Opportunity to purchase T61, what to look out for?

[mgb]

I have the opportunity to pick up one or 2 T61s for $100 each. Not sure of specifics yet, other than:
- no HD or caddy
- no power supply
- battery supposedly good
- fingerprint reader but no camera

I should be able to find out machine type and build date, so that should address the nvidea issue.

What else to look out for?

Also, I'll probably install a SSD. I understand I need to update the bios with the middleton bios. Any particular restrictions on SSDs to be aware of.

Also, any quick/inexpensive sources for a HD caddy? I do have a T6x Thinkpad power supply stashed away here.

[EasyMac308]

You can probably get away without a caddy. Just put a tab of tape on so you can pull it out and shove some folded up paper under so you can shim it and hold it still.

[ajkula66]

Check out the hinges. T61s of all flavours are known for weak hinges.

Until you find out the machine type, that's the best I've got.

[mariol90]

Also, any quick/inexpensive sources for a HD caddy?

might not be too "quick" but ebay should work. if you need covers they do bundle them together. just search "lenovo caddy" or something similar and sort by lowest price.

[mgb]

Assuming post 08/08 manufacture, what is considered preference for gpu?

[RealBlackStuff]

If 08/08 or better, than any GPU will do.
There are three nVidia GPUs, one NVS 140M (128MB) and two FX 570M (128MB in 14.1" models and 256MB only in 15.4").
The latter ones need more power than the first one.
If you have a desktop, do any gaming there, and get an integrated Intel GPU in the laptop, runs cooler and longer.

[rsutoratosu]

Also the fans could be sticking.. I had about 18 t61 from my old job that they no longer want due to the fan error on bootup, i spend a little time and clean each one out and lube with this link and I now own 18 t61s that I'm gonna ebay off

check this link http://www.msb0b.com/home/thinkpadt60fanrepair

[RealBlackStuff]

You lucky sod!

[mgb]

Well, perhaps not so lucky.

Background:
The laptops are in DC area (near Dulles Airport). My son is close by (but only for next week) and I'm in Minnesota. So while the seller (a commercial seller of off lease and used computers) is flexible about returns if there is a problem, logistics would make that difficult.

All the T61s were built prior to 08/08 and had nvidea graphics. Cosmetics and screen condition varied, but generally OK. Because they did not have hard drives, difficult to fully test. No way to tell if they were fixed in the recall and besides, I'm not sure how many corporate users are willing to take a laptop out of service on the chance they'll have a problem before they are disposed of.

So, I passed. If Intel graphics or post 08/08 build date, I would have picked up one or 2. If I was local, I probably would have picked one or 2 up anyway. Or, if I wanted to play around, buy all he had left at a significant discount.

If anyone wants a shot at these, PM me and I'll send you a link to the seller. He's a nice guy.

[RealBlackStuff]

I was referring to our UK member rsutoratosu...

[sprtnbsblplya]

Well, perhaps not so lucky.

Background:
The laptops are in DC area (near Dulles Airport). My son is close by (but only for next week) and I'm in Minnesota. So while the seller (a commercial seller of off lease and used computers) is flexible about returns if there is a problem, logistics would make that difficult.

All the T61s were built prior to 08/08 and had nvidea graphics. Cosmetics and screen condition varied, but generally OK. Because they did not have hard drives, difficult to fully test. No way to tell if they were fixed in the recall and besides, I'm not sure how many corporate users are willing to take a laptop out of service on the chance they'll have a problem before they are disposed of.

So, I passed. If Intel graphics or post 08/08 build date, I would have picked up one or 2. If I was local, I probably would have picked one or 2 up anyway. Or, if I wanted to play around, buy all he had left at a significant discount.

If anyone wants a shot at these, PM me and I'll send you a link to the seller. He's a nice guy.

I'm pretty sure I know of the local business that has all those Thinkpads.
There was a company advertising some T60 and T61 laptops on Craigslist by scotts-bargains, his office is out somewhat near Dulles.
I ended up buying a cheap T61 off him for school use, with my custom built desktop being my main computer. I bought the only good condition laptop he had.
Most of them were pretty trashed, keyboards with gunk, stuck/missing keys, some of the screens had scratches. Mine looked pretty beat originally, but some TLC and elbow grease, the case looks new. It was running hot, CPU 90 C almost the full time, so I took it apart and put some IC Diamond paste on it and blew out the fan, now it idles around 55-58.

[Radioguy]

You can probably get away without a caddy. Just put a tab of tape on so you can pull it out and shove some folded up paper under so you can shim it and hold it still.

Folded paper? The drive does need some clearance for air circulation. If he has the rubber rails, he might get away without the full caddy. Otherwise, no.

If 08/08 or better, than any GPU will do.
There are three nVidia GPUs, one NVS 140M (128MB) and two FX 570M (128MB in 14.1" models and 256MB only in 15.4").
The latter ones need more power than the first one.
If you have a desktop, do any gaming there, and get an integrated Intel GPU in the laptop, runs cooler and longer.

Specifically, a 90W or more power adapter.

Also the fans could be sticking.. I had about 18 t61 from my old job that they no longer want due to the fan error on bootup, i spend a little time and clean each one out and lube with this link and I now own 18 t61s that I'm gonna ebay off

check this link http://www.msb0b.com/home/thinkpadt60fanrepair

Going by the turnover rate of years past when it comes to businesses with ThinkPads, it's about time T61's would get unloaded. The fans should have started to go on the early ones in the last couple of years.

I'm pretty sure I know of the local business that has all those Thinkpads.
There was a company advertising some T60 and T61 laptops on Craigslist by scotts-bargains, his office is out somewhat near Dulles.
I ended up buying a cheap T61 off him for school use, with my custom built desktop being my main computer. I bought the only good condition laptop he had.
Most of them were pretty trashed, keyboards with gunk, stuck/missing keys, some of the screens had scratches. Mine looked pretty beat originally, but some TLC and elbow grease, the case looks new. It was running hot, CPU 90 C almost the full time, so I took it apart and put some IC Diamond paste on it and blew out the fan, now it idles around 55-58.

It's funny; my first TP (760XD) came from such a lot. At the time, the IT guy couldn't make a buck off them, so they were destined to be trashed. Having got my hands on them for free, I rebuilt some, and gave a few away.

If someone has the same dilemma with some T61's, or better, in the New York area, I have carfare.

[velani]

I have 2x T61's that are pre-08/08 manufacture date, both with nVidia GPU.
Was there a recall of some sorts or a free fix from Lenovo I should research?
Obviously, both T61's are out of warranty. Wish I had researched these models before purchasing them. They seem to be working fine right now.

Update: I just checked with CPU-Z. Thank god both my T61's have the nVidia A2 chipset. Awesome. What a relief?
Now, I need to find a solution to the hindge problem where both the screens are swaying 1-1.5 inches when in open position.

[RealBlackStuff]

Is there any valid reason to post the same thing THREE times?

[velani]

Is there any valid reason to post the same thing THREE times?

Sorry, but it happens when you forget what screen you are on