Thinking about getting a Thinkpad T400

[emeraldgirl08]

You're spoiling that T400!

Not too sure about the USB express card choices. My T500/T400 are homebound so I use a dock which gives me (4) more USB ports, a rear mounted mic and speaker jack, serial port, etc. The nice thing also is the T400 and T500 use the same dock so it works out pretty nicely for me

I did have a USB express card thing-a-ma-bobber way back when but I do not recollect the brand. I am pretty sure I got whatever was reasonably costing, if the seller had a good feedback, and if there was a decent return policy as well.

[MikeCL]

I wish I had space for a dock but I don't think it would be too steady on a laptop stand, I was reading a few reviews about the usb express cards and it seems like in order to use them for the 4 port versions you still need a extra port or some external power.

:-/

This weekend I'm not sure if I should get the 750GB hard drive or upgrade to 8GB from the 2GB installed now. While I have nothing on my drive in the Ultrabay (150GB 5400) I will be installing about 30 GB worth of programs on it in a few and those programs suck up a bunch of memory when loading.

[emeraldgirl08]

You can use the same AC adapter that currently powers your T400. The only variable AFAIK is that if you have discrete graphics you will need to use a 90-watt 20-volt adapter as the GPU requires more power vs the integrated graphics. I was lucky when I went dock shopping. Some seller was offloading them for cheap! I even got the price lowered as they had a "buy now" and a "or best offer." I submitted a best offer and got one for $12 shipped w/the keys included (to lock the ThinkPad to the dock).

[MikeCL]

You can use the same AC adapter that currently powers your T400. The only variable AFAIK is that if you have discrete graphics you will need to use a 90-watt 20-volt adapter as the GPU requires more power vs the integrated graphics. I was lucky when I went dock shopping. Some seller was offloading them for cheap! I even got the price lowered as they had a "buy now" and a "or best offer." I submitted a best offer and got one for $12 shipped w/the keys included (to lock the ThinkPad to the dock).

This one just only has integrated video which is not a big deal since it's not for gaming anyways, but that's a nice price for a dock, lol if I only had the desk space... I think my mom might be better off with a dock she keeps hinting she wants a Thinkpad now.

[emeraldgirl08]

Your mom has good taste then!



Well got to get back to work. Finals are here (finished two courses as of last night) and have 3 more to go! Good hearing your T400 worked out! Have a good evening

[GACrabill]

... any thoughts on a USB express card? I gather most are all pretty much the same?

You may want to read this thread :
http://www.thinkpads.com/forum/viewtopi ... 8&t=108201

[MikeCL]

You may want to read this thread :
http://www.thinkpads.com/forum/viewtopi ... 8&t=108201

Hmm never thought that would of happened..

[MikeCL]

Time to undress her now and change the USB ports




While I'm at it might as well put some arctic silver on the CPU to replace what's on it now.

[MikeCL]

New ports are in but I have to go back in again because one of them is not working, must of missed one of those tiny soldering points.. Having said that after removing the keyboard I have some serious flex on the left side of the keyboard it's annoying now.

btw I added AS6 to the cpu and video and total temps dropped at least 10 c at full load, before I was hitting 78C and now I only hit around 62 c Idle temps are around 35c

[MikeCL]

well ugh I think the seller (ny-compu-tek) forgot to send the BT card with the order, I had place both in the cart as one order and the indicator strip and the card has the same tracking info but all I got today was just the indicator strip :-/

I was looking forward to trying out the bluetooth plus I need to take the laptop apart again

Also going to have to really get a 120GB SSD I've only got about 30 GB left out of 60 and good thing I have my samples stored on the 2nd drive as it's already taking up near 50GB, my 750GB WD black drive will be here Monday.

[MikeCL]

Uhmm ok looks like I might have to switch to the WXGA+ screen.. the music program I run is really lacking on space.

[MikeCL]

well after some back and forth dispute I will finally be getting the bluetooth card I ordered along with the new indicator strip I paid for but never received.

[jayton4]

I was lucky when I went dock shopping. Some seller was offloading them for cheap! I even got the price lowered as they had a "buy now" and a "or best offer." I submitted a best offer and got one for $12 shipped w/the keys included (to lock the ThinkPad to the dock).

I didn't realize they were that cheap. I'm bidding on one now just so I can have the line out audio jack on the back instead of the middle of the front.

[MikeCL]

The front was not bad for audio it works well for music making, I just wish it was not in it's current location but more offset.