New Thinkpad X60 owner, quick questions.

[Saysana13B]

I am currently reformatting my laptop since the last owner didn't. Quite awkward when you see all the pre-settings someone else put on when you buy a laptop.

I like the laptop so far. But with 1gb and Windows home, its a bit slow (maybe because of the previous owner's junk?). I ordered Windows 7 from my school ($7 for ultimate 64bit!!) and I'll go buy some RAM today since I cannot wait to install it!

My concern as of right now is that ever since I turned on the laptop, the fan has been running. On my X31, the fan shuts off a few minutes after start up. Also, this laptop is in pristine condition, the previous owner said he used it for only 100 hours. Not sure if thats true, it is almost a 3 year old laptop, but there are no scratches whatsoever.

My other question is that does anyone recommend programs/utilities? I mean programs other users use that you think should be known. Maybe a cool battery utility?

[crazyfrog]

For an X60, install TPfancontrol will make the fan run a little quieter and less often. As for battery utility, the name of the program is Power Manager. Go to

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 62938.html

you will see more useful programs/utilities for your X60. Since you are going to install win7, you should also check

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... -BETA.html

[ajkula66]

You may want to order a 32-bit version of W7 since most of X60 units have Core Duo processors that do not support 64-bit operating systems...

[Saysana13B]

Thanks for the replies!

I forgot to mention its the Core 2 Duo version, T5600. I checked online it said it was a 64bit processor and all, but when I tried finding it in my laptop it said x86 so I am a bit worried now. I picked it up today and will be installing it once I barrow my friend's dock.

The tpcontrol works, but I realized now its not the fan but the HD. Its a 7200rpm and it's probably what I am hearing. I guess faster isn't really more silent.

My COA Windows XP sticker also says "Lenovo Singapore" on it. Does that mean my X60 was bought in Singapore?

[proaudioguy]

Faster drives are not always noisy either. My Seagates are very quiet. The Hitachi's I've used int he past were all much louder. I really think it "depends". Get an SSD and your noise issue will be GONE.

[crazyfrog]

Thanks for the replies!
I forgot to mention its the Core 2 Duo version, T5600. I checked online it said it was a 64bit processor and all, but when I tried finding it in my laptop it said x86 so I am a bit worried now. I picked it up today and will be installing it once I barrow my friend's dock.

T5600 will accept Win7 64-bit.

My COA Windows XP sticker also says "Lenovo Singapore" on it. Does that mean my X60 was bought in Singapore?

It only means that the sticker was printed in Singapore. Your X60 should be made in China by Lenovo.

[rek]

Sounds like you have the driver related stuff sorted, but you may want to keep this link handy (device driver matrix for X60 series)

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-62938

Re hard drives, yeah some 7200rpm (and even 5400rpm!) drives make an audible whooshing noise, in my experience there seems to be no rhyme or reason to which brands/drives are noisy, but as far as rotating platter drives go, you are generally better served in the noise department by getting (a) a lower RPM drive, and (b) a drive composed of fewer platters. If you're seriously picky about noise then an SSD is the only option, these days 'general productivity' (60-100GB) type drive sizes are fortunately at a sane price level.