Thinkpads Forum

Does anyone know where I can get a battery for my S30?

Steve

www.ibm.com/shop/us/maintenanceparts

the 6-cell (02K6786) is $145 new and in stock.

you might be able to exchange the battery through the retail exchange system but it won't accept the above FRU number in the online system.   call them direct at 800-388-7080 and ask them directly.   you might save some cash and responsibly dispose of the old one in the same shot.

my s30 battery is still working great but at least IBM can get the darn things here in the states.   there's nothing like owning something this rare.

good luck!

-erik

Thanks for the reply. I finally found that IBM had the battery and I got one last week. This S30 is weird. It has a US keyboard and has a PCMCIA and a compact flash slot. I can't find anything anywhere like it. Do you know where to get a new top for it?

Steve

is your s30 a japanese model (ie: 2639-xxJ) or an IBM corporate model (2639-BB1)?   there were a few imported for IBM to use internally that were built with internal wireless, u.s. english keyboards, and "mirage black" LCD covers.   these were designated as the BB1 model.

all s30 models have one 32 bit pc card and one compact flash slot.   i find this setup much better than two pc card slots since my camera uses compact flash and no adapter is needed.   since my s30 has internal 802.11b, my pc card slot permanently houses a 3com x-jack ethernet card.   fyi, X30/X31 models also have a pc card and CF slot in them.

as far as a new top goes, maintenance parts might be able to help you out but you would have to call 800.388.7080 as neither of the FRU numbers work on their site.   the mirage black cover is 26P9304 and the thinkpad black cover is 26P9753.   otherwise, the only way to get them is in japan.

let me know if you have any other questions.

-erik

Can i also find a German Layout Keyboard for a S30 ? Or at least a UK Keyboard ? How much do they cost ?

How loud is a S30 ? Is the fan always running or just if hardly used ? Which OS have you installed ? How is the performance in new applications like Acrobat Reader, Photoshop, Office, Internet etc ? What is the max Memory capacity of a S30 ? Is maybe the CPU upgradable ?

Thank you for your answers

Can i also find a German Layout Keyboard for a S30 ? Or at least a UK Keyboard ? How much do they cost ?

the s30 was only made for the asian market so the only keyboards available are japanese, traditional chinese, korean, and u.s. english.   replacement keyboards are roughly $95 USD and include the palm rest.

How loud is a S30 ? Is the fan always running or just if hardly used ?

they're extremely quiet.   the fan runs at all times but is more quiet than the hard drive.   i have a 40gb hitachi E7K60 drive in mine and the drive (which is very quiet) is louder than the fan.   i haven't pushed the system hard enough yet to cause the fan to run faster.

Which OS have you installed ? How is the performance in new applications like Acrobat Reader, Photoshop, Office, Internet etc ?

mine currently has xp pro with all the proper drivers and full japanese language application support.   i have illustrator CS, photoshop CS, and office XP 2002 installed and all run without a problem.   the processor is a 600MHz P3 and does a great job for such a compact system.

What is the max Memory capacity of a S30 ? Is maybe the CPU upgradable ?

256mb.   128mb is soldered to the main board and there is one slot for a 32, 64, or 128mb PC100 SODIMM.   the CPU is permanent but a 7200rpm hard drive makes the system feel twice as fast.



-erik

also, the s30/s31 hardware maintenance manual gives all of the detailed system information:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-40030

-erik

thanks for great answers erik !

How much will the original battery of S30 cost ?Is there just one typ or als a high capacity one ? How long can you use the notebook with full charge ? I have read 5-6 hours ? is this true ??

What for hardrives are you using in your S30/S31's ?

Will 7200 rpm harddrive shorten the battery capacity ?

no problem at all.

the standard 6-cell battery is about $145 new here in the US.   it is rated for 6 hours and lasts 4-6 hours depending on use.   there is an optional 9-cell battery but i've only seen them available in japan.   those are rated for an amazing 10 hours and statistically last anywhere from 7-9, again depending on use.

my current hard drive is a 40gb 7200rpm hitachi E7K60, which is almost twice as fast as the 20gb 4200rpm hitachi DJSA-220 that came stock.   the s30 will accept any 2.5" 9.5mm notebook hard drive.

battery live was probably shortened a bit after adding the drive but i still get a solid 4 hours out of mine when simply surfing the internet.

-erik

fine.

Is there any disadvanteges of S30 you can tell me ?

Can i also order an original S30 Lcd from IBM ? How much does this cost ?
Is this the same LCD as the IBM 240Z Series notebooks use ? Can you compare an 240X/Z with S30 ?( this last question is maybe useless )

offtopic

Can you also check the LCD prices for an IBM Transnote ?

thank you

my only complaint is that it only has 4mb of video ram.   however, it displays 16bit color very well.   for graphic design and photography it's not a powerhouse... but then again, it was never made for that and i don't expect that out of it.

the LCD is most likely the same as what's used in the 240Z, sony VAIO, and other japanese sub-notebooks.   it's a hitachi 10.4" XGA and is very bright.   i would guess a replacement display costs around $850 USD.

the s30 is only remotely comparable to a 240Z since the 240 and 240X only display VGA.   in size, the s30 makes a 240 look big since the s30 is only 9.5" (240mm) wide not counting the keyboard.   the keyboard adds about 3/8" (10mm) on each side.

i've considered selling mine but after answering all of these questions i'm having second thoughts.   it's a killer system but i don't use it as much as i should.

-erik

I have a BB1 with a US keyboard. I called IBM and they say they can not get a top. Do you have any ways to find out if they are available?

Steve

the international parts department can be reached through ibm's armonk, new york office at 404.238.1234.   i posted the FRU numbers above (4th post down) so have those handy when you call.   if armonk can't help then you'll have to get one from japan somehow.

-erik

Thanks, I will call them next week

Hello:
I'm new to the list. Looks like I joined a little to late here. I found a new battery for my S30 at Dynamism. They used to sell these units but have long since discontinued them. But, they can still get the batteries. As of last year they were charging only $99. I'm thinking about getting another one soon.

http://www.dynamism.com

shartley wrote:Hello:
I'm new to the list. Looks like I joined a little to late here. I found a new battery for my S30 at Dynamism. They used to sell these units but have long since discontinued them. But, they can still get the batteries. As of last year they were charging only $99. I'm thinking about getting another one soon.

http://www.dynamism.com

dynamism is great to work with.   they're only a few miles south of me in chicago.   IBM sells the s30 battery for $145 so $99 is a steal!

-erik