WTT: T60 2623-D6U SXGA+ for a T60 XGA

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Simba · #1 Post by **Simba** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 8:56 am

Hi,

I have a 2 year old Thinkpad T60 2623-D6U with the following specs -

Intel Core Duo T2400 1.83 GHz
3GB RAM (2+1)
80GB 5400rpm HDD
CD/DVD Writer
ATI Mobility Radeon X1300 64MB
14.1" 1400x1050 (SXGA+)
Intel PRO / Wireless 3945ABG
Licensed XP Pro
6-cell battery
Bluetooth
Finger print scanner

I have absolutely no issues with this machine at all. I have taken very good care of my machine. The only reason I am willing to trade is because I need an XGA screen. The SXGA+ is high for me. I am looking to get a more or less identical system with a max resolution of 1024x768.

Thanks.

#2 Post by **underclocker** » Thu Jul 10, 2008 8:37 pm

Please post info about the warranty status and cosmetic condition.

I have a T60 that I may be interested in trading, the spec.'s are below. It still has nearly 2 years of on-site Lenovo warranty remaining (June 2010 expiration). I can post pictures of the cosmetic condition - very good.

I believe your discrete ATI video is considered a bonus for graphics intensive work, however, I prefer the integrated Intel video because it seems faster for some operations and I think it runs cooler and consumes less battery power. Your's has Bluetooth, mine does not. Things to consider.

I would recommend that we would just swap the bodies. You and I could keep our own 1) hard drive, 2) memory, 3) optical drive, and 4) battery. Your 1, 2 & 3 are all superior specifications. We should be able plug everything in, let Windows recognize the new video chipsets, maybe download some new Lenovo drivers, and away we go.

ThinkPad T60 1951-43U

Core Duo T2400 (1.83GHz)
512MB RAM
60GB 5400rpm HD
14.1in 1024x768 LCD
Intel 950 video chipset
CDRW/DVD
Intel 802.11abg wireless
Modem
1Gb Ethernet
UltraNav
Secure chip
6c Li-Ion battery
WinXP Pro COA
Fingerprint reader (I added the palmrest with fingerprint reader)

Simba · #3 Post by **Simba** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 6:41 pm

Hi underclocker,

Sorry for the delay. The warranty is valid until 2009-05-26. The cosmetic condition is very good. I took good care of the machine.

To be frank, I used the bluetooth only once when I bought a bluetooth mouse but later returned the mouse as it was too heavy. I don't think i'll need bluetooth. About the ATI thing, I hardly use the machine for graphic intensive work. I am .NET developer. The only software I use regularly on this machine are Visual Studio, SQL Server and occassionally Photoshop. That's why I have upgraded to 3GB RAM.

Can we just swap the LCD's? Is it possible? If not, then I am okay with swapping the bodies. Could you share ur pics? I will upload mine later today.

Let me know.

#4 Post by **underclocker** » Fri Jul 11, 2008 9:35 pm

Apparently, SXGA+ LCD's don't work with Intel GPU machines, so we'd have to swap the bodies.

I also admit that, although I've owned several BT equipped machines, I've only used BT for syncing a Palm M500 with a Palm SD BT adapter, it was so slow that I went back to the USB cable.

I can post pix this weekend and send you the link via PM, then we can figure out if we'll proceed.

I'm trying to figure out if gaining a high res. LCD/BT/ATI video is worth giving up one year of warranty (and helping out a forum member).

I suppose we could keep our own keyboard and palm rests, too.

Simba · #5 Post by **Simba** » Sat Jul 12, 2008 9:40 pm

Hi underclocker,

PLease check your PM. I have sent you the link to the images.
Let's try to keep as much as we can (if we proceed to swap the bodies)
Thanks.

#6 Post by **underclocker** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 6:08 pm

FYI, we decided not to exchange our machines, however, Simba has a nice T60 that would be a great trade for someone that wants a high resolution LCD - and Bluetooth.

#7 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Sun Jul 13, 2008 9:17 pm

How hard can it be to just swap the complete lids?

moosport · #8 Post by **moosport** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 12:12 am

Simba wrote:Hi,

I have a 2 year old Thinkpad T60 2623-D6U with the following specs -

Intel Core Duo T2400 1.83 GHz
3GB RAM (2+1)
80GB 5400rpm HDD
CD/DVD Writer
ATI Mobility Radeon X1300 64MB
14.1" 1400x1050 (SXGA+)
Intel PRO / Wireless 3945ABG
Licensed XP Pro
6-cell battery
Bluetooth
Finger print scanner

I have absolutely no issues with this machine at all. I have taken very good care of my machine. The only reason I am willing to trade is because I need an XGA screen. The SXGA+ is high for me. I am looking to get a more or less identical system with a max resolution of 1024x768.

Thanks.

why not just set the screen to a lower resolution?

#9 Post by **rkawakami** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 1:22 am

moosport wrote:why not just set the screen to a lower resolution?

Because it looks terrible. Try it yourself.... if you have an SXGA+ screen, drop it down to XGA (1024x768). If you have XGA, go to 800x600.

edit: The OP may want to try increasing the DPI setting in the Advanced tab of the Display Properties window and see if that helps.

Simba · #10 Post by **Simba** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 8:02 am

yep, it looks very blurry when I lower the resolution. All LCD's are like that. They are intended to run smoothly only at their native resolution.

I have tried increasing the DPI but not all programs are using this increased DPI setting. Some text is still small and I don't know why.

At this point, I am ready to buy a used/new T60 with XGA and more or less similar config as mine. I am checking Lenovo Outlet almost everyday to see if they have any new T60's with XGA but no luck. I don't understand why lenovo just stopped manufacturing 4:3 laptops. Sigh!

Simba · #11 Post by **Simba** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 8:05 am

Hi RealBlackStuff,

I really don't know how hard it is to swap just lids. I am not sure if it could be done.

SkiBunny · #12 Post by **SkiBunny** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 2:11 pm

Simba wrote:yep, it looks very blurry when I lower the resolution. All LCD's are like that. They are intended to run smoothly only at their native resolution.

I have tried increasing the DPI but not all programs are using this increased DPI setting. Some text is still small and I don't know why.

At this point, I am ready to buy a used/new T60 with XGA and more or less similar config as mine. I am checking Lenovo Outlet almost everyday to see if they have any new T60's with XGA but no luck. I don't understand why lenovo just stopped manufacturing 4:3 laptops. Sigh!

What about buying an external monitor and keeping what you have?

I think you should be able to buy a new/mint XGA T60 in the $400-$600 range, with new warranty or some warranty remaining. XGA models usually are not loaded. They have one used here on CL with 2-years lenovo warranty, big 7200rpm drive, and a targus laptop bag for $500.

If you get XGA, get the 14.1", as most ppl hate 15" in XGA (unless you're really really old).

Try monitoring IBM certified used each day (and be patient), especially if you can get the employee or shareholder discount. You could save if you opted for an XGA T43/T42. Hmm there's a loaded T42p for $456 today on IBM Cert Used (UXGA, not exactly what you're looking for but a good price on a good unit nevertheless)

Simba · #13 Post by **Simba** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 2:50 pm

Hey SkiBunny!!

I really don't like the baggage of having an extra monitor. May be it's just me but I want everything contained in one package. Yes, I am in the market for a new/mint XGA T60 but I couldn't find a decent one. I am also checking ebay and found a couple of them today but they are all used. Could you please reply back with a link or something to the used one you talked of? Thanks for the tip on XGA and 14.1".

Also, is the IBM Certified Store different from Lenovo Outlet? If so, could you provide me a link for the same?

I need the windows key on the keyboard so I can only get T60/T61 as T4x doesn't have the windows key.

Thanks.

Simba · #14 Post by **Simba** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 2:53 pm

SkiBunny,

Are you talking of this one when you say IBM Cert. Used -

http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/store ... &langId=-1

Didn't IBM stop making Thinkpads after T43? Just wondering if they have T60's.

SkiBunny · #15 Post by **SkiBunny** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 3:54 pm

Simba wrote: Are you talking of this one when you say IBM Cert. Used -

Yes, that's right. I got an X60 and a T40 from there before. In both cases, they were like brand new, looked like they'd never been used before. There is a nice T60 there now in standard screen, but it's SXGA+. You'll see XGA too from time to time. Prices vary widely there and sometimes can be overpriced or underpriced.

Simba wrote: Didn't IBM stop making Thinkpads after T43? Just wondering if they have T60's.

IBM sold its PC business while the T60 was in progress. The T60 was an IBM design. Lenovo subsequently relocated production to the factory in China that makes Dell Inspirons, and changed everything to widescreen, as you already lamented.

basketb · #16 Post by **basketb** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 3:56 pm

Simba wrote:SkiBunny,

Are you talking of this one when you say IBM Cert. Used -

http://www-132.ibm.com/webapp/wcs/store ... &langId=-1

Didn't IBM stop making Thinkpads after T43? Just wondering if they have T60's.

You'll find used notebooks on that site not because they were made by IBM but because somebody leased them from IBM Global Financing and they are now returned to IBM Global Financing, which turns around and sells them. So, yes, you can find T60s there as well (at least sometimes).

SkiBunny · #17 Post by **SkiBunny** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 4:06 pm

... which I guess is why the pricing is very inconsistent (depends on the lease buyback value or something). Sometimes I think these are over-depreciated or under-depreciated.

Anyway, in my limited experience, they are extremely well refurbished. I think my T40 must have had most parts replaced with new because it looked & felt literally brand-new last Sept when it was actually 3 years old.

ajkula66 · #18 Post by **ajkula66** » Mon Jul 14, 2008 5:40 pm

Problem with "certified used" IBM/Lenovo units is that they come with 3-6 months warranty, which is really a sorry state of affairs given the prices. And this warranty can't be extended.

Also, some members have reported VERY bad experiences with a batch of T42p units from this source last year.

Personally, I'd sell the SXGA+ unit and go hunting for the XGA one on fleabay, they're a dime a dozen nowadays.

My $0.02 only...

Good luck.

crashnburn · #19 Post by **crashnburn** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 2:27 am

If the entire LCD lids can be swapped I have a XGA T43. Let me know.

Maybe the Gurus can tell if it can be done or not.

ajkula66 · #20 Post by **ajkula66** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 5:42 am

You'd have to re-program the EEPROM in T43's LCD to be able to use it in T60...

#21 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 6:46 am

Here's a brand new screen on eBay, 2 available @ $160.- + $18.50 shipping:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-IBM-THINKPAD-T6 ... 0239463353
Beats buying another T60.
Guess you'd also need to buy the matching XGA LCD-cable...

FYI: 15" XGA LCDs are interchangeable between T41 T42 T43 T60 R50 R51 R52 R60

Simba · #22 Post by **Simba** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 8:43 am

Yeah, i have seen that link on ebay before, RealBlackStuff. But I have been warned by someone here that I need the whole assembly (BT and the connectors?) and not just the LCD. Please correct me if I am wrong. I also searched Lenovo.com and I found this url -

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 784.html#1

The LCD itself is about $500 and other connectors (or whatever they are called) are about $200 whereas the one on ebay is $160. I don't think its a genuine IBM part.

Instead of going through these hassles, I am thinking of getting a T60 with XGA and sell my existing one or trade it. Apparently, scosgt (one of the members here) has a mint 15" T60 with XGA for $750.

Any suggestions on which route to take? Thanks.

ajkula66 · #23 Post by **ajkula66** » Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:53 am

Most official prices from Lenovo are going to be at least double from "street" prices...

One seller that I'll personally vouch for that sells genuine IBM/Lenovo parts on eBay is thinkpadplus. I have no clue whether they have the LCD that you're looking for at the moment, though, but you're welcome to check. All you'd need to swap would be LCD and cable, no need for swapping anything else.

You may find going from 14" SXGA+ to 15" XGA as opposed to 14" XGA a bit extreme in the opposite direction from one that's bothering you now...test before you buy.

Good luck.

Simba · #24 Post by **Simba** » Tue May 05, 2009 9:37 am

I know this topic is almost a year old, I got busy lately and I am now actively looking for the T60 XGA. I looked up Lenovo Outlet and I found a T61 XGA machine today -

http://stores.channeladvisor.com/Lenovo ... Free%20Bag

I think $770 is over-priced for this machine. Any suggestions please?

WTT: T60 2623-D6U SXGA+ for a T60 XGA

WTT: T60 2623-D6U SXGA+ for a T60 XGA

Re: WTT: T60 2623-D6U SXGA+ for a T60 XGA

Re: WTT: T60 2623-D6U SXGA+ for a T60 XGA

Re: WTT: T60 2623-D6U SXGA+ for a T60 XGA

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