Adding webcam to T61P 15.4"

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beergoggles · #1 Post by **beergoggles** » Sat Jan 22, 2011 3:14 pm

When i purchased my T61P 15.4" I could have sworn there was an option for a webcam. I didnt choose this option but now I would like to add the webcam. From the research I have done, apparently, a webcam for the T61P 15.4" never existed. And all the info I have found on adding a webcam is only for the 14.1" version. I was wondering if anyone had more information on this topic or if its possible to take an external webcam and some how integrate it into the laptop screen bezel and wire it into an available slot on the motherboard, such as one of the mini PCI express slots? I have an open slot where the wireless USB half mini card would have been.

#2 Post by **richk** » Sat Jan 22, 2011 5:36 pm

The only webcam option for 15.4" machines (before W500) was in the R61. I do not have both T61 and R61 cables to look at, but on all the other machines, the "R" cables are slightly longer and just don't fit. Sorry, but it won't work.

#3 Post by **underclocker** » Sat Jan 22, 2011 9:58 pm

richk wrote:The only webcam option for 15.4" machines (before W500) was in the R61

Actually, the first option for a webcam on a 15.4" ThinkPad was on a Z61m, and I have one. (For some reason the Z-series never gets much respect!)

Below is a link to my post regarding upgrading a 15.4" T61 with a webcam. I could not, however, I did buy a bunch of parts to try it.

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=89144

In the end, it may be possible that a 15.4" T61 motherboard supports a webcam, although I never found out since I could not find a suitable cable. It should be noted that only select 15.4" Z61m motherboards support webcams - I found that out the hard way - so it is also possible that 15.4" T61 mobos do not support webcams.

Support for webcams can be determined by testing a 15.4" T61 mobo with a display assembly from a 14.1" webcam-equipped widescreen T61. I hope someone tries this and posts the results.

In the end, you either need an external webcam OR an upgrade to a model like a T500.

FYI, I have upgraded T500 machines that did not come with the webcam. With the correct LCD cable and camera, the motherboard supported the upgrade.

beergoggles · #4 Post by **beergoggles** » Wed Jun 01, 2011 3:27 pm

Thanks for the replies. It's not going to be possible. I have looked high and low with no promising information. I'll just have to go without.

Bánh mì · #5 Post by **Bánh mì** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 1:13 pm

Its not a cost effective solution to your video needs anyway. Would just get USB.

#6 Post by **Harryc** » Thu Jun 02, 2011 4:30 pm

Bánh mì wrote:Its not a cost effective solution to your video needs anyway. Would just get USB.

Perhaps it applies in this particular case, but in general that's not a correct statement. On some machines that already have the correct LCD cable, it's just a cheap kit that is needed, .e.g. X200 comes to mind.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Thinkpad-X200-X200s ... 4aab5941a9

Bánh mì · #7 Post by **Bánh mì** » Sat Jun 04, 2011 2:29 am

Thanks I stand corrected!

Adding webcam to T61P 15.4"

Adding webcam to T61P 15.4"

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