Thinkpads Forum

just ordered a T61P on Sept 4th(too bad did not catch the 25%+20% deal, only 30% discount I got )
I am wondering if I can ask Lenovo to choose my favourite screen and keyboard on my new T61P.
BTW, which screen and keyboard do you think are the best?

Thanks in advance.

nope

nope, won't happen.   i specifically asked for an LG panel, hitachi 7K100 HDD, and NMB keyboard when ordering my T61p and got a samsung, seagate, and chicony.   my sales rep said he put it on my order.   i've been buying thinkpads direct from IBM/lenovo for the last 12 years but that still didn't help.

unfortunately you get what you get.

Erik: you were unlucky to get everything the opposite! Now that you have what is supposed to be the worst, tell me, is your experience so bad with the T61?

haha, i guess i did get the short end of the stick on that one but my overall experience has been very good.

the keyboard was easy to fix -- i simply ordered a japanese NMB from my contact at IBM maintenance parts and received it the same day as my T61p.   problem solved.

the HDD will be easy to fix -- i called tech and am working on getting the seagate swapped out for a hitachi.   the seagate keeps making the infamous "marble drop" noise so at least i have an excuse.

the display, well, that one's in the air.   i actually like it.   having never seen the LG WUXGA, i don't have a point of reference on how my samsung stacks up.   maybe that's a good thing.

Could you elaborate please ? What is different about a Japanese NMB keyboard, and how does one hunt down ?

I have now tried three different NMB (all, seemingly, genuine) keyboards for my T60, but was under the impression that all NMBs were now made in China.

it's still made in china by NMB.   by "japanese" i meant that it's a japanese 106-key keyboard.   it looks like this: http://www-06.ibm.com/jp/pc/tplife/wp/50_1920x1200.jpg

all of my thinkpads have japanese keyboards.   it makes typing in japanese much, much easier.

interesting keyboard.
any idea where i could find a korean NMB version?

call IBM maintenance parts at 800-388-7080 (menu options 2:1:1) and ask to purchase for FRU# 42T3139 or 42T3173.   both are NMB keyboards with korean layout.   the first number might not show up in the system but the second number should.   price should be around $65 plus shipping.

maybe it's a dumb question, but is there any way that you can find out if your LCD is a samsung or LG in Windows?

dickeywang wrote:maybe it's a dumb question, but is there any way that you can find out if your LCD is a samsung or LG in Windows?

download pcwizard 2007 and it'll give you the panel's part number in the "video" section.   LTN part numbers are samsung and LP numbers are LG/philips.

erik wrote:

dickeywang wrote:

Thanks! I downloaded pcwizard and it says "Manufaccturer: LTD131EN9B, Product ID: LEN4022". What does that means?

dickeywang wrote:Thanks! I downloaded pcwizard and it says "Manufaccturer: LTD131EN9B, Product ID: LEN4022". What does that means?

I believe that's Samsung, but to be certain you can go here and look up the Service FRU numbers for most components in your machine.

how much are the NMB keyboards?

cs120ban wrote:how much are the NMB keyboards?

usually around $45~65 depending on model.

erik wrote:

cs120ban wrote:how much are the NMB keyboards?

usually around $45~65 depending on model.

Does anyone know if the chicony model is a similar price?

BradS wrote:Does anyone know if the chicony model is a similar price?

probably.   your best bet is to find the FRU number that you want, then call IBM maintenance parts (800.388.7080 options 2:1:1) and ask them.   you can also try plugging the FRU number into this site and seeing if it shows up in the system.   even if the number doesn't show up on the maintenance parts site it might still be available through the parts order line.

fyi, maintenance parts is located in mechanicsburg so you'd get in-stock parts quickly.

ryengineer wrote:

dickeywang wrote:Thanks! I downloaded pcwizard and it says "Manufaccturer: LTD131EN9B, Product ID: LEN4022". What does that means?

I believe that's Samsung, but to be certain you can go here and look up the Service FRU numbers for most components in your machine.

I got a Samsung on my T61P. Is there something wrong with Samsung? I love the display. It's nice, bright and barely any leakage..

CRSO wrote:I got a Samsung on my T61P. Is there something wrong with Samsung? I love the display. It's nice, bright and barely any leakage..

I've never seen one, but from reports here, Samsung is generally not well-regarded for exactly those reasons (that is, if people are to be believed, it is not bright enough, the contrast is bad, the viewing angles are horrid, and there is backlight leakage galore).

However, if you are happy with it, why worry about it?

-- Nathan

I've seen a lot of LCD's in my day and I am fairly happy with this one. As far as the viewing angles, I can see everything from numerous angles. I prefer to have it facing me exact (on ALL displays) but is fine from many angles.

It is super bright also... Maybe Samsung made newer displays?

Manufacturer : LTN141P4-L02
Product ID : LEN4022