Page 1 of 1
Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?
Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 2:26 pm
by Reboot
I'd planned on upgrading from an X30 to an X61, but I found a good deal on a T61 with a combination of features I wanted: Penryn CPU, low-res 14.1" screen, integrated graphics, 2GB RAM, XP COA, and a DVD-RW. It's a 7658-RUU. Already have a 7200RPM hard drive ready to upgrade. BT and a webcam would have been nice but I'm not that picky.
Are there any particular problem spots I should watch out for, or helpful hints to keep in mind? Most discussion about T61 issues seems to revolve around the Merom models.
Also, does the parallel/serial Ultrabay adapter for the T60 work in these?
Re: Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?
Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 2:33 pm
by RealBlackStuff
That is one of the few T61 models without any problems (ANY T61 without nVidia GPU is a great machine!).
The adapter should work no problem.
Re: Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?
Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 6:04 pm
by Reboot
Thanks, good to know. Did the Merom T61s with integrated graphics have problems? I've read a lot about early T61 owners with dying laptops but I never knew if they were all the Nvidia ones.
Re: Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?
Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 6:31 pm
by craigmontHunter
They were (are) all nivida machines. The intel systems are rock solid
Re: Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?
Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2011 10:29 pm
by Reboot
Almost forgot, one more question. If I got a complete 14.1" screen assembly with a webcam and Bluetooth, anything preventing me from bolting it onto my T61's lower chassis?
Re: Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?
Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2011 6:14 am
by RealBlackStuff
Your 'new' machine is a 14.1" widescreen.
If the lid/webcam you have now is also widescreen and/or comes from another T61 14.1" WS, no problem in swapping.
Re: Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?
Posted: Tue Mar 29, 2011 7:02 pm
by Reboot
Well, this isn't doing my wallet any good. Found a deal on a second T61. Similar (7658-CTO) but with a T7250, better wireless, and integrated BT and camera. Assuming all things equal I guess I'll swap screens.
Re: Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?
Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2011 7:00 pm
by Reboot
OK, second T61 arrived today. 2GHz T7250, 2GB, 120GB, Intel graphics, DVD-RW, 14.1" with webcam. Cleaned up well and is physically undamaged...but it wasn't packed well and the hard drive doesn't seem to have survived shipment.
With any luck the first T61 will fare better.
Re: Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?
Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2011 7:15 pm
by jdhurst
When you get sorted out, I have a T61p now loaded with Windows 7 Pro 64-bit. It is my daily driver and bows to no one. Excellent machine and as far as I know the *last* 4:3 Thinkpad. .... JDH
Re: Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?
Posted: Sat Apr 02, 2011 9:43 pm
by Reboot
Well, I'm 0 for 2. The Penryn arrived today. Looks great and works fine, but the meathead "refurbishing" the seller gave it broke the screen and keyboard bezels. Another problem to sort out.
I never used to have this much trouble with eBay sellers.