What all can be done to a G40/41?

[schen]

Like I don't have enough on my hands, but I'm considering picking up a G4x machine and playing around with it. I'm just curious about the big over-sized beasts. I looked over the HMM and the CPU looks like a plane ole P4, but I'm not sure of the socket (478?).

I'm just looking to see if there are any G Series enthusiast out there and what you've done to hotrod your machines.

[bobstockler]

I'm not going to be of much help to you because since buying my G41 in
November 2005 I've done little to it other than upgrade the RAM from
512Mb to 2Gb and the HDD from 40Gb to 80Gb. Since getting it it's spent
all of its time, except for 1 long weekend,on the corner of the coffee
table in my family room, where I sit on the couch to use it.

It suits my needs perfectly. I sit where I can watch the TV, look out
the window-wall to my left to enjoy my yard, or straight ahead to enjoy
the creekstone fireplace on the opposite wall. Its WiFi connects me to
my 3 computers and printer upstairs in my computer room. One computer
runs Windows XP Pro, another Red Hat Linux,the 3rd SCO OpenServer 6.
They all run VNC servers, so I can work on any of their desktops while
being in this more enjoyable atmosphere.

When I bought my G41 I didn't so much want a "portable" computer as one
that would suit the use to which I've put it, and it does it well.

Bob (did I mention the wet bar to my right?)

[Cowboy6032]

I'll basically copy what he said too...what do you need to do to it?

I bought a G40 back in Late 2003/early 2004, with a P4-3Ghz processor in it...which is still a great processor...lol. I upped the HD, and put a gig of memory in it. It had wifi built in, and a cd-burner/dvd reader, so I haven't had to do much to it.

Usually, I start clean every year or so...usually when I update my virus software. That way I get rid of all the other useless junk I've downloaded, and speed it up a little.

I bought this in college, so I could have a powerhouse to work on my engineering stuff with. I started off carrying it back/forth from home to campus, but finally decided it wasn't worth the hassle, b/c couldn't use it much in classes, and I had plenty of computers at home...so left it in the dorm most of the time, instead, and carried docs on a flash drive. Even though it's heavier than (all?) other models, it wasn't as heavy as my physics book...lol. Now, I'm kind of like Bob...I just use the wifi in my apartment, usually leave it on the coffee table, and it's still clicking right along.

[nichevo]

How do you find this as a desktop replacement/pseudo-SFF, i.e. trying to reduce watts used? I have a Gateway (yeah yeah) 835GM with 820D. It seems overkill for Office and mild file/web server, and between its PS and the 21" CRT, it's warm over here!

So ISTM a 120W machine (less perhaps if on KVM, LCD off) might get some serious work done. At least it would be 120W always on, not 300-500 or more.

Am I better off with a newer, smaller machine? I have a T41p but not to commit for this usage. Should I look to an R or A model with lower watts or better capabilities of some other sort? I figure I will add on all needed storage with USB.

I assume these have 1000BT and the video will be "adequate." (Are any options available other than the Go5200 with IBM P/N? Has it a PCI (or AGP) slot where I could add generic PCI (or AGP)?

Does this dock?

Does this really use the same P/S as the (IIRC) 2878 mini-dock? That would be convenient as I have one of those.

Any typical HW or SW issues? Cautions buying used?

Other general advice?

[Tad]

I too am interested in the G41 Thinkpad to replace my faithful A22m. Portability is not an issue as it will not be carried around. Use will be some photo processing, writing, web surfing, and other general computing.

I would appreciate any opinions on the G41..good, bad, or otherwise.

Any other suggestions for a good solid, reliable replacement Thinkpad are most welcome.


Thank you... Tad