Couple of issues...

[LegendaryKA8]

Alright... since the first one is a pretty pressing issue, here goes:

My 14" T41 originally came with an XGA screen. I ended up ordering a SXGA+ screen(full LCD panel from a T43) to replace it as I really needed better resolution than that. Well, got the screen in and everything, and it's working... however it's still displaying at XGA resolution. Whenever I tried to set a higher resolution in Windows, it switches over, but still displays it in this 1024x768 box in the center of the screen... which I'm currently typing on. I'm able to scroll around within this box, but that's definitely not going to work. Do I need new drivers to get this screen to function correctly?

Edit: I just resolved this issue. I forgot I had set my TP into hibernation before I left home today and replaced the screen. Restarting the computer brought the SXGA+ screen back into full spec... I'm very happy with the new resolution.


And, now... I've decided to bump up my expectations for my T41. I know the total cost of this project will run me what a decent T60 would cost, but I'm loving the thin, light form factor of the T4x and don't really need another dual core notebook. I'm thinking of replacing the motherboard with one that has a better GPU, and since the palmrest on this thing is messed up, that's probably going to have to go as well.

I'd prefer to get a palmrest that has a fingerprint reader, as that is actually pretty useful to me. I understand that I will need a motherboard that has the integrated fingerprint reader... but since I'm going to be replacing the motherboard anyway I can just get one. What I have been running into trouble with is which motherboard I will need. I'm looking for the following:

T42/T42p with either MR9600 or FireGL graphics(MR9600 preferred), with fingerprint reader.

What part numbers would I be looking for? I've done a search and while I can find out which motherboards have the fingerprint readers; I can't figure out which ones have the specific reader/GPU combination I'm looking for. Also, if someone on here has a good mobo and/or palmrest that would fit this... I'd be interested.

Thanks in advance!

[Harryc]

Just a couple of points. As you probably know, systemboards prior to T42 did not have the extra biometric coprocessor chip. Also, you need a new Ultrabay drive cage. The ones with the FP Reader have a cut-out that permits the actual fingerprint scanner to rest within, thereby permitting the palmrest to remain flat when installed. Good luck with the parts search.

[LegendaryKA8]

Bumping this post up a bit, as I don't think a new thread would be feasible.


I've had some very good luck in the past few weeks. At a local party another acquaintance of mine noticed my T41... and the sunglasses I had. He used to be a serious T4x aficionado until moving to his current T60, and was interested in getting rid of his T42. He mentioned it had the fingerprint reader and MR9600, but admittedly I wasn't too sure. He really liked the pair of Oakleys I had on, so I agreed to buy him a pair in exchange for the T42.

And... he delivered. He gave me not one but three T4x machines in various states of disrepair... one being the aforementioned T42 with MR9600 and fingerprint reader. The board and palmrest are now resting in my T41 setup.. which can now definitely be known as a true Frankenpad. The others were a 15"(non-UXGA) T42 and a 14" T41, both of which with bad mobos(one with MR7500, the other with MR9600). They won't boot in either case.

Still, plenty of spare parts and a 15" chassis if I ever decide I want to change up form factors. The T42 mobo is working just fine, and I'm loving the FP reader and security chip.

[Harryc]

Nice upgrades!. Good luck with the T421 Frankenpad.

[archer6]

At a local party another acquaintance of mine noticed my T41... and the sunglasses I had. He really liked the pair of Oakleys I had on, so I agreed to buy him a pair in exchange for the T42.

Kudo's for the great deal you negotiated! As a fellow T42 lover, I can fully appreciate your project. I will be the first to admit that while I kept my favorite T42, I took the easy way out and migrated to a T60...heh!
In the end I'd love to have the hybrid you've built!
.
Cheers...

[LegendaryKA8]

I just forgot I didn't mention the model number of the T42 I got the parts from. So, 2373-M3U is a confirmed T42 with MR9600 and fingerprint reader. Just in case someone is trying to find a similar setup in the archives.