Refurb project suggestions

[ThinkRob]

Hi,

So this summer I recently stripped, rebuilt, and refurbished a ThinkPad X40.

It's been a while since I've messed with any hardware, and lately I've been thinking about starting another refurbishing project, this one a little more ambitious.

Rather than start from a working system I'd like to start from a dead, preferably incomplete unit and build it up to as close to new as possible. It should be a pretty cheap project (the parts for most older X series are priced fairly in the places I've looked), and I could really do with another testing/learning laptop.

Anyways, I'm wondering if anyone had any suggestions for which X series (or, I suppose, legacy series) to refurbish.

Right now I've thought about either doing an X41 (since I'm already familiar with the internals) or an X32 (since I hear they're wonderful little machines). Does anyone have any other suggestions?

Thanks!
-Rob

[Harryc]

If I was building it for myself I'd choose the X32. Parts might be slightly harder to get and a bit more expensive though, depending on what's needed. On the plus side, you can put any 2.5" IDE laptop hard drive in it, and it shares a couple of large parts with the X31, like LCD's and keyboards.

[Temetka]

I second Harry's opinion.

If you already know one model pretty well, then move on to another.

I've rebuilt many T4x and T6x machines over the years and am now moving on towards the X series of machines. My X41T will be by my side as I pick up an X31 and rebuild it or maybe an X21. I don't know yet, but it will basically be the same project you are doing. I am really liking these X series machines and I can't see myself moving back to a full size laptop anytime in the near future.

If you really want something to shoot for you can attempt the same mod as others and bypass the PATA bridge on the X4x machines and wire straight to the SATA controller and install a SATA SSD.

I am also interested to see if it might be possible to upgrade the LCD on the X41T to SXGA using one from an X61T or similar type machine.

[paul*robertson]

When doing projects like these, is it possible to buy new "old" parts or is it a case of just finding the best you can on places like Ebay.

[ThinkRob]

When doing projects like these, is it possible to buy new "old" parts or is it a case of just finding the best you can on places like Ebay.

Both.

I picked up a new keyboard for my X40 (which, AFAIK really was both new and genuine on eBay). I also got a number of new-ish parts from eBay (drive cover, etc.)

Probably depends on the model though. I doubt you'd find new OEM parts for, say, a 240x.