As we noted in our review of the Lenovo ThinkPad T440s, our ThinkPad T440p uses the new surface material of the current models' generation.

It is somewhat more finely textured, its look and feel is pleasing, and it resists fingerprints longer than its predecessors can. All in all, the ThinkPad T440p's optics are first-class; this is definitely from the typical ThinkPad mold. Still, we found the same weak points in the case that we earlier identified in the ThinkPad T430.

On the right side, the part of the wrist rest that sits above the optical drive and smart card reader is easy to compress. Between the unchanged (and excellent) display hinges, the display frame is quite bendable, belying our previous impression of premium quality. The area above the battery compartment is also in need of improvement; when the battery is absent, it can be compressed with even minor force.

While these weak points should not cause any ill effects in overall stability and everyday use, they do add up to a blemish on the machine's overall impression in such a high price class.

The test machine weighs 2,220 grams (~4.9 pounds), almost exactly 700 grams (~1.5 pounds) more than the ThinkPad T440s. Moreover, that is without a DVD drive.