I got me a T41.... Now what?

[jamerslong]

So i got ahold of a T41 today. I installed an internal Wifi card and reassembled the computer (no-1802 hack applied) (my wifes jaw dropped when she saw it in pieces minutes after I walked in the door with it)

now I am booted up and... well what kind of stuff should I be aware of that's special to this line of notebooks?

i am happy to finally have a T4 series

[ajkula66]

Pray to deity of your choice that it doesn't develop a GPU issue, and enjoy your new toy...

[jamerslong]

I dont mind if it happens, I have tools to do the Amature reball tutorial

then i can epoxy it down hrm, i wonder if i can epoxy it now and save trouble?

[underclocker]

Congrats on entry into the elegant world of T4x machines.

If it works fine, I wouldn't do a thing. Just treat it with care and never hold it by one front corner with the LCD open.

I still remember my first T40 and the feeling of owning the world's standard in laptop design. It's good to hear T4x's still elicit that feeling, but now with a much lower cost of entry!

(I have a T60, T61, etc. in the other room, but I'm typing this message on my T41 with an R51 mobo and a travel bezel in the optical drive slot. For browsing on the couch, nothing beats this 4.5 lb. machine.)

[jamerslong]

Thanks for that tip underclocker, thats the stuff i was looking for

[sjthinkpader]

Install NHC and watch the CPU temperature closely. Try to keep it around 45 deg C or so. Set the Power Manager so that the LCD and HDD turn off with inactivity timer.

The newer ATI driver and Battery manager may work on this machine.

[Johan]

... now I am booted up and... well what kind of stuff should I be aware of that's special to this line of notebooks?...

As already mentioned, absolutely beware of the potential "loose GPU" syndrome, that some T4x models may develop, if being lifted in one hand (which may/will cause the motherboard to flex, which may cause solder-joints between the GPU and the motherboard to come loose). Not that I hope you'll ever need to go into these details, but nonetheless be aware of the sticky in the T4x-forum discussing causes and cures for this failure; see T42 shuts down when i move it. Observing this, may your T41 live a happy, long life! In the thread Thinkpad for my parents! (see the posts from Sat Nov 01, 2008 and onwards), you will find a number of suggestions with respect to the "software configuration" of a T42; these suggestions apply just as well to other T4x'ers.

If, one day, you want to "put more speed" into it (if not already speedy enough?), see the thread New T40 owner, new upgrade race!! for some suggestions.

Congratulations with your new ThinkPad, and very welcome to the highly distinguished T4x-owners-club!!

Johan