On a T41 What are the hinges for? I

[johnpineal]

It appears that the hinges should allow you to pivot the screen around so others can look at it. One is thick and one is thin. Is that what they are for? I can't find any reference to them or how to open it up if indeed that is what it is used for. I would like to give my old t41 to my mum to use, hook it to her big monitor and pivot the laptop screen out of the way.

Can this be done?

[lead_org]

You mean you want to turn the screen around to Face the other side?

[poshgeordie]

Hi John and welcome to the forums.

I think I understand what you're getting at, and our main "computer" at work is a stripped down T40 with the screen removed, and permanently connected to a large monitor.
When reassembled it looks very neat since effectively it's a PC / laptop which is exactly the size of the keyboard and trackpad.
Also when the external monitor's connected with the screen removed it automatically defaults to the external video output so no need to mess around with F7 key to switch video outputs.

To do this - you need to strip the Thinpad (TP) down - refer to this document for help.

Remove the keyboard (1), Palmrest (2), keyboard Bezel (3), LCD Display Assembly (5).

To remove the Display Assy, also remove the LCD connector and cable from the motherboard (5) second picture (M2x14 screw).

Just spotted a potential issue with the wifi adapter. If you don't need it then just remove the two cables to the adapter. If you do need it you'll have to be a bit creative and could you get back to us if you need wifi (I'll have a think about it).

Reassemble the keyboard bezel, palmrest and keyboard and connect the ext vga cable to the side connector and job's done.

We use a Type II docking station FRU 62P4547 like this.
There are two types of which this is the more desirable since it's powered off the mains and has space for an external video card as well. Also lots of extra ports and looks very neat too.

The other type is smaller and is powered from the AC adapter and is still good, but be aware there are the two types.

[SHoTTa35]

Hehe, he's simply asking if the monitor can be disconnected to rotate it (think Tablet screen) and the answer is no. The hinges are big and strong to not wear out over time (like some other companies where the screen gets wobbly after 6 months!)