How accurate is Lenovo parts lookup? also keyboard question

[superfly676]

Hi everyone
I am looking to add a T400 to my stable of thinkpads. Like most people, I am having trouble finding a WXGA+ lcd back lighted screen.
My question is regarding the parts look up. IF a laptop has been custom configured by lenovo (ie CTO model) then the specs on the parts lookup should be accurate...correct?
I understand sometimes ram is changed or a HDD swapped by a seller, but the info regarding the 5300 ABGN card and the actual lcd type and model should be 100% accurate provided they arent modded afterwards right?
Is that correct?

Also, Is there any FRU or part that identifies that the upgraded keyboard supports are installed or do you just have to ensure the build date is March09 or later as in the other post?
Thanks in advance for your wealth of knowledge!!!!
S

[archer6]

In my experience, parts lookup has been very accurate. If I were on a ThinkPad now I would lookup your keyboard question, but I'm on my BlackBerry so I'm limited. I do know that my first T400 had a bit of flex, but the new one I have is quite nice & solid. I do not hesitate to endorse them.
.
Cheers...
posted via BlackBerry Bold

[Harryc]

If you look through the psref (aka TABOOK) for T400, you'll see that there are T400 models listed as having been released in the US after 3/24/2009. My best guess is those are the models with the upgraded keyboard frame. These is no specific mention in the psref about the keyboard frame upgrade. I am not sure where to find this information for non-US models.
http://www.lenovo.com/psref/pdf/psref354.pdf

I'm not sure I understand your other question, but if it's a part installed by Lenovo in the factory then it would be accurately represented on parts list at Lenovo.com. If it is a part installed by a seller, then all bets are off....who knows what they've installed.

[ssd_thinkpad]

After looking the picture of the upgraded keyboard, I am curious, if it is not just an additional metal thing that you can buy from lenovo parts shop and you can even upgrade existing T400 models with?

[Harryc]

There are a ton of base cover part#'s listed at Lenovo for every model T400. I think that if you order the base cover for a model manufacturered after 3/24/2009 that you get the frame upgrade. Why do I think that...because the frame upgrade is not listed as a seperate part anywhere. As to the second part of your question, you'd have to purchase one to prove that theory right or wrong. Do you have a T400?
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-70429
http://www.notebookreview.com/shared/pi ... sp?f=42232
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.a ... nkpad+t400

[superfly676]

Right now I have a T42 with a broken screen. New screen is on the way and I will be doing a swap myself. I am looking to buy a new T400 also. From another thread on this forum I found a link to the Lenovo forum that had a Lenovo rep talking about the new reinforced frame parts under the keyboard. He said that any T400 made after March 09 would have the new reinforced substructure. I just couldn't find an FRU or part number to see the difference.
I have seen the new substructure on notebook review
The other question about the parts lookup is regarding a machine I found from a reseller. The parts lookup says it has a 250 gig HDD but the seller has it with a 128 SSD. The parts lookup also says it has the LG LED backlite Wxga+ res while the seller says it is CFL backlight.
I think he likely swapped the HDD but the screen I would imagine is the same as the Lenovo site.
......ah the joys of buying an IBM!!!
S

[superfly676]

Oh I forgot to mention, I will be buying a USA spec T400.
Also, from the pictures, it looks as though the part would be able to be added to an existing T400 to support the keyboard.....if you know what part it is.
The only thing that makes me question if it would be possible, is that lenovo was offering T6i keyboards to people with springy keyboards up until this new reinforcement came out. The reinforcement would have been a lot cheaper for them to offer to people with bad keyboards.
I need to find some parts numbers, but for now, it is not shown in the picks on the lenovo site.
S

[Harryc]

I'll reach out to a contact at Lenovo and ask about the frame part#. He's really busy so it may be awhile before we get a reply ...

[Harryc]

These make use of existing screws and tapped holes in the rollcage for mounting. As such, they can be retrofit to existing systems, but you would need to be careful in how these are installed to ensure proper routing of wires, etc.

45N5365 T400 KBD support bracket for Integ model, 2 pieces
45N5366 T400 KBD support bracket for Hybrid model, 2 pieces

45N5367 T/W500 KBD support bracket for Integ model, 2 pieces
45N5368 T/W500 KBD support bracket for Hybrid model, 2 pieces

Some caveats with these parts;

1.) Nobody has verified parts availability with Lenovo, so that's up to you. Cost is also unknown.
2.) The manufacturer considers these parts a 'mid production change', which doesn't mean that previously built models are "defective" without these, nor are customers entitled to receive these for free.

[superfly676]

Very nice work Harryc.

These make use of existing screws and tapped holes in the rollcage for mounting. As such, they can be retrofit to existing systems, but you would need to be careful in how these are installed to ensure proper routing of wires, etc.

45N5365 T400 KBD support bracket for Integ model, 2 pieces
45N5366 T400 KBD support bracket for Hybrid model, 2 pieces

45N5367 T/W500 KBD support bracket for Integ model, 2 pieces
45N5368 T/W500 KBD support bracket for Hybrid model, 2 pieces

Some caveats with these parts;

1.) Nobody has verified parts availability with Lenovo, so that's up to you. Cost is also unknown.
2.) The manufacturer considers these parts a 'mid production change', which doesn't mean that previously built models are "defective" without these, nor are customers entitled to receive these for free.

[superfly676]

well........
I ordered the machine. It has a T61 NMB keboard and the LG back light (LED) monitor. I guess I will be better able to answer my questions when it arrives!
Cheers
S

[asiafish]

The T61 NMB keyboard solves ALL flex issues with the early T400

[superfly676]

Very true

It has the NMB and it is great. The parts lookup was 100%, the seller was misinformed on a few points.
Cheers
S

[tonn]

Hy, i look in lenovo part center, and finded out, that mine has http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=130568 alps: 42t3230 keyboard! Is it a better keyboard or that poor one?