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Search found 312 matches

by keithsketchley
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...
by keithsketchley
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.
by keithsketchley
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.
by keithsketchley
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.
by keithsketchley
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.
by keithsketchley
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.
by keithsketchley
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...
by keithsketchley
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...
by keithsketchley
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...
by keithsketchley
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...
by keithsketchley
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.
by keithsketchley
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.
by keithsketchley
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 ...
by keithsketchley
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...
by keithsketchley
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...
by keithsketchley
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'.
by keithsketchley
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...
by keithsketchley
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...
by keithsketchley
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...
by keithsketchley
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.
by keithsketchley
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 ...
by keithsketchley
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...
by keithsketchley
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.
by keithsketchley
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...
by keithsketchley
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...
by keithsketchley
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.
by keithsketchley
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. :-o)

I've had one T480 charger and one UltraDock charger quit.
by keithsketchley
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. ;-)
by keithsketchley
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. ;-)
by keithsketchley
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.)

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