GUIDE: New Owners, steps to get the most from your system!

[simms]

I've had my T40 for a month now and I've been reading the forums. What I can gather is that if you click random links you can learn a little bit by bit and I thought I could make this post to help out new owners of IBM.

OPTIMIZING BATTERY POWER
====================

You should have these three programs installed:

RMClock - option to lower voltages for each FSB step, to reduce heat (!) and power usage (!!)

Shimodax's T43 Fan Controller (works with most Thinkpads) - Turns off the fan when not needed, to minimize fan noise. See the support thread here: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=17715

ATi Tool - A utility that lowers your GPU clock to reduce excess temperatures and heat.

Another good program to have is Notebook Hardware Control, but I am not currently using it because it conflicts with the T43 Fan Controller. RMClock and Fan Controller work well together, nevertheless.

OTHER STEPS
==============

• Another good step is to update your BIOS and drivers. http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... E.html#DLP
  
  If your system is still under warranty (check here), look at the HMM (Hardware Maintenance Manual) and see if your keyboard is the Thai version. The Thai keyboards are generally more durable and provide more tactile feedback. If it is not, you can call IBM to exchange for a keyboard of your liking. See this thread: http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... light=thai
  
  Your keyboard may also experience some flexing on the right hand side, near the arrow keys. To solve this problem, you can insert a business card or two underneath the sections that bend. I put two cards underneath the arrow keys and two more by the top right under the "Insert/Delete" etc. keys.

Please feel free to add more. I've only used it for a month and there are probably things I don't know about. What I am planning to add are the "business card" keyboard mod, and some info about "long and short" fans; but please, if you have anything you'd like to add post it and help new Thinkpad owners like me![/url]

[bill bolton]

Its worthwhile adding that you DO NOT NEED to add any additional system utility software to your Thinkpad unless you feel a specific need to do so!

Many Thinkpad users live full and productive lives without the need to use anything but the standard IBM/Levono supplied system utilities for managing their Thinkpad on the odd occasions when the feel the need to do so.

Cheers,

Bill

[simms]

Its worthwhile adding that you DO NOT NEED to add any additional system utility software to your Thinkpad unless you feel a specific need to do so!

Many Thinkpad users live full and productive lives without the need to use anything but the standard IBM/Levono supplied system utilities for managing their Thinkpad on the odd occasions when the feel the need to do so.

Cheers,

Bill

That's a good point! All the programs are not explicitly required but are used to prolong battery life, reduce heat usage and generally help get the most out of your system (hence the title topic).

[simms]

No other replies? What about setting up your own boot image, or maximizing WiFi connections?

[Bols]

No other replies? What about setting up your own boot image, or maximizing WiFi connections?

As I think I've stated before, I seem to get better milage (and less heat) from turning on Powerplay "max battery" instead of underclocking the X300, even when clocking it below the 105/120 that Powerplay does. I believe the reason is that Powerplay also lowers the voltage, whereas ATITool (or others, like NHC) does not. Corrections are appreciated.

[simms]

No other replies? What about setting up your own boot image, or maximizing WiFi connections?

As I think I've stated before, I seem to get better milage (and less heat) from turning on Powerplay "max battery" instead of underclocking the X300, even when clocking it below the 105/120 that Powerplay does. I believe the reason is that Powerplay also lowers the voltage, whereas ATITool (or others, like NHC) does not. Corrections are appreciated.

It's interesting. I upgraded to the Omega drivers that were relased and my battery life seems to have gone up by 30 minutes to an hour.. WOW.

[davedave]

What is this about getting a new keyboard possibly for free? My T40's works good but they keys are worn and it is noisyer than my newer T40. I am still under warranty.

[o1001010]

my tp came with a chicony keyboard and i freaking love the thing more than the thai that was on a demo in office depot. and my t42 have no kb flex

[simms]

what the hell are you talking about? my tp came with a chicony keyboard and i freaking love the thing more than the thai that was on a demo in office depot. and my t42 have no kb flex

If you're talking to me, to each his own - but the Thai is widely known and considered to be have a more tactile feedback with solid strokes.

Care to post a model number?

[davedave]

Mine on the T40 is chinese one 08k4957 and it is louder and flakyer than whatever one was in my T42. I have to send it in for a fan warranty and I was wondering if I could get them to replace the keyboard with a newer tai one

[Cmdr.Keen]

I took a peek through the HMM, but I am not not sure how to discern the information - I have a T43 (model 2686), so which keyboard do I have? Is it based on a serial number?

Sorry if this is a noob question...

-Andrew

[jongordo8]

where do you find the powerplay setting max battery?

[hnq]

the letter J on my Thai keyboard stopped working last night. I called support and was told that the Thai keyboard is no longer even made!

I hated the other keyboard - and now, I have no choice.

[simms]

the letter J on my Thai keyboard stopped working last night. I called support and was told that the Thai keyboard is no longer even made!

I hated the other keyboard - and now, I have no choice.

That probably explains why the keyboards these days are all made in China.

[simms]

bump, in case people have new questions.

[princeatul]

I have a T43 (model 2686), so which keyboard do I have? Is it based on a serial number?

Yes Andrew, it's tied to your serial number.
Method 1:
Key in your model number and system serial number on this Parts Lookup Page.

Method 2:
Hit your 'Access IBM' button -> System Information -> Warranty & Parts Info.
Lookup your KBD FRU on this Keyboard service parts - ThinkPad T43/p page
HTH.

[Cmdr.Keen]

Yes Andrew, it's tied to your serial number.
Method 1:
Key in your model number and system serial number...

Thanks princeatul - I had finally figured out from further searching that I had the Chicony keyboard. I actually like it a lot, but I've not compared it to the Thai version. It sounds like they no longer make it (though I've yet to check myself) so it might be a no-issue.

I had tried using the Lenovo site (?) to figure out what I had but it wouldn't work. Turns out my browser didn't have all the stuff set up for them to access my system (which was kinda the reason I switch from IE to Firefox in the first place, heh) so I looked in Tabook.

But once again, thanks.

-Andrew

[Hanson]

My CHICONY keyboard is being replaced because one of the keys broke off and cannot be put back in. I hope I don't get an ALPS keyboard as a replacement. I live in Canada so unlike the US, I have to return my old keyboard back to Lenovo; not that it really matters.

[simms]

Hi Hanson,

I also live in Canada but was not required to send the keyboard back. Although they told me I had to, they did not include a return waybill and did not include a mark on the "return" column...

And more than likely you will get a Made in China Alps. Unfortunately.

[Hanson]

Hi Hanson,

I also live in Canada but was not required to send the keyboard back. Although they told me I had to, they did not include a return waybill and did not include a mark on the "return" column...

And more than likely you will get a Made in China Alps. Unfortunately.

When I was speaking to the guy, he sort of said "You may have to return the keyboard" at the end of the conversation compared to "You need to send the old keyboard back" initially. I don't think I'll get an ALPs keyboard because it isn't manufactured for 14.1" TP; I think.

[simms]

Hi Hanson,

I also live in Canada but was not required to send the keyboard back. Although they told me I had to, they did not include a return waybill and did not include a mark on the "return" column...

And more than likely you will get a Made in China Alps. Unfortunately.

When I was speaking to the guy, he sort of said "You may have to return the keyboard" at the end of the conversation compared to "You need to send the old keyboard back" initially. I don't think I'll get an ALPs keyboard because it isn't manufactured for 14.1" TP; I think.

Oddly enough, I also got that same speech but when you get your package check to see if it needs to be returned or not. The packing slip will tell you.

You may get a Chicony, but it will probably be made in China. Update us if you can.

[Aroc]

I had a Chinese ALPS keyboard on my T43 14 inch. It wasn't my favorite.

But it does exist.

[alfio]

Method 1:
Key in your model number and system serial number on this Parts Lookup Page.

Method 2:
Hit your 'Access IBM' button -> System Information -> Warranty & Parts Info.
Lookup your KBD FRU on this Keyboard service parts - ThinkPad T43/p page
HTH.

i tried using this method to figure out if my T43 came with a bluetooth antenna (which i think it did but i've been unable to verify), what's the trick with those? thanks

a

[Hanson]

When I was speaking to the guy, he sort of said "You may have to return the keyboard" at the end of the conversation compared to "You need to send the old keyboard back" initially. I don't think I'll get an ALPs keyboard because it isn't manufactured for 14.1" TP; I think.

Oddly enough, I also got that same speech but when you get your package check to see if it needs to be returned or not. The packing slip will tell you.

You may get a Chicony, but it will probably be made in China. Update us if you can.

Not very happy that it is taking over 72 hours when the CSR told me 24-48 hours...I am still d-less.

[princeatul]

i tried using this method to figure out if my T43 came with a bluetooth antenna (which i think it did but i've been unable to verify), what's the trick with those? thanksa

I don't have BT on my TP, so just guessing that this might work...
Under 14.1 inch LCD service parts - ThinkPad T43/p look for Bluetooth wireless antenna assembly FRU, and see if you have that FRU
in list of parts you got in your TP.
If not this, then it also lists which models of T43 will have builtin BT antenna. Lookup your model there.

P.S.: If you have diff system or 15" model, there are bunch of other links at begining of page you can choose from.

If you are comfortable opening up your system, there are tips by others on how to locate the BT antenna.

--- edit ---
See the post by Kenn, at http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... c&start=90
He has elaborate instructions on how to locate it after popping off kbd:
http://www.pbase.com/kenn/t42_bluetooth

HTH.

[Hanson]

Oddly enough, I also got that same speech but when you get your package check to see if it needs to be returned or not. The packing slip will tell you.

You may get a Chicony, but it will probably be made in China. Update us if you can.

Not very happy that it is taking over 72 hours when the CSR told me 24-48 hours...I am still d-less.

Wow, I just got a call today at 3:18pm from Purolator that I have to schedule a delivery appointment; they don't just ship it to me. It was available yesterday and I didn't know because IBM/Lenovo didn't provide me with a tracking number. I have to go pick it up now because otherwise, I won't get it till Monday (since today is a Friday). So much for service...

2006/03/31 07:09 Scheduled Delivery Appointment Required
2006/03/30 18:28 Scheduled Delivery Appointment Required
2006/03/30 13:29 Scheduled Delivery Appointment Required
2006/03/30 07:47 On vehicle for delivery
2006/03/30 04:33 Shipment In Transit
2006/03/29 22:49 Left TORONTO SORT CTR/CTR TRIE, ON
2006/03/29 21:21 Shipment In Transit
2006/03/29 21:20 Received

2006/03/27 23:45 Called IBM/Lenovo to make warranty claim on keyboard

[Hanson]

When I was speaking to the guy, he sort of said "You may have to return the keyboard" at the end of the conversation compared to "You need to send the old keyboard back" initially. I don't think I'll get an ALPs keyboard because it isn't manufactured for 14.1" TP; I think.

Oddly enough, I also got that same speech but when you get your package check to see if it needs to be returned or not. The packing slip will tell you.

You may get a Chicony, but it will probably be made in China. Update us if you can.

Hi, yes, I got a Chicony again and is made in China; manufactured on November 25th 2005. I hoped to get a NMB, but I guess it isn't listed as a part for my model (2687-xxx).

The only thing I have is a PC Dealer used part/new parts return slip and a New Parts Return Copy Automated Parts Order form. Surely they aren't requiring me to provide my own box and my own postage to ship my old one back to them?

Edit: I just noticed that the H is very loose, but not enough to fall off yet; not sure how long it is going to last...sigh...

[simms]

If prepaid postage is not there, you shouldn't have to pay.

On your automated parts order form, look at the column marked "UPR". If there is any letter in this box, you have to return it. If nothing is in the box, then you are clear.

[gauthier]

Hi, nice tips, especially about the keyboard flex on the right side! it seems logical since there is no screw on this side to keep the keyboard tight...

Do you have anything (hardware wise) about the fan giving a periodical braking noise (every 5secs approx)? it's really annoying on my unit

[christopher_wolf]

Hi, nice tips, especially about the keyboard flex on the right side! it seems logical since there is no screw on this side to keep the keyboard tight...

Do you have anything (hardware wise) about the fan giving a periodical braking noise (every 5secs approx)? it's really annoying on my unit

Braking? As in a 5 second pulsing noise? That manifests itself on some Thinkpdas; try switching power schemes back and forth...that usually gets rid of it. It did for me the few times I heard it.

HTH