Can T43 2686-A37 run Vista Aero and Flip 3D?

[T7TrainingSystems]

I've just purchased a T43 on eBay and I'm looking for some clarification from the experts!

I need it to be able to do Aero and Flip 3D - I'm a software trainer and in my upcoming Vista classes, I need to be able to show people how to use all Vista functions including Aero and Flip 3D. (This is why I bought the T43 - my T23 is perfectly capable of doing everything else I need - including Vista Basic.)

Found that the T43 can run Aero and Flip 3D so I purchased one - but now I'm a little worried because I'm unsure of the graphics card. Can this model do it? Model number is 2686-A37.

The eBay auction is at: Long url

I realise I'll have to up the RAM to a gig or more, I'm more worried about the graphics card.

I'm getting a little confused because it says 128mb graphics but as far as I can find, T43 only comes with 64mb graphics...

I've been searching round the net but can't seem to get a clear answer. The suspense is killing me!! Aaarrghh!!

Just a side note - is there a way to make one of the "Next/Previous Record" buttons next to the cursor up button function as a 'Windows' key?

Thanks!

[Kyocera]

That graphics card will run Aero and 3D. I would up the ram though.

[PatrickE]

Acording to the Lenovo website http://tinyurl.com/ywgsvw 2686-A37 originally came with 64MB video cards.

So unless the seller upgraded the video card, which I think requires a new main board, it looks like it has the 64 not 128. Sorry.

[Kyocera]

Hmmmm, interesting the auction site claims it's 128. Better check that out for sure.

[monkey243]

This is the original description of 2686 A37 from Lenovo org web:

Product support

Product: ThinkPad T43 2686-A37 [change]


Operating system: All [change]

Original description: Based on 2668-6KM: P M 740(1.73GHz), 512MB RAM, 80GB 5400rpm HD, 14.1in 1024x768 LCD, 64MB ATI Radeon X300, CDRW/DVDRW, Intel 802.11abg wireless, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure Chip, Fingerprint Reader, 6 cell Li-Ion batt, WinXP Home

and this is the url: Excessively long url

you should make sure to check this one. all the modles of T43 with X300 have 64M independent Graphics RAM.

[T7TrainingSystems]

Thanks y'all, hopefully he put 128mb instead of 64mb rather than getting the model wrong or such.

I'll report here when it arrives in a week or two.

Thanks for the help!

Nick

[Temetka]

Like others have said before:

The only way you will get 128MB of VRAM is if it is soldered on the motherboard. The unit could have come with a 64MB motherboard and have been replaced with a 128MB one.

THERE IS NO WAY TO UPGRADE THE VIDEO RAM WITHOUT REPLACING THE ENTIRE MOTHERBOARD.

The video driver might install hypermemory. If so, then it will use whatever soldered video ram plus that amount to equal the new amount. Here:

64MB real VRAM + 64MB hypermemory = 128MB video ram.

It's a trick. It borrows 64MB of system ram from the computer to pull this off.

Edit: can we get a mod to trim the excessively long URL thats messing with the frames? Thanks.
Mod Edit: Done

[zacha81]

it will run on a 64mb model too (using hypermemory) but will be rather slow! (1400x1050 is usable, 1280x1024 (possibly for external projector) runs good and 1920x1200 (as I tested through my external flat panel) just runs like crap (its okay on the t43p with 128M native VRAM)

[T7TrainingSystems]

Wow, you guys really know your stuff! Thanks for all the advice. It arrived and it's the occam's razor answer - it's 64mb on the graphics board. The seller also advertised it as coming with bluetooth and a case when it didn't. Just a careless seller.

I'm reselling it (http://tinyurl.com/2x5zv4) at the moment because I picked up a bargain T60 (2007-BN5 - 1.83Ghz, 60gig, DVD-R/CD-RW, 512mb RAM which I upgraded to 1.5gig RAM, ATI Mobility Radeon X1300).

Thanks for all your advice! Very appreciated (and I'm very impressed!)

[bontistic]

The X300 with hypermemory should be getting 256MB with the Lenovo driver and not 128MB.

[ragefury32]

Oh, just be thankful you didn't run into T43s with NO VRAM. That's the "1871" series machines using the Intel GMA900 Graphics Hub (integrated graphics). How Intel got Microsoft to issue it the Vista "Aero-ready" sticker I'll never figure out.

[T7TrainingSystems]

So, I managed to pick up a bargain T60 - a fairly base model (2007-BN5) but I don't need many features anyway (I like 14", don't like fingerprint readers, etc - though bluetooth would have been nice, I'd only use it to synch my SE P910i which I do in a few seconds with the infra red).

The T43 went for sale on eBay and went for $860 to a nice guy who'd just arrived from China a month ago. He was v happy. I never installed Vista on it, just turned it on to check it and put it back on the box.

But, I did look at the settings - it was 64mb (and didn't have bluetooth as stated on the eBay ad I bought it from).

Mystery solved (even if it is a boring answer).

And very happy with the T60 (just having some mouse driver problems after my clean install - but the first install is always a learning one anyway...!! Lots of notes for the careful reinstall I plan in a few months once I've found all the answers to the things I need to know!)

Thanks!!