T2x vs T30

[garysblim]

Hi:

Since my old trusty T42 died (in need of motherboard replacement), I'm thinking of picking up an old T2x or T3x in the meantime and also like the fact it has serial port. I heard T3x has some issue with the memory module. Can someone enlighten me with the reliability of the two families? Thanks so much,

Gary

[rkawakami]

Actually both T30 and T23 systems can suffer from the bad memory slot problem, although the T30 seems to be a little bit more prone to it. I've got at least two T23 motherboards with this problem. The T23 can also have some problems with loose parts from bad solder joints (typically inductors but I've also encountered a crystal) on the motherboard. However, with a stripdown of the system and re-soldering of those components the laptop can be good as new again. My understanding of the T30 memory slot problem is that it can also be solved through a good soldering job.

As far as "hidden" costs go, you might be better off with the T30 as it takes the same type of memory as your T42; the slightly cheaper per MB DDR memory vs. SDR for the T23 and can handle up to 2GB of memory (two 1GB modules). The T23 maxes out at 1GB. The Ultrabay drive from your T42 could be used in either Ultrabay 2000 slot of the T23 or T30 but requires a (fairly rare) adapter.

ref: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 46440.html

[garysblim]

Thanks for your advice! My hunt for a new "used" T30 is on. Hopefully, I can find a good cheap one.

[ajkula66]

T30 units are so unloved these days that I'm fairly certain you won't have a difficult time finding a bargain...

Try locating one with 2.0 or stronger CPU, they don't run much warmer than 1.6/1.8 and definitely perform better. High-end machines with SXGA+ LCDs and Bluetooth are very sweet.

As long as you're running XP with plenty of RAM and not engaging in any video-intensive applications, T30 will serve you well. Unlike T4x units, these babies were built like tanks, and are probably the most abuse-resistant ThinkPads apart from 600 series.

Hope this helps.

[Mike Blake]

I've got a T42 and a T30 and a T23; while others pointed out good points (like same memory in the T30), I'll point out a few things you might like to know, though I by no means would ever say don't buy a T30. I would say, though, of the three my faves are the T42 and the T23.

• 1. My T23 and T30 have USB 1.1 ports, not 2.0.
  
  2. Even if the fan noise on the T42 doesn't bother you, I found that of the T30 was either louder or of a different pitch or something that it was more noticeable.
  
  3. I found the T30 to be of a, hmm, how to put it, a thicker and more squat design than the 23 or 42. Matter of taste, really.

Just things that struck me when I got it. You probably would be happy with one.

[garysblim]

Thank you guys for your reply. I picked up a used T20 locally for 89 bucks which I simply couldn't resist. I put in my old HDD from T42 and installed wondows 2000. It actually works pretty good despite the speed. Now, I just need to pick up a battery and some more memory bringing to 512. Btw, does anyone know if any SODIMM SDRAM PC133 works on this laptop? I saw a lot of the "evil" bay fairly cheaply like this

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... 2759.l1259

I wonder if they'll work or if anyone have any experience? Thanks so much. In the mean time, I'm sending in my T42 to be fixed by Brad. And my quest for a T30 goes on.

Thanks again for all your help.

[ajkula66]

The linked RAM will not work. You need PC133 with 8 chips on the side (16 total) for a 256MB DIMM, and that will work on a T20.

[RealBlackStuff]

ajkula66 means PC100, PC133 will NOT work in a T20/21/22!!!

[dorronto]

ajkula66 means PC100, PC133 will NOT work in a T20/21/22!!!

Exactly....you took the words out of my mouth, though George is partially right, certain PC133 WILL work in T20/21/22 machines..........

Ron

[ajkula66]

That's why I said 8 chips per side on a 256MB DIMM...low-density PC133 will work in a T20/21/22, but the standard one won't...

[Mike Blake]

Wait a minute, isn't there a sticky thread on T2x memory that might help Gary?

Yes, here it is:

"Finally!! Cheap 256MB Memory for Early T Series"
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=24742

[garysblim]

Great stuff. Thanks everyone. I'm surprised the price of these rams are so expensive (relatively speaking). I guess I'll keep an eye on them.

[RealBlackStuff]

A warning here: some sellers on fleabay are selling PC133 Sodimms, declaring them as LOW DENSITY, even though they have only 4 chips per side.
(They are so DENSE, they think a LOW count of chips makes for Low Density )