Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?

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Reboot · #1 Post by **Reboot** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 2:26 pm

I'd planned on upgrading from an X30 to an X61, but I found a good deal on a T61 with a combination of features I wanted: Penryn CPU, low-res 14.1" screen, integrated graphics, 2GB RAM, XP COA, and a DVD-RW. It's a 7658-RUU. Already have a 7200RPM hard drive ready to upgrade. BT and a webcam would have been nice but I'm not that picky.

Are there any particular problem spots I should watch out for, or helpful hints to keep in mind? Most discussion about T61 issues seems to revolve around the Merom models.

Also, does the parallel/serial Ultrabay adapter for the T60 work in these?

#2 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 2:33 pm

That is one of the few T61 models without any problems (ANY T61 without nVidia GPU is a great machine!).
The adapter should work no problem.

Reboot · #3 Post by **Reboot** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 6:04 pm

Thanks, good to know. Did the Merom T61s with integrated graphics have problems? I've read a lot about early T61 owners with dying laptops but I never knew if they were all the Nvidia ones.

craigmontHunter · #4 Post by **craigmontHunter** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 6:31 pm

They were (are) all nivida machines. The intel systems are rock solid

Reboot · #5 Post by **Reboot** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 10:29 pm

Almost forgot, one more question. If I got a complete 14.1" screen assembly with a webcam and Bluetooth, anything preventing me from bolting it onto my T61's lower chassis?

#6 Post by **RealBlackStuff** » Tue Mar 29, 2011 6:14 am

Your 'new' machine is a 14.1" widescreen.
If the lid/webcam you have now is also widescreen and/or comes from another T61 14.1" WS, no problem in swapping.

Reboot · #7 Post by **Reboot** » Tue Mar 29, 2011 7:02 pm

Well, this isn't doing my wallet any good. Found a deal on a second T61. Similar (7658-CTO) but with a T7250, better wireless, and integrated BT and camera. Assuming all things equal I guess I'll swap screens.

Reboot · #8 Post by **Reboot** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 7:00 pm

OK, second T61 arrived today. 2GHz T7250, 2GB, 120GB, Intel graphics, DVD-RW, 14.1" with webcam. Cleaned up well and is physically undamaged...but it wasn't packed well and the hard drive doesn't seem to have survived shipment.

With any luck the first T61 will fare better.

#9 Post by **jdhurst** » Fri Apr 01, 2011 7:15 pm

When you get sorted out, I have a T61p now loaded with Windows 7 Pro 64-bit. It is my daily driver and bows to no one. Excellent machine and as far as I know the *last* 4:3 Thinkpad. .... JDH

Reboot · #10 Post by **Reboot** » Sat Apr 02, 2011 9:43 pm

Well, I'm 0 for 2. The Penryn arrived today. Looks great and works fine, but the meathead "refurbishing" the seller gave it broke the screen and keyboard bezels. Another problem to sort out.

I never used to have this much trouble with eBay sellers.

Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?

Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?

Re: Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?

Re: Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?

Re: Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?

Re: Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?

Re: Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?

Re: Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?

Re: Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?

Re: Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?

Re: Late T61 on the way--issues or tips?

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