Thin and light
We're clearly impressed by the design of the T400s - but it gets better, as this is one of the thinnest and lightest ThinkPads ever produced. Although slightly thicker than the non-multi-touch model, the touchscreen T400s measures 33.7cm x 24.1cm x 2.1cm, ensuring it remains under an inch tall at its thickest point. It is noticeably light, too, and very comfortable for lap-top use.
Up front, there's just a single hatch for opening the lid. Sure is thin, though.
To the right-hand side, users will find a manual wireless on/off switch, a 9.5mm slim optical drive - a DVD writer features as standard, whilst a Blu-ray recorder is available as an optional upgrade - and a Kensington security lock.
The optical drive, for which user's may be grateful at a time in which they've become a rarity on ultra-thin systems, doesn't live up to expectations. Unlike the rest of the system, the drive is very noisy and makes DVD movie playback an loathsome task. It's fine for software installation, but the movie experience becomes overshadowed by a loudly-spinning disc.
Over to the back and there's power input, VGA out, Ethernet, a powered USB port, an eSATA/USB combo port and DisplayPort. A useful choice of connectivity options - with VGA and DisplayPort offering support for both analogue and digital connections, useful, say, for analogue business equipment such as projectors.
To the left there's just a single USB port (three in total for the system), a microphone/audio combo jack and an optional 5-in-1 media card reader. Should you opt to go without the latter, you'll find an ExpressCard34 slot in its place.
Lenovo's bundled power adapter is nice and small and should fit easily into most notebook bags.
Lenovo's array of documentation includes a quick-start guide, a safety and warranty guide, a service and troubleshooting guide and multiple regulatory notices. Speaking of warranty, Lenovo backs the ThinkPad T400s with a standard one-year depot warranty. Improved warranty plans - including next-day, on-site service - are available at an additional cost, as is accidental damage protection.
