Z61m vs. T61 Parts

[schen]

I've been working on my Z61m project on and off lately. A question that's come up is how similar (in terms of parts) are the Z61s and widescreen T61s? I understand that the Z61 will take the "N" WiFi adapter from the T61, but I've got a few other things to take care of such as the WSXGA+ screen that needs to be replaced.

While Z6x machines are relatively rare, I often see the T61s selling "For Part or Repair" due to the infamous nVidia GPU failure. I've done a little research on ThinkWiki and saw that some of the panels used are the same despite having differing FRU numbers. I also understand that the "Z"s will only take the even number T7x00 C2D processors, so that'll be a hit or miss.

Therefore I'm kind of thinking it through to see whether it'd be worthwhile to pick up one of the dead T61s for donor parts. Personally, I don't have any hands-on experience with the T6x series, so I'm wondering if anyone who's had experience with both might want to weigh in on this concept.

[billp117]

There is a T61s on eBay...presently at $25 shipped. There are a ton of T61 ThinkPads on eBay for dirt cheap. However from what I can see the Z61m and the T61 series do not have many parts that interchange. I cannot see if a Z61t screen will work.

You might keep an eye out on this eBay unit:

http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-Z61m-Thinkpad-1 ... 2a12ea7d9e

New screens for your unit seem to run about $90+. I have had a T61 and Z61t appart and IMHO do not see much compatibily.

Good luck...sounds like a fun project.

[ajkula66]

The screen from WSXGA+ T60 or T61 will work in Z61m.

Apart from that, and the basic stuff like keyboard, batteries (in some but not all cases) are about all that comes to mind.

Regarding the wireless cards, you can expect a "1802 error" if you throw a 4965AGN into a Z61...Atheros-chipped ThinkPad abgn from T60/p should work with no issues whatsoever.

Have fun.

[schen]

Thanks for the tips gentlemen. I am enjoying my progression into the "Z" world! It started out with my wife's Z61m which was a low-spec'd 9457-E7U, that got upgraded. This was followed by another Z61m which was an old project machine from another forum member that has become my current "fun" machine. Then last week, I came across a Z60t on the local Craig's List for $40! It just needed a new battery and some TLC; with which I'm very tempted to upgrade my son from his T42. That would only leave my daughter still on a 16v machine.

The main issue with "my" Z is the screen which has a defective strip that covers about the lower third. So, that's the main focus right now. If I can find a donor T61 with the right screen (WSXGA+), the possibility of the correct WiFi card to give me "N" would be a bonus. I've about decided that the T61s seem to have been almost universally equipped with odd number T7x00 processors so I'm not holding out much hope there. Underclocker has pointed me to the FRU number of the T61 "N" adapter that should work for me.

However I have plenty of time and have developed quite a fondness for these machines, almost like that I have for the old A3x series!

[underclocker]

FYI, all 15.4" ThinkPad LCD's can be swapped between all 15.4" ThinkPad models. All. (Example; you can use a WUXGA from a Z61p in a T500 that was originally WXGA. Really.)

The Z61m is closest to the T60 15.4". The T61 15.4" uses some of the same parts (battery, optical, keyboard, palmrest, Atheros N adapter, etc.), but all those items plus all the T60 CPUs and wifi adapters will work in a Z61m.

Enjoy the project. I just popped an 80GB Intel 320 series SSD in my Z61m. Indeed!

[schen]

I didn't realize that the T60s ever came in 15.4" wide, which is why I posted on this conference! I had thought that the first machines (other than the Z) to go wide was the T61s. Anyway, I looked on eBay and it looks like that they are fairly rare relative to the 4:3 that is. Plus there doesn't seem to be as many of them with failed graphic.

So, I can use any of the 15.4" screens, but do they all require different cables as in the past?

I really do need to get a couple of those Atheros "N" adapters since I really need to move my wife over that that AP as well. The kids can make do with "G" (they are 8 and 5 after all), but I'd rather have my wife's Z61m set up like mine. Although I am sorely tempted to put an SSD in it now that you mention that! However, I'll probably leave that to my X300, and desktop workstation's boot drive and get something big for the Z.....maybe one of those Seagate XT hybrids.

[ajkula66]

My understanding is that LCD cables in the entire *60 generation are the same for one range (such as R, T or Z) and that the only differences are related to BT and camera and not the resolution....

Seagate hybrids are getting very mixed reviews...I'm staying away for now...

[schen]

My understanding is that LCD cables in the entire *60 generation are the same for one range (such as R, T or Z) and that the only differences are related to BT and camera and not the resolution....

Seagate hybrids are getting very mixed reviews...I'm staying away for now...

Good to know, on both items. I may just end up using the tried and true Hitachi for this build as well. My wife has a 7200rpm/320Gb version in it and we've been very happy with the performance.

[underclocker]

My understanding is that LCD cables in the entire *60 generation are the same for one range (such as R, T or Z) and that the only differences are related to BT and camera and not the resolution....

The video cable and motherboard connectors are all the same - even across all R60/T60/Z61t/Z61m/Z61p/Z61e/R61/T61. However, the cables do vary based on LCD size. The 14", 14" WS, 15" & 15.4" WS are all different cables and are also different between lines. So, for example, a 14.1" WS Z61t cable will not properly fit a 14.1" WS T61.

Yes, some have the optional BT, microphone(s) and/or camera connectors.

All that being said, for testing purposes, you can use any cable with any machine from the models listed - you just may not be able to button up the machine. So for example, a 14" 4:3 T60 motherboard will light up and work with a 15.4" WSXGA+ Z61p panel with a 14" Z61t cable.

[ajkula66]

Ed is, of course, correct. What he said is what I had meant but expressed it in a clumsy manner...

My point was that one doesn't need to change a cable when going from one resolution to another on the same machine, unlike the previous ThinkPads...

[underclocker]

George, I wanted to make sure to clarify what was what with the cables - I've operated on plenty of those models.

You do stress the most important point, which was a departure from most prior ThinkPads, these models permit very simple upgrades (or downgrades) to the resolution via a panel swap. It was a very welcome change by Lenovo.

[schen]

Which is why I wanted to make absolutely certain that I was understanding that properly, since that's such a departure from the past with a wide variety of cables on any given model of ThinkPad!

I do have one other question (again), for a previous Z61m thread (PM?). I thought I remembered that you had told me the FRU of the "N" wifi adapter that's used in the T61 that wouldn't trigger the dreaded 1801 error! However I can't find it now. I'd appreciate it greatly if somebody could resend that!

[underclocker]

The Atheros N adapter is worth it even with only two antennas (but it will accept three) - FRU: 42T0825

It was available in some builds of Z61t, Z61m, Z61p, T60 & T61, among other ThinkPads.

Now $29 on eBay, but with 2-4 weeks delivery from China to U.S. --> http://cgi.ebay.com/170521976162

[schen]

FYI, all 15.4" ThinkPad LCD's can be swapped between all 15.4" ThinkPad models. All. (Example; you can use a WUXGA from a Z61p in a T500 that was originally WXGA. Really.)

The Z61m is closest to the T60 15.4". The T61 15.4" uses some of the same parts (battery, optical, keyboard, palmrest, Atheros N adapter, etc.), but all those items plus all the T60 CPUs and wifi adapters will work in a Z61m.

Enjoy the project. I just popped an 80GB Intel 320 series SSD in my Z61m. Indeed!

Found a WSXGA screen at a reasonable price before I could find a donor T60/61 at the same. So, now I'm locked into doing piecemeal. I'm currently trying to get a good price for a C2D processor, and a "small" (40-60Gb) SSD. You've inspired me! I was looking at going ultra-big, as in the Samsung 1Tb drive, but decided that I didn't want to do that with a boot drive, so down the road, at some point, I'll probably put one of those in a drive adapter shell and have a fast machine with BIG storage. At least that's the plan!