Build and Design
The design of the T400 has changed a bit since previous generation ThinkPads। The changes are subtle to the untrained eye, but they are there. The right side is now gently sloped similar to what can be found on the older T4x series, where the sides angle inward instead of dropping off flat. The first clue about this is the optical drive bezel which sports a nice beveled edge. The rubber feet have also been slightly tweaked, now feeling softer, and you get an additional springy nub on the bottom of the notebook. Getting past the minor case design changes, the style of this ThinkPad is every bit as boring as all ThinkPads preceding it. We have the same paint, same rubbery texture, and we still have our ThinkPad logo.
Upgrade and expansion is a step harder than most notebooks, but still very simple. To gain access to all user-replaceable parts, you simply remove five screws and carefully remove the palmrest and keyboard. Here you gain access to an open WWAN slot, another for Turbo Memory or UWB, two DDR3 memory slots, and your wireless card. At this stage you can also see the processor and heatsink, but a few additional items must be removed before you can lift those items out. Although this setup does seem like Lenovo is trying discourage the user from upgrading parts, Lenovo fully allows owners to handle upgrading or adding components to their notebook without voiding the warranty. That said, advanced component replacement, such as removing the processor, might void a warranty. The hard drive is the only item accessible from the outside of the case (besides the battery) and is easily removed with a single screw.
Build quality is very similar to the previous generation थिन्क्पद, with all of its strengths and weaknesses। Fit and finish are great with most parts, but you still have a good amount of battery wiggle in the back, as well as the cheaper feeling plastic LCD lid. This configuration offered both PC Card and ExpressCard/54 slots, so it included the spring loaded dust flap. This is different from the T400 we reviewed last year that had a blank card instead of the flap since it was equipped with a SD card reader taking one of the slots. The flap adds support on the left side of the palmrest, so unlike the other T400 this model is rock solid on the left.
