Unfortunately my X20 has died. Connected the AC Adapter (A Genuine IBM one) and BANG! The unit shut off and spewed thick grey smoke from the vents under the keyboard. I at that point disconnected everything, hoping that what i had just seen, didn't happen.

I have a question, to which maybe someone will know the answer.

When i connect the AC Adapter to the unit now, the ThinkLight, along with the Power and Sleep Indicator lights, Light up. However You cannot power on or perform any other actions.

Is this some kind of design feature?

Second to that, any idea what could cause such failure?


I have attempted a Post-Mortem examination but i haven't been able to find any obviously failed component. RAM, CMOS Battery, Processor and Screen Inverter are all undamaged and still working. These are the components i though most likely to fail.

Any pointers would be much appreciated.

My best educated guess would say that the motherboard is probably DOA. One thing you should check, before attempting to use that IBM AC adapter with any other Thinkpad, would be to verify that the DC output voltage is still 16V (give or take 0.5V) and it has the correct polarity (center positive). Plugging in the AC adapter with the X20 already powered up should be okay but given that's when the system issued the magic smoke, then my immediate thought is that the voltage or polarity coming out of the adapter is incorrect.