Thinkpads Forum

I had a problem with my T60 so Lenovo planned a replacement.

In the meantime, Lenovo helped fixed the problem but the
replacement went out anyway (4 weeks sooner than expected).

That gave me the chance to compare two T60 units side-by-side
to see which I liked better.

The replacement was better. I liked the keyboard better, and
it also got slightly stronger WiFi reception.

It was very excited about keeping it until...

I noticed a volume problem.

Sound out of the laptop speakers was very low, even with the
sound settings in the CONTROL PANEL and TASKBAR turned all
the way up.

In fact, it seemed like this unit was defective as far as being
able to output audio. My original T60 was twice as loud as the
replacement.

Any thoughts on this before I send the replacement back?

Well, at least you get to pick between two of them! The rest of us just have whatever we get, and, as we can see in this forum, Lenovo plans some suprises in the form of unique "features" for each of our systems.

Since I don't have 2 to compare, I don't know what the speaker volume with it should be. Who knows, maybe your replacement model is the correct one and the original one was just abnormally loud?

I think that the sound is not very strong on the T60 ... at least it is not on mine... as I don't use this machine for movies or music that is not important to me ... but it is a lot softer than I would have expected

Just move the good speakers into the good laptop. (or am I missing something?)

-darren

I have the same issue on my T60. There simply is not very much volume at the max setting.

What to do....

It just seems like QC is slipping these days. I think it's taking yet another risk to send it back and wonder what I will get in return. Then there is the fact that I could be without a replacement for months like some people have experienced.

Simply never had any of these problems with all my prior ThinkPads...

I believe if there was a decent replacement out there Lenovo would be losing sales.

Have you tried out everything?

The Wave and Synth gains in Windows? I turned those up and it made quite a difference on my T43.

And what does this have to do with QC? The same thing has been noted on the T4X Series.....Annnnd, So?

Yeah, all the settings are turned way up.

Replace the speakers?! Sounds a little extreme.

It's really weird that there are so many differences
from one model to another. You would hope that there
was some consistency in the manufacturing.

This may sound like a dumb question, but since I didn't see it listed as being checked.....did you try adjusting the volume with the volume buttons on the keyboard?

Is there a volume setting in the T60 BIOS?

That I did not do...

...but correct me if I am wrong....

If I manually raised the volume to its highest level
in the taskbar (round gray speaker icon) and in the
Control Panel Sounds & Audio Devices area.....

...doesn't that override the keyboard settings?

That's an interesting question I hope one of you can
answer as I am at work right now and can't try it myself.

...but I'll be [censored] that I did not think of trying that option.

No. The physical volume buttons on the keyboard compound the volume settings in Windows.

-darren

christopher_wolf wrote: And what does this have to do with QC? The same thing has been noted on the T4X Series.....Annnnd, So?

You are correct, as I reread my post it is misleading. Let me clarify, I was reporting the volume issue, as a "me too" comment. I'm working on that and it's not a high priority or "deal breaker" if you will.
In regards to QC, their are other more substantial issues with my T60 which is "one" of the considerations for return. The "second" reason to return, is that I had no knowledge of the exisitance of the "tabook" until after I recieved my T60 and came upon this forum for the first time.
My decision regarding my purchase of the T60, was based solely on a conversation with my Lenovo rep, in which I was told that T60P models would not be available until late August 2006, and this (2007-73U) would be the next closest match. Adding to the mix, was the immediate need, as the ThinkPad I was using was stolen. So, I placed my order right then, only to learn that the wait was approx 4-6 weeks. Nonetheless, I chose to stay with that decision. Then I searched for an available Z60m (again, Lenovo could not supply it) ThinkPad that I could purchase and recieve the next day and found a reseller that sent it to me overnight, so I could get on with my work. That's why you see a Z60m in my signature. I gave it to my son after my T60 arrived.
After downloading the tabook I found the model that meets my needs perfectly. Model Type 2007-96U.
I AM a very "PRO ThinkPad" owner-user. For over 10 years I have used ThinkPads as my main computer. I have spoken very highly of this brand to everyone in my circle. I do not even own a desktop as I travel constantly. It was simply my frustration speaking about QC slipping, as I have read many posts on this board about various problems with the T60 line. Therefore upon considering the return of my T60 for a T60P I feel less than confident that I will get a "good one". In addition there is (once again) a wait for delivery of what apparently seems to be and unknown amount of time.
Finally there is one more very frustrating experience I am having. That is the lack of follow up from my Lenovo rep. I sent him an email followed by a phone call 2 weeks ago, and have not heard back. Then 2 days ago, giving the benefit of the doubt I once again sent an email followed with a voicemail asking for his assistance in returning my T60 and placing an order for the T60P. I am a very loyal customer and my loyalty to the rep, probably has cost me the ability to return mine and order another, since losing 2 weeks waiting for his response has brought me extremely close to the end of my 30 return period.
I have never ever had this poor service in all the previous years.

darrenf wrote:No. The physical volume buttons on the keyboard compound the volume settings in Windows.

-darren

Are they different on a T60?

They are independant on my T21. For example, I set my volume to a tolerable level with the Master Volume Control, then use the buttons on the keyboard to adjust to whatever I am working on at the moment. I can also mute with the button and crank everything up inside of windows and it won't make any sounds whatsoever. The same applies to my system volume. (ie. post beep during boot)

Guys,

I must apologize -- I am very embarrassed.

It was the fault of the keyboard volume.

I never really paid attention to using the volume
controls on the keyboard and relied on the other
settings.

The volume works perfectly now -- and I am
deeply thankful that I posted on this forum and
found out what the problem was before returning
a T60 that was perfect in every way.

I hope that those that are still having volume
problems will double-check the volume buttons on
the keyboard.

No need to apologize. You have been through a lot trying to get the T60 that you want...everything else has been complex. Why wouldn't this be? This is a common oversight.

Just be thankful that it was simple.

Thanks!

And you know what?!

For the very first time since taking delivery of my T60
almost two weeks ago -- I am beginning to really love
and greatly appreciate this laptop.

I feel like I have a quality piece of equipment in my lap,
and even better, a company that really stands behind the
purchase.

Very happy to be amongst you all!

NJRonbo wrote:Guys,

I must apologize --

NJRombo,
I compliment you on your honesty and integrity! Very refreshing.

My post was very similar with a little different result. Having used ThinkPads for a long time, I was familiar with the volume buttons, etc. So, in attempting to improve my volume I proceeded to continue tapping on the buttons. Suddenly after many (perhaps 100 or more) taps, suddenly the increase volume button responded. It was as though it was stuck yet it was not in the depressed position. Anyway it fixed the problem.

Hope this helps someone else, as this forum has been so valuable to me.

tfflivemb2 wrote:

darrenf wrote:No. The physical volume buttons on the keyboard compound the volume settings in Windows.

-darren

Are they different on a T60?

No, they operate the same on the T60 as on the T4x.

-darren

Well fortunately the problem got resolved. Not directly related to this case, but I have had some experience with the audio driver getting corrupt, resulting in very low volume. If you encounter such case (although rare with new notebooks) double check with a headphone to make sure the problem is not from the speakers. If still not resolved, uninstall the audio card and re-install the driver. It MAY re-adjust the volume.

HTH,
Hamid