Lenovo ThinkPad R61i - Palm Rest With TrackPad

[tdl]

Before I say anything, I'm not sure whether this is in the right place or if this question has been asked before.

Hello, Im new to the ThinkPad world. I've bought a ThinkPad R61i. For Admin use.

This is the same model - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/282057943732? ... EBIDX%3AIT

I am looking for a palm rest with the track pad because this model doesn't have one. it has the two buttons and the TrackPoint. I am used to a trackpad so I've hunted high and low online for a compatible part but I am at a loss. I also believe this is the part number? - 41W5159

I hope some of you out there can help. Basic info - Lenovo ThinkPad R61i - 15". I'll leave you to check out the link above for more detailed specs, even though they are not as detailed as I would like.

I've seen the palm rests for T61, P61 etc I've even seen the R61i 14.1" palm rest part.

If anyone can find me the correct and compatible palm rest at a reasonable price. I would be very grateful

[ajkula66]

Welcome to the forum!

Detailed original specs of your system can be found by clicking on the MTM link on the top of the page, and entering the 7-character model number found on the same sticker that holds the serial number and production date on the bottom of the laptop.

You'd have to verify that the motherboard actually supports trackpad by removing the palmrest and checking whether there is a small rectangular plastic connector to the right side of RAM slots that has nothing connected to it presently.

Directions on how to remove the palmrest can be found by clicking on the HMM link at the top of the page and choosing the proper manual.

Good luck.

[tdl]

Thank you "ajkula66" You've been a great help. Just downloaded the manual for it. Just by looking briefly, it looks like it does support a trackpad. Now I just have to find a compatible part.

Again, thanks for directing me to the manuals.

Regards

[jonats]

hi,
i believe that touchpads could only work at some peril. i have an r61i thinkpad with a blank palmrest, i removed the palmrest and looked at the motherboard, it does not have a socket connector for a touchpad. However, it can be seen where the socket could have been, and you can try to solder a socket there. It might work. Hope this helps. I am also interested on how to make the r61i have a touchpad.

[28CarsLater]

Tdl,

Two things:

1. This is for an R500 15.4 inch but I am about 90% positive it is duplicate for an R61 15.4 (widescreen). If you don't have a widescreen, and don't have a 14.1 inch, then you may have the rarer 15 inch in which case an R60 palmrest (15 in 4:3 square screen) would fit.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/272110130335?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

2. I bought either an R61i or R61e 15.4 (widescreen) years back also lacking the touchpad. I had a parts R61 and when I went to swap it I realized the little white connector was missing on the motherboard. Look at this picture of an R61 15.4 motherboard, see the little white plug to the lower right of the memory housing in the lower center? I believe this is the connector for the touchpad. Before you order a palmrest, take off the one you have an ensure your motherboard has such a connector.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-Lenovo-Thin ... SwAuNW61Qg

[TPFanatic]

If you look closely at the R500 palmrest you see it has two notches in the front side left of center for that model's audio jacks, which were moved to the front to make room for mini displayport on the left side. There have also been concerns of some screw cylinders being longer or shorter between *61 and *00 models, eg. 14.1" wide T61 and T400, so you might have to do some filing to put the R500 piece on the R61.

Lifting up the palmrest on these models is quite easy, usually just four long screws marked for the palmrest and then some finagling to release some plastic clips, and the palmrest lifts right off. That's a sure way to see if there's a connector there or not.

There does indeed seem to be a lack of 15.4" R61 palmrests with touchpads on feebay. Here's a picture of what the desired R61 should look like w/ a touchpad: http://www.notebookcheck.net/fileadmin/ ... 1b115d.jpg

[RealBlackStuff]

What does the sticker say on the bottom? TYPE XXXX-YYY

[tdl]

To RealBlackStuff: TYPE 7650-F7G

I have removed the palm rest and discovered it has no white connector to attach a track pad to. But, it looks like on the motherboard there is a place to solder a connector. Not sure where I would get a connector part from.

Thanks for the response and help guys, means a lot.

[RealBlackStuff]

Get a dead motherboard from any T60 or T61 and unsolder that connector to put it on your R61i motherboard.
BUT, since you have to take it apart completely to get at that connector-point, you may as well get an R61 (without the i) motherboard, except this time with Intel GM965 (see HMM pages 164 and 165) which all have a touchpad connector.
Shouldn't be all that expensive, even after Brexit.

[tdl]

Get a dead motherboard from any T60 or T61 and unsolder that connector to put it on your R61i motherboard.
BUT, since you have to take it apart completely to get at that connector-point, you may as well get an R61 (without the i) motherboard, except this time with Intel GM965 (see HMM pages 164 and 165) which all have a touchpad connector.
Shouldn't be all that expensive, even after Brexit.

On a serious note, it might not be a bad idea. But i would have no clue on how to put it back together after i take it apart. Plus i need to find a palm rest compatible with my machine.

I am getting quite used to just using the touchpoint on its own, still would like a track pad at somepoint though.

Thanks for the response.

[RealBlackStuff]

Click on the HMM link at the top of this page and download the fully illustrated maintenance manual.