Thinkpads Forum

While eagerly waiting for the arrival of my T61 still, I'm starting to have doubts about whether I picked the right processor. I chose the T8100, but for $90 more, I could have gotten the T9300. I decided to go cheap. The order hasn't shipped yet, so I could still cancel and reorder, but it's not really a choice for me. It has already been 2 weeks since I placed the order, and school resumed for me 1 week ago. Reordering would take at least another 2 weeks. Because one of my classes require using a computer for homework, I can't wait that long. I currently don't have a computer since my crappy Averatec laptop died in only a little over a year.

Sorry for the long background information, but is it possible to order a new processor, open my TP, and replace it myself? If so, how difficult is it? I'm asking just in case the laptop arrives and I regret not getting the better processor. If is it not replaceable, I won't be too disappointed. I'm just wondering if it is an option.

Another question is about the battery. I heard that storing it away at 40% when the laptop is plugged into AC is the best way to maintain the battery over years. But I also heard it is not wise to do this if you don't have a UPS. So I was thinking, could I drain the battery to 40%, keep it in the laptop, then set the battery manager to recharge only if the battery falls under 40%? I'm thinking since the AC is plugged in, the battery won't have to charge, so it'll stay at 40% even though plugged in. So I get the battery to be backup in case of a powerout, but still get to store it at 40%. Is this good or is there something I'm missing here?

Thanks for your input on this lengthy post.

dai wrote:While eagerly waiting for the arrival of my T61 still, I'm starting to have doubts about whether I picked the right processor.

without some insight into how you plan to use your T61, this question is impossible to answer accurately.   chances are you'll be fine with the processor you purchased.   i do heavy illustrator and photoshop work and my X300 runs both apps just fine.   it's nowhere near the specs of my former T7700-powered T61p in terms of processing power.

regarding battery, just use it.   you won't help it last any longer by trying to keep the charge low and will likely do more damage than good in the long run.   when in service it's best to keep them topped off.

I'm not concerned with whether I need the faster processor right now. I'm just wondering if it's possible and if so, how difficult. I most likely won't need it, but I just wanted to know in case I change my mind when the laptop comes.

So the small benefit from the hassle of doing all that stuff with the battery isn't worth it? I see, thanks.

dai wrote:I'm not concerned with whether I need the faster processor right now. I'm just wondering if it's possible and if so, how difficult. I most likely won't need it, but I just wanted to know in case I change my mind when the laptop comes.

So the small benefit from the hassle of doing all that stuff with the battery isn't worth it? I see, thanks.

I have kept my 3-1/2 year old T42 battery at 50% using the ThinkPad's battery manager (50% - 55%) and it still will fully charge to about 88% of new capacity ..... after over 3 years!

I had an A30 that I left fully charged all the time and lost 50% of it's capacity over less than 3 years.

Just be sure to do a battery cycle (called a battery gauge reset) about every 3 months or so (the recommended once a month is too often from my experience).

My T61's Hi Capacity battery is 7 months old now and it has 98% of it's original full new capacity available using the 50% rule.

Just remember that if you unplug the power connector while the machine is off and the battery is set to hold between 50% - 55% and then replug it without powering up right away, the battery will start recharging back up to 100% on its own and you've just used up a partial cycle which can do more harm than good.

Bottom line, if you keep the machine on a desk (or docked) all the time and don't travel with it, you can probably extend battery life with the 50% rule ..... but if you are a traveler, then just use and charge it as needed and forget about everything I just wrote