T16 Thunder Black/Space Grey (4 photos added)

[MikalE]

My T16 is listed as being Thunder Black. I take that to mean really black like older Thinkpads. When I compare my machine to web photos, my palmrest and the surround is definitely a grey color and the rest of the case is also this grey color. The only black on the case is the monitor bezel which really is black.

The keypad and trackpad are both black. Really black, and this creates a nice contrast with the grey, but in all photos I've seen from all angles, the Thunder black is an all-black Thinkpad. Case, palmrest, keyboard, and trackpad.

The Space Grey machines are a lighter grey than my machine, and the trackpad and keys are also this same grey color without any contrasting parts at all.

Do I have a one-off machine? Did they change the color specs during production from the advertisement photos?

I really like this contrasting color combination, but I cannot find another photo of this machine that looks like mine.

What say you about this difference in colors?

[MikalE]

I found a photo of this color combination in a review article on a UK website. No other photos have yet to be found.

They did not state the machine type model of the reviewed machine, but I doubt it would be a US destined model in the UK.

Strange that there are no other photos of this machine in these colors.

[MikalE]

Encompass, Lenovo's parts supplier let me down on the Deutsch keyboard replacement for my T16.

Now on indefinite backorder and I'm going to call tomorrow to cancel the order. It's only been on backorder for a full two months now. Did Lenovo stop selling Thinkpads in Germany???

I ordered from a shop in the Netherlands called Bluelink IBM/Lenovo that has it in stock and is shipping tomorrow via UPS Express Saver. I should have it installed by next Friday. I should have looked a little harder and been willing to accept the overseas shipping sooner.

UPS Express Saver is a very fast delivery once they get their hands on it. I typically order model railroad locomotives and rolling stock from Germany four or five times a year and it's never taken more than three business days from pickup to delivery.

[Ibthink]

You do not have a one-off, every T16 is like this. In fact, every new gen ThinkPad is like this, except for the X1 series and the Z series.

"Thunder Black" (also sometimes called "Vili Black") is the new color for ThinkPads going forward. Lenovo used a lighter color as that shows less fingerprints than the old pure black.

More pictures, see: https://www.notebookcheck.net/Lenovo-Th ... 383.0.html

As for the pictures Lenovo has of the T16: Those are rendering that look a little off. Though the perceived color really depends on the lighting conditions. In a dark home office, Thunder Black may look really black, while outside with natural light, it will look like dark grey.

[MikalE]

I think they did a good job with the colors. I much prefer this greyish-black to the all-black used previously.

Your link to the article with the photos were the ones I was referring to that showed the true two-tone nature of these new Thinkpads. I was unaware the entire line went to these colors though.

The above photos are of my machine under room lighting.

[TPFanatic]

Are the trackpoint buttons still hinged at the edges?

[MikalE]

It doesn't seem so after working them a few times. I rarely use the Trackpoint so I had to check.