X61T - random things

[nakopla_plechovka]

Hello fellow Thinkpadians!

It is a pleasure to shout out loud "i finally got one!". But where to start? Back in the good ol' days, when the X61T was considered by my friends as a "expensive toy" ("You cant even play games on it, bro!") I managed to get my hands on a HP TC4200 for couple of days and since then i always wanted to have one of those "touchy thingie gizmos". I passed thru some evolution phases using some mumbo-jumbo Android Tablets and lately some Windows 7 Intel Atom "Made in PRC" noname Tablets...

and now in 2014 i decided to finally make my dream come true... And i must say, "why the heck i didnt bought one earlier?".

Its a 7762 in a mint condition, with 2GB RAM, 80GB HDD, has the pen&touch 1024x768 screen, the bigger battery (which still lasts aroun 2 and half hour office work).. all that for 85 bucks (makes me laugh when i compare it to the price when it was new). I also got for peanuts the x6t ultrabase with an almost dead Ultrabay Battery III, PATA caddy and some DVD-RW drive... It arrived with the default Vista, which went straight to Win8.1 and now to Win7Ent (and of course Middleton BIOS)...

I have few questions about this machine, if there were answered somewhere here around, accept my apologies for "jeeeps, another newbie who doesnt know how to use search"...

1) Is it possible that the Wacom layer "wears out" after some time? I originally didnt even knew that it is the p&t display as i was touching it really softly. the Pen part works perfectly
2) I've found some older ITM (2GB) cards in my "stash full of trash treasures". Did anyone tried those out if it has some real effect?
3) Tried to install the OS from a SD card and "nope" seems that it doesnt support, nvm.
4) Can someone recommend 2GB RAM sticks for the overclock?
5) Related to OC, i dont understand the table related to it. Can i OC the CPU to some degree without a pinmod?
6) If i get somewhere a different Stylus, lets say with two buttons and eraser (From Toshiba ie.), will it work as a three button one?
7) Another question related to the Wacom, is it possible to use it with some screen protection?
can someone recommend some good handr writting recognition software?
9) about the ubay battery - is it possible to do a DYI refubrish on it? Did someone managed to clear/reflash the chip inside it? I remember reflashing a NEC battery...
10) i know that the best speed boost is a SSD drive, but as im working with those in huge numbers i see their wear and tear, not a big fan of them tho... so, what about a WD Black or WD Blue?

And yes, games are playable on it... i love Turn Based Strategies and logic puzzle games... this is what i have been waiting for! Now i can command my armies across Europe while i travel

I wish all of you a nice day and sending greetings from the sunny Prague,
M.

[Dekks]

Welcome, i got my one a month or so ago too..

1) Wacom gear generally seems very robost. So i think it should last, plus a quick search here does'nt throw anything up.
2) If ITM = Intel Turbo Memory aka Robson, then if you use more than 1GB memory it's not very useful and if you go down the SSD route it wont work anyway.
3) A real SD card? or a more modern SDHC card which i know doesn't work from trial and error.
4) & 5) No idea.
6) As long as its a wacom it should work.
7) Yes
Cellwriter with Linux
9) No Idea

[FryPpy]

1. This is resistive touchscreen and it is very insensitive (for me). Not all drag&drop actions i can complete with success. But scrolling is working well.
2. HMM states that 1Gb ITM module can be used in X61t (use right mPCIe slot). But schematics have some notes that ITM components can be soldered directly to the mainboard (i haven't seen any X61(t) mainboard with soldered ITM).
3 There is no SD device in boot order - so there is no way to boot from SD. I have tryed to boot from PCMCIA ATA drive on all my T6xs but no luck.
4. Don't be lazy and read about OC of thinkpads. If you do pin mod (FSB 800->1066) memory will work in out of spec frequency (888 Mhz). Some people get success with 800MHz sticks but other way is to reprogram SPD...
5. Dual IDA - Middleton BIOS already Dual IDA compatible - you need software to activate it.
7. But that films may do image less crisp.
10. Backups (to second HDD in ultrabay) can decrease risks but IMO no 2.5" HDDs can compete SATA-II SSDs.

GAMES - 30 mins ago i tried CounterStrike 1.6 (not Source) and it works well (on native 1024x768). Before this i have some (anomal) experience of gaming CS with touchpad and trackpoint;) But gaming CS on X61t in tablet mode is unique (try remapping buttons in CS config to tablet buttons before begins) :).

[nakopla_plechovka]

Hello again,

1) i've found that the issue are my fingers - too much dry skin (i know, sounds weird)
4+5) im not lazy! I was reading the whole german 50 pages thread and this was not clear to me
7) the image is by default a little bit blurry, ill give it a try

about Games, i stumbled upon a really weird behaviour. When i was googling "X61t games" i encoutnered a thread that somebody reports that he plays "Crayon Physics" on it, as the game looks hilariously entertaining, for some reason i cant start it properly, the screen shakes and then nothing, but i can hear the music on the back. The same applies to OpenRA. I use the latest up-to-date drivers for MoBo, GPU etc...

11) Did anyone experienced the same issue?

Enjoy the day!
M.

---

edit: ignore, its some general issue with OpenGL blah blah on GMA965/X3100. I found "RGH Drivers 3.2.64", which are quite an improvement over the original drivers. Gained around 10% FPS improvement in games (now it runs games from 2004 and not only from 2001! ).

[aoitenshi]

Hello,
I have X61 tablet and my wife is using it

1) Is it possible that the Wacom layer "wears out" after some time? I originally didnt even knew that it is the p&t display as i was touching it really softly. the Pen part works perfectly
2) I've found some older ITM (2GB) cards in my "stash full of trash treasures". Did anyone tried those out if it has some real effect?
3) Tried to install the OS from a SD card and "nope" seems that it doesnt support, nvm.
4) Can someone recommend 2GB RAM sticks for the overclock?
5) Related to OC, i dont understand the table related to it. Can i OC the CPU to some degree without a pinmod?
6) If i get somewhere a different Stylus, lets say with two buttons and eraser (From Toshiba ie.), will it work as a three button one?
7) Another question related to the Wacom, is it possible to use it with some screen protection?
can someone recommend some good handr writting recognition software?
9) about the ubay battery - is it possible to do a DYI refubrish on it? Did someone managed to clear/reflash the chip inside it? I remember reflashing a NEC battery...
10) i know that the best speed boost is a SSD drive, but as im working with those in huge numbers i see their wear and tear, not a big fan of them tho... so, what about a WD Black or WD Blue?

1. So far the wacom pen still last, it has been my daughter's new toy and abused the same way my daughter abused my laptops
2. ITM as Intel Turbo Memory? Nope, it does no good, because SSD has arise
3. Same here, no luck installing from sd card, but success using flashdrives / external usb drives
4. Get G.Skill brand (but why would you do an overclock for DDR2 memories? )
5. Absolutely, you can do CPU's OC but remember, to put more cooling items on top of the chip
You can make higher Volts value for the processor for OC'ing purpose.
6. Nope, a friend of mine is using a toshiba pen on his x61t and it only works as 2-buttons mode.
7. No need to use a screen protection, just use a screen cleaner and do schedule 'maintenance' regularly
8. Sorry, my wife doesn't use handwriting recognizing, but I think I've tried using Microsoft's Word when using the pen.
9. Failed me once, the battery controller is one bad-[censored]
10. Get an SSHD like Seagate or WD Black, it's a rotational hard drive with ssd-cache .. large space, better speed than spinning hard drive
(but I'd recommend using ssd since it is more 'shock-proof')

have fun with your x61 tablet

[nakopla_plechovka]

Hello Friends,

so i managed to get my hands on a TC4200 (in a superb condition) so i have not been fiddling around with the X61. Because i tried Linux and especially i'm thrilled by a distro called "EliveCD" (E17 is awesome, e19 even better, but slow as ****). It moves even the prehistoric "P-3" at 1,83Ghz ... so now im planning to switch over also on the X61 to Linux. For research, what is the best "out-of-box" distro in your opinion? (with tablet and perhaps buttons supported?).

Also, anything better then Xournal? What is your setup as a portable office?

smile!
M.

[nakopla_plechovka]

Its a long way to Linux my friends!

Hello,

so i just managed to get almost all things working, except the Fingerprint sensor (will investigate later) and the darn tablet keys.

i went thru thinkwiki and it states "keys are recognised by atkbd kernel", but they arent i stumpled on the same issue here http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=114627 where they are using the atkbd kernel parameter, also without any success, in xinput i can see "Thinkpad Extra Buttons" listed. I just cannot get them to generate any scancode (using xbindkeys and xev). In Win7 and win8 it works flawlessly. Running Debian/SparkyLinux.

any ideas how to get it rollin? thats i believe the last think which bothers me about Linux and X61T.

(btw: TC4200 pen-touch buttons works without any issues on Debian/Elive)

Update: so in ro 3 / text mode i finally got them working, now to figure out a way how to get it work under X(e19)

[nakopla_plechovka]

Hello lads,

So i finally got all the buttons working under linux and mixed up some crazy script to perform rotation of screen, tablet and the buttons (yes, the issue was between the keyboard and desk, somewhere on the chair )

Now im going for the battery mumbo jumbo. Any clue how good perform the 3rd party batteries on the tablets? My original is good for 2hrs OpenTTD play also, does someone use the tlp and has some good custom configs? (like "extra slow, super long battery time") Also did someone tries to run it on OC/PLL modded machine?

Another thing is (and i am confused about it), is that i have the 4695AG card and no bluetooth. Do i understand it right, that BT module is integrated on the newer 6x00 intel series? So can i put next to it some WWAN/3G modem card (middleton bios)? Also, do i need to use the Sierra modules or can i use others like Gobi 2000 or novatel etc (used in Lenovos, Dells, HPs etc or something like this http://www.ebay.de/itm/Novatel-EU850D-U ... 5890e905a3). I know that i need to get also the antennas for it, as the tablet versions are really rare nowadays (especially here), did anyone try to do some DYI from other brands?

[axur-delmeria]

For the WLAN + BT cards, you need to install it on the 2nd mini PCIe slot, AKA the WWAN slot.
This is because the BT portion is USB while the WLAN is PCIe, and the USB pins are not connected on the 1st mini PCIe slot.
The alternative is to find a Thinkpad-specific BT module. http://thinkwiki.org/wiki/Bluetooth_Dau ... _(14_pins)

[FryPpy]

Another thing is (and i am confused about it), is that i have the 4695AG card and no bluetooth. Do i understand it right, that BT module is integrated on the newer 6x00 intel series?

More correct 6x3x - WiFi + Buetooth modules - 6x0x - WiFi only. And bluetooth from this combomodules is not working with Fn+F5 utility.
Yes you can use bluetooth modules from 6x series of Thinkpads or newer. But X6x tablet needs some more. Bluetooth module is placed at bottom right corner under palmrest, but connected to the mainboard under spacebar. You need connector cable to do the trick.

see this
or this

About antennas for tablet. LCD cover is made from Mg and shields radio signals. Antennas placed near the holes (covered with plastic) in cover. May be not all LCD covers have holes for WWAN. Moreover main WWAN antenna is placed above the LCD cover in plastic dome to see 360 degrees of open space;)

[flyingfishfinger]

Will a Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 7260 work in an X61T / X61?

[RealBlackStuff]

Yes, provided you apply Middleton's BIOS.

[flyingfishfinger]

This is a 2x2 antenna device. How to know which 2 of the 3 existing antennas to connect up?

[RealBlackStuff]

The grey antenna goes to the left(Main), the black to the right(Aux), and if there would be a third (white) antenna, it goes in the middle.

[nakopla_plechovka]

Thanks guys for the guidance what to get

a fresh brand new issue...

in the morning i was able to fiddle up something in CellWriter (thanks FryPpy) and during the day it was plugged into AC, but suddenly the battery flashes orange, but in acpi i have that "battery 0 - 100%" and also the health was reported to be 59% (charging the 4,400Ah battery up to 2,5xxAh)... is it normal that the battery dies so quick on instant?

Update: Yup, died in the line of fire... tlp-stat shows that the battery is in excellent condition, but as soon as i start tlp discharge bat0, it turns off the laptop on instant (good thing: checking how Linux can handle sudden crashes). I was googling around and well, the battery had a good time, its time to get a new one...

[nakopla_plechovka]

Hello,

so i tried the "jump-start trick" and it works, but if there was a reason to shut the battery down, ill be monitoring it even more closer

And a brand new questions,
does anyone knows anything about those batteries? http://www.ebay.com/itm/181164656699 they are sold for peanuts, but mostly in the US and as my frendo goes to visit the big apple next week, he could bring me one back home...
also, i've remember i saw somewhere something like this "for better cooling you should buy this heatsink/fan assembly", it was pointing to some photo which was taken down, as i want to have one brand new spare (and they are cheap in the states), which one should i buy?

Thanks and have a nice rest of sunday

edit: Does anyone know by any chance what is the UK (big enter) keyboard FRU nr. an SK-8835 IBM UltraNav keyboard? Is it replcable from some thinkpad? (i belive it is) another thing is: is there any chance to test if the simslot is alive or just for show without putting a WWAN card into the machine?

[nakopla_plechovka]

Hello!

So i just recieved a brand new keyboard, battery, travelcover and the hinge for dzhe eks61tee. The keyboard makes it look like new Battery is a 3rd party 5.2Ah and is fit for 3hrs of "office work" on Linux (why Windows runs longer on battery all the time? some wrong settings?). The hinge doesnt look the same like the original (i dont believe they are making fakes, maybe some revisited design?), but it feels now just right. Last, but not least, the travelgizmo. It looks amazing, exactly something usefull for my photoshooting sessions...

Anyway, i found out that i have the Bluetooth BDC installed (bottom right palmrest), but for some reason none of the OS are able to recognise it Maybe its either thecable broken or the BDC itself, sadly...

also is there anybody in the EU with a X61t chasis in good ("ex+" or "like new") condition for sale?

Seize the day, my friends!
M.

[Dekks]

RE: battery life, i'm assuming your running TLP and Thinkfan? try running powertop too.

RE: Bluetooth - Is it enabled in BIOS?

[nakopla_plechovka]

Hi,

yes, TLP and Thinkfan, ill try the powertop.

There is an option in BIOS for BT enable? i was looking there at least three times and couldnt find anything... so it looks like a malfunction, will try a different module...

Brgds,
M.

[RealBlackStuff]

In BIOS, look under Config/Network/Internal Bluetooth Device [Enabled/Disabled]

[wileE]

In a X61T its under: Security / I/O Port Access / Bluetooth

[Dekks]

Sorry forgot to say exactly where it was on any X61 type its in security option > i/o access.

[nakopla_plechovka]

Hello,

i was checking this tab too, i have there things like wireless lan, wireless wan, serial port etc., but no BT :-/

M.

[nakopla_plechovka]

Greetings,

about the BT issue, if there is no BT installed, is this option still visible in BIOS? (if yes, then i have a BIOS malfunction ) I tried to remove/add the BDC on the cable (was checking both ends) and still nothing. I will get another BDC around christmas time, but it still grinds my gears (now with extra sand!)

anyway, is it just me and my searching abilities, or there is no X61t with the SXGA+ screen for sale?

[nakopla_plechovka]

Hello addicts to the black brick!

so... I have kinda ignored the thing with the BT, originally i wanted to drive my Enlarger with it, but a 1Eur chinki BT module did the trick too ... it also works with my SK-8835 USB>BT DIY voodoo keyboard.

I now decided to reinstall my Linux distro to a different one (eliveCD is fast, but crappy with e19) and now im curious about the keyboard... i bought e-bling itm/400744338225 and i have actually no clue what layout it is, seems to be the US, but with the big enter? the FRU's are on the big picture and im unable to find what it should be... any ideas?

have a nice day,
M.

[RealBlackStuff]

The pictures are from a French-Canadian keyboard 42T3501/42T3533 (made by Chicony)
The 42T3435/42T3467 in the Title is a US-English keyboard (made by NMB).
So as usual, the seller is lying through his back teeth. Not uncommon on fleabay...

OTOH: personally I would prefer that French/Canadian KB over the usual US layout, I like the big Enter key.

[nakopla_plechovka]

Hello RBS,

Thank you for your prompt help. I was wondering about it as i was trying to match exactly the layout during the install. Because when i selected US - US International layout, the button next to the left shift was'nt \| but <> so i used "US - US Alternate with dead keys" (no clue whats the dead thing).

There were some issues with this offer anyway, i recieved some email from e-bling like "seller not good, issues with delivery, issues with product blah blah" ...

Rgds,
M.

[nakopla_plechovka]

Greetings gents,

hope all good in 2015 for you

I've found a rather interesting problem, did it happened to anyone, that suddenly the touch option stopped working in Linux? Stylus and Eraser are still present, but no touch. TBH i have no clue how to troubleshoot something liek this in Linux, so ill be more than thankfull for some advise.
Also, i've started to fiddle around with Krita, is there anyone who managed to get the eraser to work as eraser? And does someone understand the sensitivity curve?

Aaaand a few questions about xinput_calibrator: When i follow the instructions and create the 99-calibration.conf in /usr/share/X11/xorg.conf.d with the proper touschreen type (Wacom Serial Penabled Touchsreen stylus), the OS doesnt boot to GUI (Sparky with E19). so is there any possibility posibility to use xsetwacom instead?

xinput_calibrator output is as following:
Section "InputClass"
Identifier "calibration"
MatchProduct "!!Name_Of_TouchScreen!!"
Option "MinX" "168"
Option "MaxX" "24648"
Option "MinY" "60"
Option "MaxY" "18396"
Option "SwapXY" "0" # unless it was already set to 1
Option "InvertX" "0" # unless it was already set
Option "InvertY" "0" # unless it was already set
EndSection

How should be the xsetwacom set Area command should look like?

Thanks and have a nice day lads
M.