IT CAME! IT CAME!

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Plinkerton · #1 Post by **Plinkerton** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 11:49 am

Well, I heard the footsteps, and heard Richard, our friendly neighborhood UPS guy call out, and I jumped out of my chair! My new T42 just came!

Holy crap, it's so awesome, I'm just grinning like a moron.

I look forward to being a part of these forums, and get some great feedback to the questions I'm bound to have at some point.

I would test out the wifi, but my dog just chewed my router power cable this morning...

Hooray!

G-Man · #2 Post by **G-Man** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 11:55 am

Congrats on your new TP! Keep the TP away from your dog.

Regards,
G-Man

Plinkerton · #3 Post by **Plinkerton** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 12:01 pm

Well, I found a dead pixel. It's right smack dab in the center of the screen, and up about aa half inch from the top. On a black background, it's bright red.

It's too bad, but really, this thing is so awesome, it doesn't bother me too much.

devilsrejection · #4 Post by **devilsrejection** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 4:24 pm

enjoy!

rocketman · #5 Post by **rocketman** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 4:29 pm

Yes enjoy it. Can you tell me which model you got & did you buy it direct from IBM?

Steve007 · #6 Post by **Steve007** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 4:33 pm

Plinkerton wrote:It's too bad, but really, this thing is so awesome, it doesn't bother me too much.

It would bother me

Plinkerton · #7 Post by **Plinkerton** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 10:19 pm

Well, it did kind of bother me, but after sitting ALL DAY and playing with this kickass computer, I can only find it when I look for it, or when there is a black background. When It's black, that pixel shows up in red. In every other color, I actually have a hard time finding it. I'm looking for it right now, and I honestly can't see it.

Of course, it would have been great if after spending 2 grand of my hard earned money, everything was actually how it was supposed to be, but for one dead pixel in a million or whatever, it's not too bad. At least I can't see it.

I got a power cable for my router, so the wifi is up and running. It's an awesome experience for me, to be able to wander around my house, and have FAST internet access. I'm really impressed with the connection speed, as I was a little doubtful.

The battery is a bit loose, so I'm going to do that awesome "tape a little piece of paper to the battery" mod.

My keyboard feels great, but just out of curiosity, how do you find out if it's the China or the Thai keyboard?

Also, I got the 2378-FVU. The screen is great, and the resolution is great too. The screen actually feels really big for being a 14 inch. I added 512mg of RAM today from Crucial also, bringing the final number up to 768. I was a little nervous to tinker with my hour old notebook, but it literally took me less than 5 minutes to install the RAM.

I ordered it over the phone direct from IBM. I ordered it on the 17th, and it came today, on the 23rd.

I also got a Crucial Gizmo 2.0, which I will also highly recommend for anyone looking for a little data stick thingie. The mini SD card reader from them is great also.

So far the wifi has had an "excellent" solid connection since I started it up. I haven't found any problems anywhere else yet. The CD drive works fine, though I haven't tried a DVD or burning anything yet.

Overall I'm really stoked on this thing. Windows XP Pro is a whole new ballgame, even coming from Windows 2000. I like it so far though, but I'll definitely have to get used to it.

I haven't installed XP SP2 yet, and I don't think I'm going to. Why fix something that ain't broke?

Thanks everyone for listening. I'll answer any other questions the best I can. Now I need to get a Booq Powersleeve and I'll be set.

Later!
-Plink-

p.s. Goddam, I love the ultranav interface. The trackpoint is awesome.

SWEET!!!

Matt · #8 Post by **Matt** » Thu Sep 23, 2004 10:58 pm

Send it back, get another one. No reason to live with a defective display.

MichaelMeier · #9 Post by **MichaelMeier** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 4:12 am

darrenf · #10 Post by **darrenf** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 9:35 am

I would advise that you upgrade to SP2 (and upgrade Office if you have it) to fix the GDI+ bug. It's serious. Make sure you are free of spyware before starting the upgrade.

Regarding the differences in XP: You can turn off all the frilly crap in XP (including that gawd aweful Start Menu). Here are my settings: right click on the task bar and choose properties. Uncheck everything except "Keep the taskbar on top..." and "Show the Clock." Click the Start Menu tab, choose "Classic Start Menu" and press Customize. Under Advanced Start Menu Options, check everything except "Scroll Programs" and "Use Personalized Menus." Click OK and OK.

Now you will have a My Computer on your desktop. Double-click that, then drop down the Tools menu and choose Folder Options. Select "Use Windows Classic Folders" and "Open each folder in the same window" then click the View tab. If a 1 represents a selected check box or radio button and a 0 is unselected, the options I have selected are: 0111110-01-000-100-011110. [Note that Windows XP Home users get a differnt list here and it *might* be different for users of SP1. Let me know if you don't have that number of options and I'll list them explicitly.] Click Apply, then "Apply to All Folders" buttons then Yes and OK.

The last bit depends on your personal preferences regarding window look and feel. I used the XP theme for a long time but eventually decided that I would like to reclaim a few pixels so I went back to the old (square-cornered) theme. To modify the theme, right-click on an empty part of your desktop and choose Properties. In the default tab you can choose between the Windows XP theme and Classic Theme. I would suggest going to the Screen Saver tab and turning off the screen saver if there is one (may not be by default with the IBM preload - I can't remember). Click the Appearance tab then the Effects button. I use the default Windows font smoothing, although some like ClearType. If you choose ClearType, be sure to grab the ClearTweak tool to customize the appearance. I highly recommend turning off animations as it will speed up the appearance of menus. Click OK, OK.

I hope some of this is helpful. Have a great time with your ThinkPad!

-darren

Plinkerton · #11 Post by **Plinkerton** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:04 am

Darren, thanks a lot for all that. XP is a bit to frilly for me, and I am kind of wishing for a simpler interface, as there is much to much going on.

What exactly is the GDI+ bug?

As far as sending it back, I don't think I can do that. It seems like some people are receiving these with more than one dead pixel. As much as I'd like it to be perfect, I don't know if I want to take the chance. I'd feel worse if I sent it back, and got a new one with more than one dead pixel, or if it were right in the center of the screen.

What do you think?

And yes, the casing feels great.

Thanks
-Plink-

ll357355 · #12 Post by **ll357355** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 11:09 am

Send it back anyway....

darrenf · #13 Post by **darrenf** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 11:23 am

It's a buffer overrun bug in which, by viewing a JPEG file in almost any Microsoft program (Explorer, Internet Explorer, Outlook, Picture viewer, Paint, Word, Excel and Power Point to name a few) you can contract a virus/trojan/worm/etc. Here are Microsoft's instructions on fixing the problem:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/bulle ... _jpeg.mspx

and sample code was just released yesterday:

http://asia.cnet.com/news/security/0,39 ... 791,00.htm

Which means the countdown to catastrophe has begun.

-darren

#14 Post by **BillMorrow** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 11:45 am

Plinkerton wrote:Well, I found a dead pixel. It's right smack dab in the center of the screen, and up about aa half inch from the top. On a black background, it's bright red.

It's too bad, but really, this thing is so awesome, it doesn't bother me too much.

you do NOT have to stare at that STUCK ON pixel..
you can return it for a replacement..
you got it direct from ibm so they WILL replace it for you..

the next one will probably not have a stuck on pixel..
i would not think that ibm is fitting singhtly inferior displays to express models so if others have stuck on pixels i would think that that is very unusual..

it will cost a few $$ to return it but IMO it would bug me in time..

if you had purchased from me i would do the same thing but i would probably work out a hot swap with you so you would have your thinkpad there right away and not suffer withdrawal pains for a week or two..

meanwhile, enjoy the toy aspects of that wonderful tool..

Plinkerton · #15 Post by **Plinkerton** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 1:16 pm

You guys are making me want to sent it back! Seriously though, I don't think I'm going to. After reading your post, and seriously considering sending it back, I sat and looked for the pixel. I can't see it right now, and I'm seriously looking for it. I even changed the background, and couldn't find it then either. I know it's there, but it seems like it only appears sometimes. It's strange.

Woah... I just noticed something. When I have a window open, in the picture viewer, even if it's not on the part of the screen that has that pixel, the pixel will appear. When I close it, the pixel completely vanishes, and looks normal. That's strange... So, it actually does change colors. It seems to work some of the time. Huh...

If I did sent it back, how long do you think it would take? Would I be paying shipping both ways?

Also, should I take out the HD, and the new RAM I put in? Anything else?

Thanks.

Installing SP2 now, with all the other stuff I have installed wouldn't affect anything right? I can just download and install?

Thanks a lot.

-Plink-

darrenf · #16 Post by **darrenf** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 1:24 pm

I've installed SP2 on about a dozen machines so far and have had no trouble. The only report I've heard of trouble was from a user that knew he had spyware but went ahead with the upgrade. He had to restore to a restore point.

-darren

Plinkerton · #17 Post by **Plinkerton** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 1:42 pm

Would running SpyBot- Search and Destroy get rid of the spyware reliably? I would hate to have to restore.

Thanks again.

rocketman · #18 Post by **rocketman** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 1:48 pm

Yes I ran Spybot after I had a problem installing SP2 on my PC (an IBM desktop) and afterwards SP2 installed fine. You can also run Adaware but Spybot should be enough.

Plinkerton · #19 Post by **Plinkerton** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 2:45 pm

Hm... I went on to microsoft.com, and there seem to be a number of different SP2 things. One for IT developers, etc. etc.

Which one do I need?

Thanks again.

#20 Post by **BillMorrow** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 4:21 pm

you will pay return shipping only..
i have seen this sort of behaviour before..
the pixel coming and going based on the surrounding data on the display..

to return or not to return, THAT is the question..
whether tis nobler to bear the erratic pixel or to seek a perfect display, only YOU can decide..

Plinkerton · #21 Post by **Plinkerton** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 4:57 pm

I wish I didn't have to think about making this decision. I'm really okay with it there. It doesn't bother me too much, and I wouldn't imagine it every really bothering me, no matter what I did. Maybe if I was watching a movie, I would be able to see it.

I feel somewhat similar though, about "paying for a less than perfect screen" in that I definitely feel entitled to a perfect one.

I don't know. I think I'm just gonna keep it now. Now that I have all my programs on it, and am using it as my main computer, being without it for a while would be kind of hard.

I'll let you guys know, but for now, it's staying.

Any reply on which XP SP2 I'm supposed to download?

Also, do you guys know how to tell if you have the Thai keyboard or the China one?

Thanks again everyone. You've been quite helpful.

ll357355 · #22 Post by **ll357355** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 5:35 pm

Again, sorry to repeat myself. Return it!!!!

$2000 is a lot to spend on a laptop, a dead pixel is unacceptable as far as im concerned. It may not seem like a big deal now, but down the road when u want to sell it or do whatever with it, it will make a big difference.
Besides, even for personal use, I want a perfect screen.....

send it back with all the stuff it came with (HD etc).. If you added memory or whatever, obviously take it out.

I would probably Ghost your hard drive if u are interested in retaining the data.... You will probably have to pay shipping one way... but that is nothing!!! like $15

Later Dude

ll357355 · #23 Post by **ll357355** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 5:37 pm

By The Way---

If the new laptop you get has a dead pixel---then return that one too!!!!!!
Until u get what u pay for, a brand new perfect laptop....

UNLESS its a corporate purchase, then it doesnt matter as much....companies couldnt care less as long as its functional and has support.

Plinkerton · #24 Post by **Plinkerton** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 6:20 pm

Ahh... I agree with you but it's such a hassle. Ghosting a HD is the same as making a copy of it right?

The HD on this laptop is the biggest HD I have. I would have to delete A LOT off of it, to be able to make a copy on my other computer.

I can't really afford an external HD right now. Do you think they would let me keep the HD?

Thanks again.

darrenf · #25 Post by **darrenf** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 7:30 pm

Click here: http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and follow the instructions. I think SP2 will be the first thing loaded. After a reboot, visit the site again and again until there are no more files to install.

HOWEVER - DO NOT INSTALL ANYTHING IN THE DRIVERS SECTION (sorry to yell

). This has been known to cause problems with Thinkpads in some cases. You can install everything in the other two categories though.

-darren

fox_napier · #26 Post by **fox_napier** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 7:36 pm

Plinkerton,

Congrats on a wonderful purchase. You'll find this forum, among other sources, to be a testament to your wise decision.

I'm wondering if you really have a dead pixel or if it is the trackpoint cursor being activitated by the middle mouse button?

Initially when I got my T42p, I wondered why a dead pixel keep appearing and disappearing. I then realized the correlation between its appearance and disappearance and clicking the middle (blue lined) button on the trackpoint. See if this works for you...

Best,
Fox

Plinkerton · #27 Post by **Plinkerton** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 7:55 pm

Nope. That's not it. It's really strange. Even if I have a Netscape browser open, and I minimize it, the pixel goes away. If I have the window open, even if it's really small, and not on the area of the strange pixel, the pixel appears. The second I minimize the window, the pixel looks normal.

I don't understand it. Pressing the blue button doesn't seem to do anything. Thanks for the suggestion though.

As of now, if I have to send the whole thing back, with the HD, I don't think I'm going to do it. With school now, it would be a big enough hassle to send the computer back, but if I have to reinstall everything on my HD that's just too much work.

If they can do a "hotswap" or let me keep the HD, then I might do it. As of now, it just doesn't bother me enough. If that's the only problem I have, for the life of the computer, I'll be happy.

I showed it to my girlfriend too, and she didn't even notice it. Though, she isn't looking at this with as much a critical eye as I am. And she also didn't spend 2 grand on it...

Thanks again. I'll try all that windows update stuff.

(How long do I have to decide whether I'm going to send it back anyway? 30 days?)

Also, how do I figure out if I have the China keyboard, or the Thai keyboard.

rocketman · #28 Post by **rocketman** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 8:09 pm

Even if I have a Netscape browser open, and I minimize it, the pixel goes away. If I have the window open, even if it's really small, and not on the area of the strange pixel, the pixel appears. The second I minimize the window, the pixel looks normal.

That is strange.

sugo · #29 Post by **sugo** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 8:10 pm

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... sLookup.vm

The above page can show FRUs of your thinkpad parts.

08K4986 is Made in China
08K5044 is Made in Thailand

Plinkerton · #30 Post by **Plinkerton** » Fri Sep 24, 2004 9:13 pm

Thanks a lot Sugo. I have the China one.

Is there a realy reason to desire the Thai on? Is it really superior? This keyboard feels quite nice, but I haven't used the Thai one ever.

Is it easy to swap keyboards? Just in case I ever have to. From looking at the T42 itself, it looks kinda difficult. I can't see where anything would come apart.

Thanks again.

EDIT: I watched the "keyboard removal" video. It doesn't look that difficult.

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