Lenovo-IBM upgrades for t43 series

[srjones10]

With the introduction of the x300 laptop, I though it worth a call to IBM Thinkpad support to see whaqtthe situation is now with ssd's for the existing model Thinkpads. The tech support person seemed unfamiliar wih the hardware, particularly the SATA - IDE bridge issue with the t43's. In any case, the 64GB unit used in the x300 is not available from Lenovo - IBM as parts and claimed not compatible with the t43's. I could not get an answer from tech support as to what interface the ssd uses in the x300, I assume SATA.

[ajkula66]

Welcome to the forum!

First of all, SSD in X300 is in 1.8" format. So it's a no-go right there, and it is SATA.

Second of all, the only HDDs that you'll ever be able to use in a T43 are ones with PATA interface, and these SSDs are presently limited to 32Gb, at least to the best of my knowledge.

IMHO, stick with a good conventional HDD and enjoy...

[SHoTTa35]

well just a lil edit - the X300 uses Micro-SATA and isn't compatible with the T43. The used a PATA SSD in my old T42 and it works wonderfully but now that i have a T60, i'm thinking if i could get a SATA SSD also but since i don't have that kinda cash for the one i want i'll just wait till probably christmas 08 when they might be cheaper and buy it for myself as a christmas gift

[SteveS]

Samsung has a 64 GB 2.5” PATA drive that is sold by a few retailers now. They also have a 72 GB that is currently only being sampled to OEMs (probably as a service part, as I doubt any new designs use PATA interface).
They are terribly expensive right now – pushing $400. If SSD pricing follows the model of other technologies, there will be a sharp price decrease shortly. While I would love a SSD drive now, I think I will wait a year to see where the prices are then.