HD videos. Amazingly, with a time of 4 hours and 37 minutes, this model outdoes the previous version by over 50% - wherein reason for these measurements may rest somewhat on Optimus, the automatic switching between two graphics cards.

While being burdened with the Battery Eater Classic Test (high performance, maximum brightness, wireless modules on) the notebook runs for as long as 1 hour and 12 minutes before running out of steam. In this case you should probably bring the power adapter along, which can recharge the battery within a good 2 hours. The full performance of the processor and graphics card remains fully available and unrestrained without the power adapter.

Maximum battery life (Readers Test)
Readers Test
Minimal runtime  (Classic Test)
Classic Test
Charging
Charging
Battery Runtime
Idle (without WLAN, min brightness)
7h 06min
WiFi Surfing
4h 37min
DVD
3h 07min
Load (maximum brightness)
1h 12min

Verdict

Lenovo ThinkPad T430s
Lenovo ThinkPad T430s

Other features, same verdict: we can repeat the same conclusion in a similar form from our first test. The ThinkPad T430s is an absolutely solid evolution from the predecessor and an interesting alternative to the T430. As for the quality of the case and input devices, there is very little to criticize, which would have surprised us very much if there was, considering the track record in question.

In terms of performance, it is less the costly i7 processor but rather the SSD which makes the real difference. Even a fast hard drive with 7200 rpm can't get anywhere near the working speed of flash memory, which reduces the start up time of Windows and applications to a fraction of what it would be.  All  of these factors turn the compact T430s into a complete work device - and when necessary, traveling with UMTS.

What remains is the wish for a better display and a bit of fine tuning on the fan control or the loud DVD optical drive. Overall, you can't go wrong with the purchase of a ThinkPad T430s - but Lenovo seems to know this fact too, and so sets a rather self confident price of over 1700 Euros (~$2200).

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In Review: Lenovo ThinkPad T430s
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Specifications

Lenovo ThinkPad T430s (ThinkPad T430 Series)
Processor
Intel Core i7-3520M 2 x 2.9 - 3.6 GHz (Intel Core i7)
Graphics adapter
Intel HD Graphics 4000, Core: 1250 MHz, Memory: 800 MHz, 8.15.10.2639
Memory
4 GB 
, 1x 4096 MByte Samsung DDR3-1600 CL11, 2 Slots
Display
14.00 inch 16:9, 1600 x 900 pixel, Lenovo LTN140KT03401, TN-Panel, LED-Backlight, glossy: no
Mainboard
Intel QS77 (Panther Point)
Storage
Intel SSD 520 Series SSDSC2BW180A3L, 180 GB 
Soundcard
Intel Panther Point PCH - High Definition Audio Controller
Connections
1 USB 2.0, 2 USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen1, 1 Thunderbolt, 1 VGA, 1 Kensington Lock, Audio Connections: Headset (3,5 Millimeter Klinke), Card Reader: 4-in-1 card reader (SD, SDHC, SDXC, MMC), 1 Fingerprint Reader
Networking
Intel 82579LM Gigabit Network Connection (10/100/1000MBit/s), Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205 (a/b/g/n = Wi-Fi 4/), Bluetooth 4.0, UMTS/HSPA+
Optical drive
MATSHITA DVD-RAM UJ8B2
Size
height x width x depth (in mm): 26 x 343 x 230 ( = 1.02 x 13.5 x 9.06 in)
Battery
44 Wh Lithium-Ion, 6 cell, 11,1 V
Operating System
Microsoft Windows 7 Professional 64 Bit
Camera
Webcam: 1.3 Megapixel
Additional features
Speakers: Stereo, 2x 1 Watt, Keyboard: Chiclet, Keyboard Light: yes, 90-Watt power adapter, quick start guide, ThinkVantage Tools, Norton Internet Security (trial version), Corel WinDVD, 36 Months Warranty
Weight
1.79 kg ( = 63.14 oz / 3.95 pounds), Power Supply: 435 g ( = 15.34 oz / 0.96 pounds)
Price
1750 Euro

 

Edgy, black and no frills:
Edgy, black and no frills:
After opening the maintenance panel on the underside...
After opening the maintenance panel on the underside...
the user has access to the most important hardware components.
the user has access to the most important hardware components.
A free RAM slot leaves room for an easy upgrade, ...
A free RAM slot leaves room for an easy upgrade, ...
but the wireless connections can also be swapped out if necessary.
but the wireless connections can also be swapped out if necessary.
The SIM card slot of the UMTS adapter is hidden in the battery compartment.
The SIM card slot of the UMTS adapter is hidden in the battery compartment.
All wireless connections can be deactivated with a switch.
All wireless connections can be deactivated with a switch.
As a storage solution Lenovo has chosen a slick Intel SSD.
As a storage solution Lenovo has chosen a slick Intel SSD.
In comparison to the T430, the battery is clearly smaller...
In comparison to the T430, the battery is clearly smaller...
with a capacity of just 44 Wh.
with a capacity of just 44 Wh.
The T430s is available with a Core i5 or Core i7 processor.
The T430s is available with a Core i5 or Core i7 processor.
for example the backlit keyboard.
for example the backlit keyboard.
This is the classic ThinkPad appearance.
This is the classic ThinkPad appearance.
The T430s is the slim brother of the T430.
The T430s is the slim brother of the T430.
Naturally the well know clam shell design...
Naturally the well know clam shell design...
as well as the metal hinges are included.
as well as the metal hinges are included.
You can open the display to a good 180 degrees.
You can open the display to a good 180 degrees.
Since the previous model, USB 3.0 comes standard, ...
Since the previous model, USB 3.0 comes standard, ...
but there is still a modern Thunderbolt port onboard.
but there is still a modern Thunderbolt port onboard.
Through the use of an optional docking station, more ports are available.
Through the use of an optional docking station, more ports are available.
The special features of the ThinkPad include great input devices, ...
The special features of the ThinkPad include great input devices, ...
When the power reserves give out after 4 hours, it's time to plug in the charger.
When the power reserves give out after 4 hours, it's time to plug in the charger.

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Review Lenovo ThinkPad Edge E431 Notebook
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Review Lenovo ThinkPad T431s Ultrabook
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Links

  • Tips for buying a notebook - notebookCHECK Purchase Advisory

  • Find the right notebook - notebookCHECK Hardware Guide

  • Display resolution comparison - DPI (grain size) of displays

  • Our test criteria
  • Manufacturer's information

Price Comparison

Pros

+Excellent wormanship and stability
+Excellent input devices
+Strong application performance
+High mobility
+Extensive connectivity options
+3 year warranty
 

Cons

-Dissapointing TN panel
-Very loud DVD drive
-Weak speakers
-High price

Shortcut

What we liked

The T430s combines strong performance hardware with high mobility and solid workmanship. Whoever doesn't want to be without a versatile work device will have a hard time finding a better alternative.

What we missed

You can search for weaknesses if you want: but it will be difficult to find any serious problems with the ThinkPad. Lenovo could optimize the fan control and install a better display - but apart from that, the T430s meets the high standards of a business device without big compromises.

What surprised us

Even without an additional Nvidia GPU, work with CAD programs like SolidWorks is possible; a sign of the advances that the Intel graphics solution has made in past years.

The competition

Traditionally, the sharpest competition to the ThinkPad comes from HP and Dell. How the EliteBook 8470p and the Latitude E6430s fare against the T430s will be shown in future tests. An alternative from the same manufacturer is the larger T430.

Rating

Lenovo ThinkPad T430s - 10/19/2012 v3(old)
Till Schönborn

Chassis
84%
Keyboard
89%
Pointing Device
88%
Connectivity
86%
Weight
89%
Battery
82%
Display
69%
Games Performance
68%
Application Performance
96%
Temperature
84%
Noise
85%
Add Points
85%
Average
84%
85%
Office - Weighted Average
Till Schönborn, 2012-10-25 (Update: 2019-04-30)