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For those who might want to contribute to the blog, start here: Editors Alley Topic
Then contact Bill with a Private Message
Search found 312 matches
- Mon Oct 13, 2025 9:48 am
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: More Thinkpad hardware failures - power bricks
- Replies: 7
- Views: 11272
Re: More Thinkpad hardware failures - power bricks
Trouble with T480 on UltraDock, seems power variable. We know connectors on T480 are weak, probably on dock as well. I noticed that Lenovo list two versions of UltraDock - with 135 or 170 watt PS. Interesting. (The UltraDock includes monitor jacks including the old VGA format.) There are 170 watt PS...
- Sat Dec 21, 2024 7:48 pm
- Forum: GENERAL ThinkPad News/Comments & Questions
- Topic: List of known IBM/Unicomp/Lenovo TrackPoint, trackpad & UltraNav keyboards [WARNING: photos]
- Replies: 10
- Views: 12680
Re: List of known IBM/Unicomp/Lenovo TrackPoint, trackpad & UltraNav keyboards [WARNING: photos]
My experience with Compaq/HP pointer control stick started in 2004, so vintage provided to me at workplace would be before that.
My fading memory is that it was labelled Compaq but sold by HP who had acquired Compaq.
My fading memory is that it was labelled Compaq but sold by HP who had acquired Compaq.
- Sat Dec 21, 2024 7:44 pm
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: Poor quality AJ dock connectors
- Replies: 0
- Views: 1765
Poor quality AJ dock connectors
Cables aren't tightly held when inserted into back of the AJ Ultra dock for T480 and such.
- Thu Dec 05, 2024 10:50 am
- Forum: GENERAL ThinkPad News/Comments & Questions
- Topic: List of known IBM/Unicomp/Lenovo TrackPoint, trackpad & UltraNav keyboards [WARNING: photos]
- Replies: 10
- Views: 12680
Re: List of known IBM/Unicomp/Lenovo TrackPoint, trackpad & UltraNav keyboards [WARNING: photos]
Thankyou!
Other brands have physical equivalent of IBM/Lenovo Trackpoint.
Compaq/HP of mid 2002 did not have good software.
(Key to Thinkpad TrackPoint is IBM's software behind it.)
I can't remember other brands I've noticed, shall dig out a list.
I really like using IBM's Trackpoint.
Other brands have physical equivalent of IBM/Lenovo Trackpoint.
Compaq/HP of mid 2002 did not have good software.
(Key to Thinkpad TrackPoint is IBM's software behind it.)
I can't remember other brands I've noticed, shall dig out a list.
I really like using IBM's Trackpoint.
- Thu Dec 05, 2024 10:41 am
- Forum: GENERAL ThinkPad News/Comments & Questions
- Topic: The T43 keyboard is phenomenal
- Replies: 15
- Views: 9923
Re: The T43 keyboard is phenomenal
The old x41 had a Caps Lock key with cutdown beside A key.
T480 does not.
(It does have a bit of depression on each key but key feel is poor.)
Lenovo is not consistent.
T480 does not.
(It does have a bit of depression on each key but key feel is poor.)
Lenovo is not consistent.
- Thu Dec 05, 2024 10:38 am
- Forum: GENERAL ThinkPad News/Comments & Questions
- Topic: Lenovo's website continues to be substandard
- Replies: 0
- Views: 3662
Lenovo's website continues to be substandard
The Internet is more useful for getting help with hardware.
- Thu Dec 05, 2024 10:33 am
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: Flashing power light
- Replies: 0
- Views: 3193
Flashing power light
I had two incidents of power light flashing when T480 display was darkened automatically. So I went to my backup T480 and Lenovo's web site, it wanted me to identify that computer then wasn't useful. But people on the Internet were helpful, advised to hold the power button down for 30 seconds, which...
- Sat Oct 19, 2024 10:31 am
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: Lenovo sale on parts
- Replies: 3
- Views: 2322
Re: Lenovo sale on parts
But I goofed, the keyboard I purchased is for device larger that T480 but not for T580 which I get tempted to buy for larger display. Lenovo P/N LCM19J33USJ686 and perhaps one or more additional numbers(came with label torn), but that is only the keyboard itself for Ideapad 3 5 series. Box for whole...
- Sat Oct 19, 2024 10:23 am
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: T480, best inexpensive docking?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 8152
Re: T480, best inexpensive docking?
Oh! Even the AJ does not have a serial port (9-contract D-sub shape connector). Perhaps Lenovo sells adapter to USB, https://www.cablestogo.com/ may sell, StarTech does https://www.amazon.ca/StarTech-com-USB-Serial-Adapter-Prolific/dp/B00GRP8EZU/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?adgrpid=1353499047040837&dib=eyJ2IjoiM...
- Sat Oct 19, 2024 10:12 am
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: Lenovo sale on parts
- Replies: 3
- Views: 2322
Re: Lenovo sale on parts
The Ultradock type AJ came with keys. Unfortunately not fitting either of my present docks, but now I can replace the used dock I don't have keys for with the new one that does. (https://www.itxchange.com/docking-station-keys/ sells keys, U$19 per pair plus shipping, don't need to know key numbers a...
- Wed Oct 16, 2024 8:13 pm
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: Lenovo sale on parts
- Replies: 3
- Views: 2322
Re: Lenovo sale on parts
Stumbled across the other clearance section: https://www.lenovo.com/ca/en/d/deals/cl ... ecommended.
Not a lot there, several 27" monitors.
Not a lot there, several 27" monitors.
- Wed Oct 16, 2024 4:40 pm
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: T480, best inexpensive docking?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 8152
Re: T480, best inexpensive docking?
See my new post about a parts clearance sale.
AJ Ultradock for $60.
Gives almost everything you can get with mini-docks or single adapter cables.
AJ Ultradock for $60.
Gives almost everything you can get with mini-docks or single adapter cables.
- Wed Oct 16, 2024 4:19 pm
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: Lenovo sale on parts
- Replies: 3
- Views: 2322
Lenovo sale on parts
Lenovo is having a sale on parts for its computers including Thinkpads. Hundreds of items, awkward to go through, Search is not a great help, if you change number of items listed it may clear your shopping cart. Many keyboards including Canadian French - I ordered French-English for grins, displays ...
- Mon Jun 03, 2024 5:32 pm
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: Can anyone look at my pics and confirm if t480 lid is magnesium?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 11896
Re: Can anyone look at my pics and confirm if t480 lid is magnesium?
The Internet lists AZ91D alloy as for casting, the lid is rolled sheet. Thanks to posters for giving simple test to see if lid is magnesium. (Magnesium corrodes worse than aluminum, but that shouldn't be a problem for most users. Out in the field such as construction or military I'd lean to Panasoni...
- Mon Jun 03, 2024 5:22 pm
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: T480 multiple issues
- Replies: 8
- Views: 8206
Re: T480 multiple issues
For Windrows, there are repair options. System File Checker - run sfc.exe from Safe Mode. Regrets, I don't speak .... nix. My limited understanding is there are various versions, with inadequate quality control. Years ago one company was selling a version promising better QC. IIRC https://www.redhat...
- Thu May 23, 2024 1:27 pm
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: Confused what NVME adapter is compatible with my Lenovo Thinkpad T480
- Replies: 2
- Views: 8106
Re: Confused what NVME adapter is compatible with my Lenovo Thinkpad T480
Yes, cables vary - the HDD enclosure is different from the M.2 SSD 'caddy'.
- Thu May 23, 2024 1:25 pm
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: T480 multiple issues
- Replies: 8
- Views: 8206
Re: T480 multiple issues
Do check for junk under edges of keys, I suggest using a quite flexible dental gap probe to sneak under them. If that helps some keys, a further path would be to remove keycaps one by one prioritizing the most troubled - that requires detail knowledge of key design to remove without breaking then re...
- Thu May 23, 2024 12:51 pm
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: Strange T480 Shift lock problem.
- Replies: 2
- Views: 5607
Re: Strange T480 Shift lock problem.
Just in case, check for junk around the key. You can remove and replace keys, takes a fine touch. https://www.laptopkeys.com/KeyboardKeys.php/Lenovo/Thinkpad/T480 gives some detail, that page sells replacements. This page does show for T480s. There is a page to Search for guides but list is a mess f...
- Thu May 23, 2024 12:49 pm
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: This post is brought to you by the letter I and the letter K
- Replies: 3
- Views: 2826
Re: This post is brought to you by the letter I and the letter K
Yes, clean keyboard somehow. Try a flexible dental probe to sneak under the key edge. Removing and replacing keys is an effort, find instructions for the type you have. (For example, there were to different designs used on x41.) Noting I and K are adjacent vertically, but lint under edge of key shou...
- Thu May 23, 2024 12:44 pm
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: Docking station to T480 charge adapter USB
- Replies: 1
- Views: 4283
Re: Docking station to T480 charge adapter USB
Confusing.
Those docking stations power the PC directly, you should have a different charger anyway because the docking station adds to power requirement.
I've had Lenovo PS fail, so I ensure I use even higher power ones.
Those docking stations power the PC directly, you should have a different charger anyway because the docking station adds to power requirement.
I've had Lenovo PS fail, so I ensure I use even higher power ones.
- Thu May 23, 2024 12:40 pm
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: T480, best inexpensive docking?
- Replies: 7
- Views: 8152
Re: T480, best inexpensive docking?
I use the 40AJ dock with each of my T480 computers. I presume will work with T480s version will work as well. The 40AJ is the top end, the other two have fewer ports - fewer display/video, no parallel printer for example. Display interfaces vary, HDMI comes in flavours and connector sizes. The 40AJ ...
- Thu May 23, 2024 12:32 pm
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: detachable battery does not charge. White light, then amber, then off.
- Replies: 3
- Views: 35900
Re: detachable battery does not charge. White light, then amber, then off.
I've had little success with batteries for Thinkpads that are not true OEM, that is from IBM/Lenovo. Last one I purchased for x41 did not last long. I have good spares but have to recharge them periodically as good practice for batteries in general. (Batteries vary in losing charge with time, by che...
- Thu May 23, 2024 12:21 pm
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: T470 NvMe m.2 upgrade
- Replies: 3
- Views: 2348
Re: T470 NvMe m.2 upgrade
As a general note, ensure same specifications in the zoo string of characters, NvME being one.
A manager in Botch Buy sold me the wrong one.
A manager in Botch Buy sold me the wrong one.
- Thu May 23, 2024 12:18 pm
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: T480 audio function user hostile
- Replies: 0
- Views: 2915
T480 audio function user hostile
Frequent problem getting audio out of T480 running Windows10Pro. Have to: - turn RealTek Audio Console ON, set volume in it - for good measure turn Dolby on to be sure - volume control on keyboard to row (ensure not Muted) - of course if using headsetcheck its volume control - if using wireless head...
- Tue Mar 19, 2024 4:37 pm
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: Backlit keyboard seems nice T480
- Replies: 3
- Views: 7306
Re: Backlit keyboard seems nice T480
Annoyance is that the 'mouse' click buttons and the scroll trapezoid between them are not lit. (On one keyboard there is a small spot of light between right button and scroll, at top. Perhaps some day I will remove those to see if there is more.) As for feel of keys, one degradation may be dust fluf...
- Tue Mar 19, 2024 4:26 pm
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: Poorly made plug for DC power supply
- Replies: 1
- Views: 2303
Poorly made plug for DC power supply
Another frustration from Loonovo - DC power supply plug
The plug on the vehicle end of the DC power supply I purchased for my T480 is too large for standard 'cigar lighter' DC outlet
You have to push hard to get it in.
Then use pliers to get it out.
The plug on the vehicle end of the DC power supply I purchased for my T480 is too large for standard 'cigar lighter' DC outlet
You have to push hard to get it in.
Then use pliers to get it out.
- Mon Feb 26, 2024 10:18 am
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: Is it okay to use an undersize charger?
- Replies: 8
- Views: 14649
Re: Is it okay to use an undersize charger?
Sure, if you want to risk burning out the charger.
)
I've had one T480 charger and one UltraDock charger quit.
I've had one T480 charger and one UltraDock charger quit.
- Mon Feb 26, 2024 10:17 am
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: Thinkpad T490 not powering on
- Replies: 2
- Views: 7243
Re: Thinkpad T490 not powering on
I'd try the secret Reset button hidden in small hole on bottom.
(In a storm try everything.
(In a storm try everything.
- Mon Feb 26, 2024 10:14 am
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: T480 won't boot.
- Replies: 2
- Views: 38526
Re: T480 won't boot.
I'd try the magic reset button hidden in a small hole on bottom.
(Everything in a storm.
(Everything in a storm.
- Mon Feb 26, 2024 10:11 am
- Forum: ThinkPad T430-T495 / T530-T590 Series
- Topic: T490 USB-C port flaky
- Replies: 3
- Views: 6778
Re: T490 USB-C port flaky
Inspect for debris such as a piece of paper towel or tissue.
Spray electrical contact cleaner into it and let dry out.
(Power off and unplugged first.)
Spray electrical contact cleaner into it and let dry out.
(Power off and unplugged first.)



