Linux kernel configuration for T30

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in the past i have tried to compile a kernel on my T30 but with little success.
recently i started installing gentoo on it and i would like to use a custom kernel with it.
i searched around and only found a little bit outdated kernel configurations for the t30.
if anyone has a good kernel configuration could please post it, with a few highlights on the most important parts (which options are essential for the t30 and which should be compiled into the kernel and which only as a module)?
also, why does opensuse recognize my hard disks as sdx and gentoo installer as hdx, when configuring boot for gento should i use the sdx or the hdx notation.
thanks

MOD EDIT: I am moving this to the Linux Conference, which might get you in the right direction. -tff