Performance - part two
| Laptop - Q4 - low quality - 800x600 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Lenovo ThinkPad T400s | MSI X-Slim X600 | Acer Timeline 3810T |
| 52.01 | 148.42 | 28.09 |
Gaming, as expected, isn't the T400s' forte. The integrated Intel GMA 4500MHD GPU is able to keep Quake 4 running smoothly, but only at 800x600 with low-quality settings. The difference between discrete graphics in the MSI X-Slim X600 and integrated graphics in the Lenovo T400s and Acer Timeline 3810T is immense.
Interestingly, both the T400s and Timeline 3810T feature the same integrated graphics processor (IGP). The added power of the T400s' other components - including a far-quicker CPU and double the amount of memory - nearly double the achievable FPS.
It's slim pickings, though, as the IGP can't run with 4x AA/16x AF - hence the lack of high-quality benchmarks. This, clearly, isn't a 3D gaming machine.
| Laptop - battery life with 480p clip looping | ||
|---|---|---|
| Lenovo ThinkPad T400s | MSI X-Slim X600 | Acer Timeline 3810T |
| 163 | 205 | 346 |
Battery life isn't looking good, either. Whilst playing back our 480p test clip, we found the Lenovo T400s succumbed to hibernation in just 2hrs 43mins. Lenovo's optional Ultrabay battery slice promises to double the portable lifespan of the system, and it looks as though the £110 accessory may be a necessity.
Lenovo has made a few performance trade offs. General system responsive is excellent at the hands of a quick 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor, but the 25W chip isn't nearly as efficient as Intel's slower ultra-low-voltage parts. We'd like to see at least one of Intel's 10W chips offered as a T400s option, for users who prioritise battery life.
As it stands, Windows 7's performance index paints an accurate picture. Gaming graphics and battery life are poor, but the T400s shines in most other respects.
