X40 Newbie - A bit confused!

[nebpehtira]

I just got an X40 off ebay for use at uni, as it's ideally suited to my needs (ultra portable for daily lugging around, 8 cell battery, bulletproof build). But I realise it's also a it quirky in some respects, and would appreciate some help about how to upgrade without wasting money I don't have. Have looked through posts on here, but still a bit hazy, as I'm only moderately technically minded.

* PC2700 RAM seems expensive compared to the newer types. Is it possible to install a newer type that will just run at the old speed?

* I know if I install a 2gb SODIMM, the system will only show 2gb, not 2.5gb, and am OK with that. Is there any brands that specifically will not work at all, or are they all "much of a muchness"?

* I've read on on the HD upgrade issues. I don't need more space (40gb at present) but do need faster seek times. Money is tight. Are the replacement mini drives from Ipods and the like notably quicker than the bog standard Hitachis?

That aside, I like the x40. Solid and well built, and it's not pink/silver/"diamond" white

Any help appreciated!

[sjthinkpader]

The largest PC2700 SODIMM would be an 1GB. You will get 1.5GB if you have a 512MB internal memory X40. DDR2 RAM used in X41 will not work in X40.

The fastest HDDs are the Samsung HS082HB and HS122JC, 80GB, 120GB respectively. Both of these will need an IDE-ZIF adapter. There are several threads by Harryc and sjthinkpader with related information. There are 32GB, 64GB SSD but they are more expensive. Some are ZIF type and some are pin type same as the original Hitachi HDD in the X40.

[nebpehtira]

Thanks for the information. I have ordered a Hynix 1gb SODIMM, so hopefully that will give a bit of a performance lift when it comes to multiple apps, and will wait and see how that improves things before splashing out on a hard drive upgrade.

[sjthinkpader]

I have several X40 including a Dothan CPU version and 1.5GB RAM seems to be enough. They are lower power than X41 and can run in passive cooling most of the time.

Welcome to the forum.

[farique]

Thanks for the information. I have ordered a Hynix 1gb SODIMM, so hopefully that will give a bit of a performance lift when it comes to multiple apps, and will wait and see how that improves things before splashing out on a hard drive upgrade.

I think the main performance drag is coming from the hard disk. but going for 1.5 GB RAM is always a good thing, because if you decide to go for a SSD or CF you need the extra RAM for you to disable the page file (virtual memory) to increase perfomance.

sjthinkpader > errr how do you accomplish passive cooling? can this be done with the X41 tablet? Passive cooling would give a tremendous boost in battery life i guess

[sjthinkpader]

Just set the Power Manager to "adaptive" on AC and "lowest" on battery.

Only one of my X40/X41/X41ts is running on the original low capacity Hitachi 4200rpm HDD. Most are running on higher capacity (i.e. higher areal density) HDDs or SSDs.
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 1&start=30

[nebpehtira]

Just to report on the memory. I ordered a Hynix 1gb PC2700 SODIMM module from this seller. It was shipped next day, and installed first time with no problems at all. I ran the IBM diagnostic tests on RAM after installing, no issues. Now running happily on 1.5gb, which has made a noticeable improvement in responsiveness, and also less background HD activity. Definitely a worthwhile upgrade for the money.