Just got an R51--some questions etc.

[sysiphus]

Hello all,

I just picked up an R51 (15" XGA with Intel graphics) as compensation for helping someone with their computer...

It looks like a used computer, but beyond a bit of dust/grime and some shiny keys, I think it can be a workable computer for me (mostly just used for internet/email/coding on Fedora Linux). However, I had a couple questions for the R-series crowd:

1) I know that the R50/T40 series had some severe GPU issues...is that restricted to the discrete (ATI) GPUs only, I hope?
2)This machine won't give me a 2010 error with non-IBM drives like a T43 would, will it?*
3) I'm missing the hard drive caddy retainer screw (see thread http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=95944); can I get away with using this machine on the go as-is? I'm comfortable leaving it on the desk/working carefully with it as-is, but should I refrain from using it as a portable for the time being? The caddy seems pretty well stuck in there as-is...
4) [Future planning only] Is it feasable to swap in an SXGA+ screen on this model? I'd love to have a higher vertical pixel count if I end up using this as a primary workstation.

Thanks for all your help!
*Note: I'm not planning on putting any money into this machine for now--I've got a couple of 512MB modules and a 60GB drive to throw in, and then I'm going to call it good for now...
(One thing I already know is GREAT about this machine is how cool/quiet it runs! My T60p seems like a roaring, baking dragon by comparison!)

[Harryc]

1) I know that the R50/T40 series had some severe GPU issues...is that restricted to the discrete (ATI) GPUs only, I hope?
Ans: Yes, and even with the ATI GPU's the R5X series had far less problems with the loose GPUs because the cases do not flex as much as the T4X series.

2)This machine won't give me a 2010 error with non-IBM drives like a T43 would, will it?*
Ans: No

3) I'm missing the hard drive caddy retainer screw (see thread viewtopic.php?f=11&t=95944); can I get away with using this machine on the go as-is? I'm comfortable leaving it on the desk/working carefully with it as-is, but should I refrain from using it as a portable for the time being? The caddy seems pretty well stuck in there as-is...
Ans: Go to a hardware store and get an M3 x 3mm screw.

4) [Future planning only] Is it feasable to swap in an SXGA+ screen on this model? I'd love to have a higher vertical pixel count if I end up using this as a primary workstation.
Ans: No, it won't work with an Intel GPU in an R51.

[sysiphus]

Thanks for all the info, Harry! Much appreciated. Sounds like all that's between me and a happy machine is a quick stop at Home Depot.

(Perhaps this is silly, but I'm rather happy about the idea of having a keyboard without an Windows key)

[msnuser111]

Thanks for all the info, Harry! Much appreciated. Sounds like all that's between me and a happy machine is a quick stop at Home Depot.

(Perhaps this is silly, but I'm rather happy about the idea of having a keyboard without an Windows key)

Same here,I love NOT having it on my R50p. I've had it for about 24 hours now and I'm loving it. I think the same about the fan too,this thing is almost silent compared to my dell.

[DropYoTop]

Dont ever let it die and make sure your hard drive is in place mine died this morning n pluged it back in n it dint work i went thew my invintory and i graved a few hd and none of them work i Sure hope someone can help me because this is my work laptop n very quite..