Editor’s Note: During the review process, we were able to test two different configurations of the Lenovo ThinkPad T410, one with Intel integrated graphics and another with a more expensive, more powerful Nvidia NVS 3100M discrete graphics card. Unless otherwise noted, all test results apply to the configuration with integrated graphics.
Lenovo’s ThinkPad T Series has long been known as the gold standard for business notebooks. The T410 is the latest 14.1-inch member of this family and, with its Core i5 CPU and sleek new design, this machine ($1269 as configured) elevates the line to new levels of performance.
Design
Last year, Lenovo slimmed down and jazzed up the traditional ThinkPad T Series design when it released the slimmer ThinkPad T400s. Now some of the most attractive elements of the T400s have made their way unto the T410, including the more angular shape of the sides, and the new keyboard / LCD light layout. This new look is more evolutionary than revolutionary, but it makes the system look much more modern and attractive.
The materials used in the T410’s chassis make it more durable and stylish at the same time. The chassis features a lid made from ABS plastic and a strong carbon-fiber reinforced plastic bottom. An internal roll cage helps protect the notebook from damage.
The T410 measures in at 13.1 x 9.4 x 1.3 inches, weighs 5.2 pounds with its standard 6-cell battery (the 9-cell extended battery will add 0.4 pounds), and is nearly equivalent in size and weight to the Lenovo ThinkPad T400 and the HP EliteBook 8440w. However, when we held the original ThinkPad T400 and then the new T410 in our hands, the T410 felt more compact and easier to carry. Perhaps the plastic bottom and more tapered edges gave us that impression.
