Thinkpads Forum

The memory errors is why you were unable to install XP. Get teh right memory and you'll have no problems. Basically, the "right" memory will have 16 small chips on (8 each side) rather than 8 larger ones (4 each side), and be PC66. PC100 might work if it has the right configuration of chips on the card.

Someone please correct me if I'm mistaken on the number of chips per card!

farna wrote:The memory errors is why you were unable to install XP. Get teh right memory and you'll have no problems. Basically, the "right" memory will have 16 small chips on (8 each side) rather than 8 larger ones (4 each side), and be PC66. PC100 might work if it has the right configuration of chips on the card.

Someone please correct me if I'm mistaken on the number of chips per card!

Well, from what I can gather looking at these sites, the 128MB SoDIMM low density module would have a total of 8 chips, 4 on each side. The IBM part number 01K1153 I took from the IBM Hardware Maintenance Manual for the 600/600E.

http://www.ioffer.com/i/128MB-PC66-CL2- ... -H-2937288

http://www.oempcworld.com/Merchant2/mer ... D45U%2F85U

http://www.hammerheadtech.com/commerce/ ... 3007359312

farna wrote:Basically, the "right" memory will have 16 small chips on (8 each side) rather than 8 larger ones (4 each side), and be PC66. PC100 might work if it has the right configuration of chips on the card.

That "rule" only applies to 256MB PC100 memory, which won't work in an early 600 series machine.

Regards,

James

well, I went out, got the right memory, and BINGO...all the memory shows up. Also, the unknown device disappeared!

And now, I'm going to tweak this little thing to be goof-proof tonite, and ship it off to my stepmother tomorrow. However, after experiencing this keyboard, I'm going to have to get another one.

Would a 600E be a good choice? I mainly am interested in it because of the battery capability in the UltraSlim Bay.

Thanks, everyone. I don't think I've ever hit a forum before that was so informed----and nice! Usually, you get knowledge interlaced with superiority complexes! This is a great place.

frangelica wrote:However, after experiencing this keyboard, I'm going to have to get another one.

Would a 600E be a good choice? I mainly am interested in it because of the battery capability in the UltraSlim Bay.

I'm happy to hear you got your model 600 running well.

As a former 600E owner, I believe they are fine laptops. Both the 600 and 600E had Pentium II processors, but the 600E had an improved version of the Pentium II called the 'Dixon'. The 600E max's out at 400Mhz. The 600X uses a Pentium III processor.

A step up would be the T20, T21, T22, or T23, which have Pentium III processors. I bought a refurbished T22 for my daughter, and she is very happy with it. Some of the T20, T21, & T22's had premature motherboard problems after 2, 3, or 4 years. I understand that IBM made replacement motherboards for these models that corrected the premature failures. Apparantly the T23 did not fall into this catagory. I also believe the T23 has an improved version of speed step on the processor. Consensus on these forums seem to prefer the keyboard on the 600 series, but I'm sure you would probably be happy with the keyboard on either one.

I would suggest using Windows 2000 on the 600 series laptops. IMHO Windows XP or Windows 2000 either one, would be fine on the T20-T23 series.

I would recommend the 600X. Besides coming with a Pentium III, the memory and internal busses run 50% faster at 100MHz, and that can make a big difference depending on your task. The faster hard drives really fly on the 600X.

The video chipset is a bit faster and has 4MB RAM (instead of 2.5 on the 600E), and it can have an extended desktop on an external monitor. Some of them have a video out connector.

The 650MHz models also have SpeedStep, which will slow down the CPU when it's not busy, extending battery life. It can use the UltraSlimBay battery too.

600X prices have been falling on eBay lately, for what it's worth. I have two friends who have had adequate experiences with 600X purchases there within the past month. (A 500MHz model for $165.)

And Windows XP works beautifully on one, as does W2K.

Note that there is a big price difference between 500 MHz and 650+ MHz 600X computers. The 500 MHz model is limited to 500 MHz or less, no Speed Step support. Put a 650 or faster chip in and you still get 500 MHz. As long as you're happy w/500 MHz it's not a problem, just know you can't upgrade to a faster CPU. Upgradability is more the big price difference than the 150 MHz.

Hey everyone! I'm back from my trip, and I've picked up a t20---the guy couldn't tell me what he had, and I got it off of eBay for $125. It's got a 500 PIII processor, 256m memory and 12gb hard drive...that I'll have to juice up because I"ve already put 7gb on it tonight....>sigh< so I guess I"ll be lurking around over at the T20 forum for a while.

Thanks so much for everyone's input. My stepmother is enjoying her 600 immensely, and I don't think I'd have done it without all the help!

yikes, I mean 650 mhz Pentium III---slightly brain damaged tonight!

Looks like you found a pretty good deal on that T20. Congrats!