Thinkpads Forum

I've searched with limited results and uncertain of everything. Can my 600 handle the newer Travelstar 7k60 drives?

Also, will they handle the pII 400mhz processors as long as they are MMC-1? I know they can't take the Celerons. I'm looking for obviously the speed bump and also the ability of my older 600 to properly use the maximum ram. I believe I read that upgrading the board takes care of that.

I need to get this healthy before leaving for Germany for World Cup.

Yes, your 600 can handle the newer hard drives, as large as they come, as long as they are PATA and not SATA.

Your system should also be able to handle the 400MHz CPU as long as, like you said, it is MMC-1. Correct, they cannot take the Celerons, ateast to my knowledge. Some have disputed it (ie. serverbook).

EDIT: You could also go the route of replacing the innards (system board and inverter) with that of a 600E, which is generally pretty cheap on ebay. Then you'd have the option of going up to a PIII 700-750Mhz processor and 544mb ram..

care to give me an idea of what to look for if I am considering the innards swap route? How cheap is cheap? I have about two weeks to go before heading to Germany. I need a laptop with me.

If you have that little time, then I wouldn't suggest going that route. You can always do it when you come back.

You can add the faster hard drive now, and be able to use it later if you decide to further upgrade.

If you decide to get the MMC-1 cpu before you leave, then you can use that on your trip. After you get back, if you decide to upgrade the innards, you can sell your old board with the 400MHz MMC-1 chips in it.

As for cost, I have picked up a few 600Es with either a dead screen, or in some cases nothing wrong with them for anywhere from $20-50 shipped, but it takes some patience to wait and get them at this price.