Z61t WWAN Antenna Removal

[sparta.rising]

I'm contemplating pulling the trigger on a used Z61t. It has a Verizon WWAN antenna, which would be completely useless to me. Looking at the hardware maintenance manual, it looks like there is a gap in the LCD bezel for the antenna, so if it was removed, it would leave an uncovered gap. Is this true? The HMM didn't list a separate FRU for a bezel without the gap, but I've seen pictures of antenna-less Z61t machines. Can anyone lend any help or insight?

[dr_st]

So, for the T60 there is a part called "Wireless WAN Blank Cover" (FRU 41V9909 for 14.1", FRU 41V9910 for 15").

From some reason I do not see anything similar for the Z61t in the HMM. However in this image you can clearly see such a blank cover. Weird.

OK, I found something. Apparently there is a kit called "LCD Assembly Miscellaneous Parts" (FRU 41W4835).
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 64268.html

One of the things listed is a "Wireless WAN Cover". I presume that's the one.

[sparta.rising]

Thank you!

[wakka2u]

I'm contemplating pulling the trigger on a used Z61t. It has a Verizon WWAN antenna, which would be completely useless to me. Looking at the hardware maintenance manual, it looks like there is a gap in the LCD bezel for the antenna, so if it was removed, it would leave an uncovered gap. Is this true? The HMM didn't list a separate FRU for a bezel without the gap, but I've seen pictures of antenna-less Z61t machines. Can anyone lend any help or insight?

i was also thinking of getting a z61t too, what was the price? planning to sell my t60 for a z61t ... am i nuts?

[dr_st]

i was also thinking of getting a z61t too, what was the price? planning to sell my t60 for a z61t ... am i nuts?

Just a little bit. Basically, the T60 14" and the Z61t are the same laptop (platform-wise), only one is standard screen and the other is widescreen.

There are a number of differences in the favor of each. For instance - the T60 can be had with a plush 6-cell or large 9-cell battery, whereas the Z is limited to 4- and 7-cell (or are the T61 batteries compatible?). The T has a white thinklight (and not the silly orange on the Z).

On the other hand, the Z is slightly lighter, has firewire, and a built-in cam option. However, most Z61t models apparently cannot pass DVI through the mini-dock, which slightly sucks.

[sparta.rising]

Personally, I never use a webcam nor firewire. But I also don't use the thinklight (touch typing) and never use a dock. I just find the form factor slightly more visually appealing.

I haven't yet bought the machine, which means I probably lost my opportunity. His ad was asking $700, I offered $450. I've seen a lot go for around $350 on ebay, but his was nicely spec'd out and he claimed there was warranty remaining. He replied that he was hoping for something closer to $600. I didn't immediately reply because I wanted to sell a few machines I had before buying a machine I didn't need, namely the Macbook Pro I had fixed up. But because of a mix-up in parts being shipped to me, it took a few weeks longer to get things sold than planned. I just sent him a new offer for $500... but I doubt he''s still got it.

If I remember correctly, the specs were:
C2D 2.0GHz, 3GB RAM, 120GB HDD, 14.1" WXGA+, Verizon WWAN, cam, 6cell and 9cell battery

WXGA+ is a must for me. Most of the mid-$300 Z61t's I've seen on eBay have been Core Duo, but that's replaceable.

Considering with the current Lenovo coupons I could get a low-spec'd T400 with LED screen for a little over $800, I can't see spending 600-700 for the machine. Which I know is crazy, notebook prices are dropping so fast!

[sparta.rising]

I bought it for $500. Pretty good shape (needed cleaning) and it has warranty until 2011. The clear coat on the cover was half off, so I took it all off with some rubbing alcohol (really easy to do). Now its a fingerprint magnet, so I might remove the lid and apply my own clear coat. Pictures compared to the T43 will come this evening when I have more time to play with it.

[dr_st]

Oh boy would I like to have a Z61t with such specs for $500. That's a real steal.

What is the model number? Is it black or silver? (from your talk about the clear coat I assume silver)

Congrats, seems like a kickass machine. Would love to see some pictures.

[sparta.rising]

Pictures in this thread: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 794#464794

I just got a big smile on my face because I realized I was using the new Z61t when I thought I was using the T43... so, very comfortable

[sparta.rising]

Thank god that machine came with a warranty, I just got a fan error. Called support and a box is being sent. Luckily I hadn't sold my T43 yet, definitely convinced my to keep a backup machine.

On a side note, this same week my Xbox360 died (which I almost never use)... luckily that's also under warranty.

[Tony Chan]

I didn't know that fan is a CRU?

[sparta.rising]

They're sending a box for the laptop, the way they always do depot repairs.

I think a disadvantage of owning a Z series is going to be the availability of parts vs. the T series. I wouldn't mind replacing the palmrest because its rather shiny, but I have no reason to ask for the replacement under warranty, but its not available on ebay. I comparison, the T61 is available cheaply.

[Tony Chan]

I think a disadvantage of owning a Z series is going to be the availability of parts vs. the T series.

No kidding. I've just replaced my T40p's LCD cover, palmrest, and keyboard with new ones from ebay for next to nothing ( $7 for new palmrest including shipping !!! ). Now the laptop looks **ALMOST** like new

Still, the z61t is extremely tempting though : fast, light, and rigid.

[sparta.rising]

It is very rigid, I'm very impressed with the construction. I don't really think of it as light, but its not oppressively heavy. The only problem I've had is with the heat, its much hotter than my T43p... but maybe that was because the fan had problems?

Funny thing about the fan error is that you can hear the fan turn on when you turn on the system. Its not failing to turn on or stuttering. I just hope I get it back quickly.