What is the most "upgradeable" T4X model?

[NeoMatrix]

Hi all -
I want to get a Thinkpad, and while I want a new Core Duo (T60) to replace my desktop, an older T4X is more in my budget (even though not as fast).

So ideally, I want to pick up an older T40, T41, or T42, and upgrade it to the fastest 2MB cache processor, 2GB RAM, 7200 RPM HD, and a decent video card (if possible). However, I would prefer the 14" screen with a resolution of 1400x1050 (SXGA+).

I have done a search in the forums, looked at the tabook.pdf, and the maintenance manual, but cannot figure out the best model to modify.....This is where you all come in .

Please help me answer the following questions:
1) What is the best T4X model (i.e., T40, T41, T42, etc.) to modify and upgrade, given their strengths and weaknesses?

2) What is the maximum I would be able to upgrade each model -- e.g., are certain video cards more easily interchangeable? or are certain processors soldered in place?

Thanks all!
neomatrix

[cmarti]

I think the basic T40 because it has less features, so more room for upgrades is available.

[lithium726]

any of them can be upgraded. They can all take up to a 2.1ghz pentium M, they can all take the 2915ABG wireless, they can all take 2Gb of ram and the largest HDD's that are avliable. The only issues is the video chip - those are solidered to the mainboard. To get the best one, you will have to buy a T42p. Otherwise, just get a real cheap machine and buy a T42p mainboard if you want the best video.

[tselling]

The T41p has the same video as the T42p (128mb T2 FireGL). You might find one a bit cheaper than a T42p. It can take up to a 2.1ghz CPU and 2GB ram. And any PATA 2.5" mobile drive.

[w0qj]

If you want the most recent & most upgradable T4x,
then it's the T42/T42p without a question.


Reasons:

-T43/p has that infamous "2100 Error" that prevent users from buying
any retail HDD to upgrade themselves (OK, you can now flash upgrade but it's still a risk & why bother with such aggrevation?).

-T43/p has one PC-Card slot, and one ExpressCard slot (have you seen any accessory for this? Neither have I). T42 has 2 PC-Card slots.

-T60 it's hard to upgrade HDD's due to lack of SATA HDD's, and if you upgrade it, what do you do with the old SATA HDD? Currently there's no external USB SATA HDD enclosure (and if there is one in the near future, expensive).

[Ryan T.]

Well you can see in my sig what I've done to my T42.

Although if you plan on making all those upgrades, I'd still buy a T60.

[NeoMatrix]

Thanks all for the great advice!

So, where would be the best place to source a T41p or T42p mainboard? eBay?

I know this isn't quite the correct forum, but would a T60 single core chip be replaceable with a core duo chip (easily)?

Thanks again,
neomatrix

[cmarti]

The source for the cheapest 128mb fire gl t2 is the seller itthinker
in ebay.

[underclocker]

Don't forget to modd it after you upgrade it...

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=24456

http://www.nikkoaudio.com/pix/T40/IMG_6071.JPG

[NeoMatrix]

The source for the cheapest 128mb fire gl t2 is the seller itthinker in ebay.

Any other suggestions? This guy ("itthinker") doesn't seem to have any mainboards with the 128mb fire gl t2.....

neomatrix

[cmarti]

Did you contact her? He is a her Her name is Katherine.
Contact her maybe she may be able to get you one.

( I buy mine from her )

[EOMtp]

To NeoMatrix:
Please see the PM (Private Message) that I sent you.