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The Lenovo ThinkPad T400s is a 2009 business laptop whose strongest reasons to buy used are its classic keyboard and TrackPoint, matte 16:10 screen, optical drive, legacy ports and Series 3 docking support. It is not a sensible choice for most people seeking a modern everyday laptop: its Core 2 Duo platform is old, and its battery life depends sharply on workload and the condition of the individual battery.
What the ThinkPad T400s was designed to offer
Lenovo introduced the T400s in June 2009 as a slimmer, lighter T-series notebook. Its launch options included Intel Core 2 Duo processors, up to a 128GB SSD or 250GB hard drive, a slim optical drive, DisplayPort and VGA, three USB ports, a fingerprint reader and TPM 1.2. Lenovo advertised “almost 6 hours of battery life,” and listed a U.S. launch price of $1,599. Lenovo/Microsoft Windows Experience Blog, June 2009.
Specifications of the tested configuration
ThinkPad T400s configurations varied. The following figures describe Notebookcheck’s review machine, not every T400s sold.
| Component | Notebookcheck configuration |
|---|---|
| Processor | Intel Core 2 Duo SP9600, 2.5GHz |
| Graphics | Intel GMA 4500MHD |
| Memory | 4GB DDR3-1066 |
| Storage | 128GB Samsung SSD |
| Display | 14.1-inch matte panel, 1440×900 resolution |
| Ports and slots | Three USB 2.0, VGA, DisplayPort, eSATA and 5-in-1 card reader |
| Other features | Fingerprint reader and optical drive |
| Battery | 44Wh six-cell battery |
| Dimensions and weight | 31×337×241mm; 1.75kg (3.86lb), as measured on the tested unit |
Notebookcheck’s full T400s review and test results cover the configuration and measurements.
#1 Best Overall
- Specification: Battery type:Li-ion Voltage:10.8V Capacity:72Wh Cells：6cell. Rrecharge cycles:500; The battery is durable and has overcurrent protection, anti-overcharge, anti-overdischarge and temperature control functions.
- Compatible With Part Number: 01AV423 4X50M08810 01AV422 SB10K97579 SB10K97580 01AV424 SB10K97581 01AV452 SB10K97597 01AV490 SB10K97581 SB10K97597 SB10K97582 SB10K97583 SB10K585 SB10K97584 SB10K97585 SB10K97661 TP00088A SL10P41432 4X50M08812.
- Compatible With Lenovo Lenovo ThinkPad T470 T480 T570 T580 P51S P52S A475 A485 TP25 Series
- Compatible With P51s,P52S,T470,T480,T570,T580,TP25,(NOT fit for the T460S T470S T480S P51 or T470P and T570p laptop)
- Security & Reliability: Our batteries are assembled from top quality material and circuit boards to ensure fast charges and low power consumption, 100% New from Manufacturer, Overcharge and Overdischarge Circuit Protection, Over-temperature and Short-circuit Protection, up to 500 recharge cycles over the life of the battery, meet OEM standard.
Battery life: why the published figures differ
There is no single runtime that applies to every T400s. Lenovo’s launch claim, a light-load lab test and a review’s real-use result describe different conditions; a used machine’s battery health adds another variable.
| Figure | What it means |
|---|---|
| “Almost 6 hours” | Lenovo’s advertised estimate at launch in 2009; not a guarantee for every configuration or workload. Lenovo/Microsoft Windows Experience Blog |
| 432 minutes (7 hours 12 minutes) | Notebookcheck’s BatteryEater Reader test, a light-load test on its reviewed configuration with a 44Wh battery. This is not a typical mixed-use promise. Notebookcheck |
| 2 hours 11 minutes | Wired’s review test result; the cited figure reflects that review’s conditions and should not be treated as a universal runtime. Wired, 2009 |
For a used purchase, ask how long the specific battery lasts under the tasks you expect to do, or budget for a replacement. Old advertised and test results cannot establish the health of a battery in a machine being sold today.
Rank #2
- Specification: 61 Battery; type:Li-ion; Voltage:11.4V; Capacity: 24Wh; Cells：3cell; Recharge cycles:500; The battery is durable and has overcurrent protection, anti-overcharge, anti-overdischarge and temperature control functions.
- COMPATIBLE PART NUMBERS: SB10K97580 SB10K97579 SB10K97581 SB10K97597 4X50M08810 01AV422 01AV423 01AV424 01AV452 01AV490 61; (Also compatible with 48Wh 4400mAh 01AV425 61+ battery and 72Wh 6272mAh 4X50M08812 61++ battery )
- COMPATIBLE LAPTOP MODELS: For Lenovo ThinkPad A485 T470 T570 T480 T580 P51S P52S TP25 X260 Series. ( Note: this battery will NoT fit for Lenovo ThinkPad T460s T470s T480s series)
- Security & Reliability: Our batteries are assembled from top quality material and circuit boards to ensure fast charges and low power consumption, 100% New from Manufacturer, Overcharge and Overdischarge Circuit Protection, Over-temperature and Short-circuit Protection, up to 500 recharge cycles over the life of the battery, meet OEM standard.
- Warranty & Support: Full refund in 30 days, 12 months warranty. If any issues about the product within 365 days, click the button "ASK A QUESTION" and CONTACT US, we will respond within 24 hours via emails and give you friendly after-sales service. Press [CTRL + F] to search your laptop model/part number.
How it performed and what its screen is like
For its era, the T400s combined business-oriented construction with relatively low weight. Notebookcheck praised its case quality, keyboard and TrackPoint, useful interface selection and layout, application performance, energy efficiency, matte display and low emissions. The review measured a maximum screen brightness of 297cd/m² and an average of 255.9cd/m².
The display has a practical matte finish and 16:10 proportions, but brightness alone does not tell the whole story. Notebookcheck found poor contrast and viewing-angle dependence. It also noted that the touchpad was not well suited to multitouch, occasional disagreeable frequency noise, less lid and keyboard stiffness than on some other ThinkPads, and relatively limited SSD capacity in the tested configuration. These are meaningful compromises if you want a screen for image work, a particularly rigid chassis or modern touch gestures.
Rank #3
- Please refer to Product Description for details of the compatible models.
- MPN： 02K6541, 02K6572, 02K7075, 02K7087, 04Y1784, 0C67994, 08K8050, 08K8216, 09P1162, 92P0986, 92P0991, 92P1004, FRU92P1004, GC02000KH00, GC02001OD10, GC02001X600, 5B11B04230, 23.2004.181, 23.21221.022, 23.22032.0621, 23.21212.031
- TYPE: CMOS Battery 3V CR2032 CR2032W
- CMOS Battery Replacement for Lenovo ThinkPad X1 X30 X31 X220 W510 W700T400 T400s T410 T410s T420 T420s T430 T430s T500 T510 T520
- Batterie CMOS Replacement for Acer for HP for Dell for Asus
Ports, optical drive and docking
The T400s remains interesting for equipment that newer thin laptops often omit. Depending on configuration, its connections include VGA, DisplayPort, eSATA, USB, Ethernet, a card reader and a docking connector; it also has a slim optical drive. That combination can be useful for older projectors, wired networks, optical media and existing desk setups.
Lenovo documented compatibility with the ThinkPad Port Replicator Series 3, ThinkPad Mini Dock Series 3 and ThinkPad Mini Dock Plus Series 3. Check the exact dock model and the laptop’s condition before buying: the presence of a docking connector does not make every ThinkPad dock compatible. Lenovo’s ThinkPad T400s accessories and compatibility information also documents an optional second battery for the Ultrabay Slim bay.
Rank #4
- Zahara Bios CMOS Power Battery Replacement for Lenovo ThinkPad T400 T400s T410 T410s T420 T420s T430 T430s
- Please check the model number or part number code before placing an order, you could ask us if you are not sure.
- Easy for you replace your faulty,cracked or broken one ,seller remind that you should replace this in the off state.
- Special skills and techniques required for proper installation.
- The message will be replied within 12 hours.If you have problems with our products or your order, please contact me in time, and we will do our best to help you solve the problem.
Touchscreen version: a costly trade-off
Wired’s comparison reported that the multitouch configuration was 36% slower, half a pound heavier, about half as bright, and limited to 85 minutes of battery life, while costing about $500 more than the non-touch model. Those are results for the configurations in that 2009 comparison, not a general measurement of every T400s. They make the touchscreen version difficult to recommend unless touch input is essential and the particular unit’s display and battery have been checked carefully. Wired, 2009.
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Who should buy a used ThinkPad T400s?
Consider one if you specifically value a traditional ThinkPad keyboard and TrackPoint, a matte 16:10 display, optical media, older display connections or Series 3 docking. It may also suit a desk-bound legacy task where compatibility matters more than speed or modern features.
Best Value
- Specifications: Battery Model: 01AV423 SB10K97580, Voltage: 11.4V Capacity: 24Wh ; Cells: 2-cell; Color: Black ,Condition :New,Packages includes: 1x 01AV423 Battery,2 x Screwdrivers,1x Instruction for Lenovo t480 Battery
- Compatible Battery model: Thinkpad T580 Battery for Lenovo 01AV423 SB10K97580 01AV422 SB10K97579 01AV424 SB10K97581 SB10K97597 4X50M08810 01AV452 01AV490 61; (Also compatible with 48Wh 01AV425 61+ battery and 72Wh 01AV427 4X50M08812 61++ battery )
- Compatible Laptop Models: 01AV423 T480 T470 T580 Battery for Lenovo ThinkPad T480 T470 T580 T570 P51S P52S A485 A475 TP25 Series Laptop (Check description below for more models)
- Our 01AV423 Battery is highly compatible with the original 01AV423 Lenovo Battery, Lenovo t480 Battery,Lenovo t470 Battery and meets CE/FCC/ROHS/UL certified standards.
- What You Get: 01AV423 Battery, 2 Screwdrivers, User Manual for Lenovo t480 Battery. We offer a 60-day return. For assistance with the Lenovo t480 Battery, please visit our product detail page
It is a poor fit as a default laptop for demanding current software, extended unplugged use or anyone expecting current laptop performance. The launch specifications and historical reviews do not establish current used-market prices or availability, so judge an individual listing by its condition and total cost rather than the original $1,599 price.
Used-buying checklist
Before paying, inspect the exact machine rather than relying on the model name alone:
Quick Recap
- Configuration: Confirm the processor, installed RAM, and whether it has an SSD or hard drive and what capacity.
- Battery: Check battery health and runtime for the seller’s machine; allow for a replacement if it cannot meet your needs.
- Display: Look for damage, uneven brightness and viewing-angle issues.
- Keyboard and pointing devices: Test every key, the TrackPoint and buttons, and the touchpad.
- Optical drive: Verify that it reads the media you need and that the bay is not occupied by another accessory.
- Ports and dock: Test the connections you plan to use and verify the exact Series 3 dock or replicator model.
- Included accessories: Confirm that a compatible charger is included and factor any missing battery, charger or dock into the total cost.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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