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by dr_st
Mon Mar 25, 2024 2:47 am
Forum: Thinkpad - General HARDWARE/SOFTWARE questions
Topic: Best gaming mobo for no gaming
Replies: 4
Views: 166

Re: Best gaming mobo for no gaming

Forget about sticking random motherboards into laptop shells that were not designed for them. Laptop motherboards, unlike desktops, are not standardized.

Just get a modern / quazi-modern laptop / mini-PC.
by dr_st
Fri Mar 22, 2024 2:24 pm
Forum: Windows OS (Versions prior to Windows 7)
Topic: LegacyUpdate.net
Replies: 6
Views: 610

Re: LegacyUpdate.net

Thank you! I can confirm the same - just installing the root certificates unblocked VOGONS (and probably many other such sites). I wonder if I should enable the full Legacy Update mechanism, seeing as I have been keeping my XP box up-to-date until the very last moment Microsoft finally pulled the pl...
by dr_st
Wed Mar 20, 2024 3:06 pm
Forum: ThinkPad T430-T490 / T530-T590 Series
Topic: ThinkPad T470 motherboard swap
Replies: 10
Views: 346

Re: ThinkPad T470 motherboard swap

All I want to do is see if the T480 motherboard will fit T470 and the bottom base cover of T480 as well. And is the LCD connector and internal battery the same on T470 to T480 as just want to just swap the board and not have to get a screen too. This should definitely work. Batteries are identical ...
by dr_st
Wed Mar 20, 2024 8:27 am
Forum: ThinkPad T430-T490 / T530-T590 Series
Topic: ThinkPad T470 motherboard swap
Replies: 10
Views: 346

Re: ThinkPad T470 motherboard swap

The T470p and T470 chassis is not the same size (e.g., https://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=131236). It's not just a matter of port placement as you seem to believe, but it looks like you really want to try this mod, so good luck.
by dr_st
Tue Mar 19, 2024 7:57 am
Forum: ThinkPad Legacy Hardware
Topic: ThinkPad from the 755 era with transparent screen
Replies: 17
Views: 750

Re: ThinkPad from the 755 era with transparent screen

solidpro wrote:
Tue Mar 19, 2024 6:23 am
That's really spooky that the 760CDV is mentioned on IBM's own disk. But probably was an idea for about 5 minutes that went nowhere. Yeah, I'd remove it..
Done.
by dr_st
Tue Mar 19, 2024 2:10 am
Forum: ThinkPad T430-T490 / T530-T590 Series
Topic: ThinkPad T470 motherboard swap
Replies: 10
Views: 346

Re: ThinkPad T470 motherboard swap

The T470 and T470p are completely different machines.

T480 motherboard in T470 chassis is a thing that's possible.
In a T470p - nope.
by dr_st
Mon Mar 18, 2024 4:32 pm
Forum: ThinkPad Legacy Hardware
Topic: ThinkPad from the 755 era with transparent screen
Replies: 17
Views: 750

Re: ThinkPad from the 755 era with transparent screen

I think it's a fact made up by someone on Wikipedia. I could find no other reference to the 760CDV anywhere else on the internet. I agree. There's no source cited for the 760CDV at all. And the fact that it's not on any Hardware Maintenance Manual (at least, the ones I've seen anyway) casts a lot o...
by dr_st
Thu Mar 14, 2024 6:27 pm
Forum: ThinkPad T60/T61 Series
Topic: Lid closes and opens really easily needs tightening somewhere?
Replies: 3
Views: 225

Re: Lid closes and opens really easily needs tightening somewhere?

My 15" T42 and 15" T60 have wobbliness in the hinges, but beyond that they are still solid, and it has not gotten worse. Of all my Thinkpads, only the X32 has had the hinges weakened to the point where the lid falls shut past a certain angle. Definitely better than the opposite problem. As RBS had s...
by dr_st
Wed Mar 13, 2024 11:57 pm
Forum: ThinkPad T60/T61 Series
Topic: HDMI to USB cable recommendations - please
Replies: 5
Views: 324

Re: HDMI to USB cable recommendations - please

USB 2 won't have enough bandwith for a good output with HDMI. Indeed. The options are either a VGA-to-HDMI active converter, or a docking station, and then an HDMI-to-DVI adapter. However, it depends on the resolution of the 28" monitor. If it is more than 1920x1200, then even from DVI a direct ada...
by dr_st
Wed Mar 06, 2024 2:05 pm
Forum: Pictures of your ThinkPad & desk setup
Topic: ThinkPad's Eras Tour [Large Photos]
Replies: 12
Views: 996

Re: ThinkPad's Eras Tour [Large Photos]

solidpro wrote:
Wed Mar 06, 2024 1:58 pm
I'm assuming a T25 keyboard is a 25th Anniversary Thinkpad keyboard? Not some soft of franken-sibling of the T20, T21, T22, T23 keyboard......?
Yes, that's generally the term. I always call it TP25 to avoid this confusion. :P
by dr_st
Wed Mar 06, 2024 1:11 pm
Forum: ThinkPad T40/T41/T42/T43 Series
Topic: Issues with restoring original factory software to a t42
Replies: 9
Views: 1187

Re: Issues with restoring original factory software to a t42

Using the restore disks gives you drivers that don't understand WPA2. That's part of the authentic vintage experience. What I ended up doing was hacking the restore ISO to have updated drivers on it (find the encrypted zip on the restore disk that contained the relevant wifi drivers, create a (non ...
by dr_st
Wed Mar 06, 2024 9:44 am
Forum: Pictures of your ThinkPad & desk setup
Topic: ThinkPad's Eras Tour [Large Photos]
Replies: 12
Views: 996

Re: ThinkPad's Eras Tour [Large Photos]

If I could find a T25 keyboard for under $100 that I could know for sure is genuine then I'd just mod the palmrest and put that one in instead. As ridiculous as it sounds - if that was all that was keeping my away from my "dream laptop" that I knew I could use for years to come, I'd pay even $200 f...
by dr_st
Tue Mar 05, 2024 4:29 pm
Forum: ThinkPad Legacy Hardware
Topic: Dual Booting DOS, Win3.1 and W95
Replies: 6
Views: 394

Re: Dual Booting DOS, Win3.1 and W95

Also many threads suggested MSDOS.SYS could be edited in the MS-DOS EDIT program or W3.11 notepad - which it can't - seems only Windows 95 onwards can decypher a binary file. You're doing something wrong. Win95's MSDOS.SYS is not binary, and yes, I've edited it in the DOS editor program. I guess I ...
by dr_st
Tue Mar 05, 2024 2:54 pm
Forum: ThinkPad Legacy Hardware
Topic: Dual Booting DOS, Win3.1 and W95
Replies: 6
Views: 394

Re: Dual Booting DOS, Win3.1 and W95

Re: Dual Booting DOS, Win3.1 and W95 The first question I ask when someone asks how to do the above is 'what for?' What does DOS/Win3.1 give you that Win95 with its plain DOS mode does not? Then I rename win.com and winver.exe in the Win3 folder so W95 doesn't refuse to install. This suggest that y...
by dr_st
Tue Mar 05, 2024 12:09 pm
Forum: Windows OS (Versions prior to Windows 7)
Topic: LegacyUpdate.net
Replies: 6
Views: 610

Re: LegacyUpdate.net

Edward Mendelson wrote:
Tue Mar 05, 2024 7:31 am
Can you suggest a site to test?
Basically anything that gives an SSL Cipher Error or Clock Error. I think even vogons.org forum.
by dr_st
Tue Mar 05, 2024 6:04 am
Forum: Pictures of your ThinkPad & desk setup
Topic: ThinkPad's Eras Tour [Large Photos]
Replies: 12
Views: 996

Re: ThinkPad's Eras Tour [Large Photos]

That out of the way, the intent of this post is to showcase six distinct eras of ThinkPads. Thank you very much for this lovely tour. To be able to cover so many eras with such eloquence is remarkable. I salute you. Era #1: Cut Corners I have a strange fascination with the cut corners myself. My sp...
by dr_st
Tue Mar 05, 2024 3:47 am
Forum: ThinkPad Legacy Hardware
Topic: Any reason to keep both a 770z and T23?
Replies: 9
Views: 420

Re: Any reason to keep both a 770z and T23?

Well, I'm pretty sure a T23 can use a floppy drive in its Ultrabay. It's an Ultrabay Plus, after all, which takes all Ultrabay 2000 devices. https://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Category:Ultrabay_Devices#Ultrabay_2000_Devices If you don't care for sound in DOS - then a T23 is a more capable all-around sys...
by dr_st
Tue Mar 05, 2024 3:42 am
Forum: Windows OS (Versions prior to Windows 7)
Topic: LegacyUpdate.net
Replies: 6
Views: 610

Re: LegacyUpdate.net

You are not the last, for sure, because I haven't heard about it until you mentioned it. Thanks for sharing! If they can provide a simple interface to update old Windows OSes - that's nice, but not a game-changer. If they can somehow render website that stopped working with the built-in certificates...
by dr_st
Fri Mar 01, 2024 4:32 pm
Forum: ThinkPad T430-T490 / T530-T590 Series
Topic: T570 + Dock no Image on the 2nd Display?!
Replies: 5
Views: 333

Re: T570 + Dock no Image on the 2nd Display?!

Glad you got this to work. :D

I recall that for a while a few years back I ran such a triple-display setup on my Thinkpad 25 (same generation as your T570):
https://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=125501
by dr_st
Wed Feb 28, 2024 5:07 pm
Forum: ThinkPad R, A, G and Z Series
Topic: What to do with R61 machines?
Replies: 11
Views: 687

Re: What to do with R61 machines?

14" wide T/R61 and T/R400 are essentially the same machine. Differences are minimal. 15.4" wide R61/R500 are noticeably bulkier than their T counterparts, and use cheaper materials (although not necessarily less durable). The elusive EU-only 15" 4:3 R61 are just an R60 with R61 hardware. The Franken...
by dr_st
Wed Feb 28, 2024 3:07 pm
Forum: ThinkPad X230-X280 / X390 Series
Topic: Which basic dock for X260?
Replies: 2
Views: 272

Re: Which basic dock for X260?

Docks for this generation should be abundant at this point, therefore inexpensive. I would not get a "basic" one, which would possibly limit your ability to connect multiple displays and devices in the future. I recommend a Thinkpad Ultra Dock 40A2. You can find them on eBay Italy for less than 25EU...
by dr_st
Wed Feb 28, 2024 6:46 am
Forum: ThinkPad R, A, G and Z Series
Topic: What to do with R61 machines?
Replies: 11
Views: 687

Re: What to do with R61 machines?

RealBlackStuff wrote:
Wed Feb 28, 2024 5:18 am
If they are 15" 4:3 machines, there's your "Frankie" alternative.
The only useful variant of the R61, IMO.

Never liked the ugly asymmetric fat bezels and front-facing grilles of the widescreen T/R61/00 systems. They didn't phase it out a moment too soon.
by dr_st
Wed Feb 28, 2024 3:18 am
Forum: Off-Topic Stuff
Topic: Any Advance docks for ThinkPad T470?
Replies: 4
Views: 328

Re: Any Advance docks for ThinkPad T470?

ThinkPad560X wrote:
Wed Feb 28, 2024 1:57 am
I don't see a thunderbolt port on my T470. Just a USB-C and power AC in.
The USB-C on the T470 is Thunderbolt.
by dr_st
Tue Feb 27, 2024 7:33 am
Forum: Thinkpad - General HARDWARE/SOFTWARE questions
Topic: Nordic layout of Thinkpad keyboards
Replies: 11
Views: 1226

Re: Nordic layout of Thinkpad keyboards

zil wrote:
Tue Feb 27, 2024 6:43 am
Uh, what?
Our friend mikemex just took this thread on a tangent towards a completely unrelated direction. This is something that tends to happen frequently on message boards; one gets used to it. :)
by dr_st
Sun Feb 25, 2024 11:51 pm
Forum: Pictures of your ThinkPad & desk setup
Topic: Post your desktop.
Replies: 770
Views: 482236

Re: Post your desktop.

Welcome to the forum. :)

A lovely desktop setup you have there. Thanks for sharing! :thumbs-UP:
by dr_st
Sat Feb 24, 2024 3:02 am
Forum: ThinkPad T430-T490 / T530-T590 Series
Topic: T570 + Dock no Image on the 2nd Display?!
Replies: 5
Views: 333

Re: T570 + Dock no Image on the 2nd Display?!

Is the dock you got "Thinkpad Pro Dock 40A1"? If so - it supports only one digital monitor. The DisplayPort and DVI are mutually exclusive. The other monitor must be connected via VGA. https://forums.lenovo.com/t5/ThinkPad-T400-T500-and-newer-T-series-Laptops/ThinkPad-Pro-Dock-40A1-max-monitors/m-p/...
by dr_st
Thu Feb 15, 2024 1:34 am
Forum: ThinkPad T400/T410/T420 and T500/T510/T520 Series
Topic: Differences between a T400 and a T500/W500
Replies: 1
Views: 328

Re: Differences between a T400 and a T500/W500

Many of the internal hardware components are the same, while most of the chassis parts are different.
You can see very detailed specs of the different models in the withdrawn model book:
https://psref.lenovo.com/syspool/Sys/PD ... k_2013.pdf
Just search for T400 and T500/W500.
by dr_st
Sat Feb 10, 2024 3:55 pm
Forum: Thinkpad - General HARDWARE/SOFTWARE questions
Topic: Nordic layout of Thinkpad keyboards
Replies: 11
Views: 1226

Re: Nordic layout of Thinkpad keyboards

Look at the red area.. there’s 4 keys that are narrower than the others left of it. 3 of those 4 are keys for letters - ones that the Nordic languages very commonly use. How can this be that some of them are narrower? You wouldn’t have U, I, J and K narrower than the other letter keys in the US lay...
by dr_st
Fri Feb 09, 2024 4:14 pm
Forum: ThinkPad T400/T410/T420 and T500/T510/T520 Series
Topic: Keyboard stickers for ThinkPad T400/T410/T420 and T500/T510/T520 Series
Replies: 1
Views: 434

Re: Keyboard stickers for ThinkPad T400/T410/T420 and T500/T510/T520 Series

I used stickers on a number of laptop keyboards, although not on these particular models.

Stickers work well for a while, then they wear out and become a smeared mess.
Although you can replace them, engraving seems a better option for longevity, if it is available where you're at.
by dr_st
Sun Feb 04, 2024 6:50 am
Forum: Off-Topic Stuff
Topic: How new my laptop really needs to be? A guide to modern computing
Replies: 9
Views: 2453

Re: How new my laptop really needs to be? A guide to modern computing

It's true that the needs are different, and as you said - they also evolve over time. Retirement is one of the biggest changers, but it is not the only one. I'd say that 80-90% of my laptop usage is in a desktop environment, with an external keyboard, mouse, screen. So why do I care so much about pr...

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