Just got X41t, I have a few questions:

[manteiv]

I just got a good deal on a X41 tablet, I have never used a tablet before and I have a few questions:

1- The stylus was missing. I found some on ebay for about $35 not cheap. Can I use something else instead of the real thing? I heard this is supposed to be a touch screen. How exactly does the touch screen work? can I press on icons using my fingers? (does not seem to response to my finger touch)

2- the lid latch is broken or missing, I cannot close the lid. I will attempt to fabricate something like inserting a plastic piece carved out in the shape of a hook and cut out from an old credit card but I have to know what the part look like. Is is something removable? does it protrude on both sides of the screen?

Please see pic here, it appears the latch protrude on both sides of the screen?

http://cgi.ebay.ca/IBM-Tablet-X41-12-1- ... 4cf1667ec7

3- I want to clean install the OS because the original owner never cleaned install since the beginning about 4 years ago. It is probably a good idea to perform a clean installation. It is running now on the Windows 2005 XP tablet edition, the machine has 1.5GB RAM,

Does it have to be XP tablet edition? what if I instal professional XP or Windows 7? what does the XP tablet edition has that a normal Professional XP does not? and will it take a generic USB CD/dvd drive because I don't have the IBM drive with the special USB power connector.

[automobus]

I do not know for sure what replacement styluses will work. I think I read that all "penabled" pens work.

The latch can switch sides from screen-to-lid. It "clicks" nicely through the frame to either side. It is rotationally symmetric (as the screen rotates half of a circle), and a complicated shape that will be hard to fabricate from a card.

To benefit from the tablet features of Windows XP, then you need Tablet Edition. XP "plain" does not have tablet programs or writing recognition. However, Windows 6 and later (read: Vista (6.0), 7 (6.1)) incorporate the tablet functionality in ordinary editions (as far as I know, there are no special editions similar to XP Media Center or XP Tablet).

Most any USB optical drive should be bootable, just make sure it gets power. As far as I know, only one model was made that uses that special powered USB connector, and I think it is only a CD-ROM drive.

[billp117]

The x41t will run great on Windows 7...all versions support the tablet. Get the Home Upgrade version and save some $$. You can install with an external DVD drive or a docking unit with a DVD drive. That said, it is very easy to use a USB memory stick (4 GB) to install Win 7...here is the link:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 17#p570645

As for the broken latch...I would not waste any time repairing it as the Thinkpad lid will pretty much stay closed. It is possible to order the part but you need to check your comfort level on replacing it. I had an older unit with a broken latch and got used to it being broken. I would use the ThinkPad X41t stylus as it fits in the handy little holder on the side of the unit. No the screen is not touch with your finger...just with the stylus.

You can install a 2 GB memory chip and Windwos 7 will recognize the 2 GB...but you will find that Windows 7 will run fine on the 1.5 GB. Good luck.