My IBM Thinkpad
I'm the proud owner of a T41p IBM Thinkpad, courtesy of IBM. The thing that kept me from walking the Thinkpad path earlier in the game was the lack of a Windows key – which is just inexcusable these days. There's a decent stock utility from IBM, and Randy has Sharpkeys. I've remapped the Thinkpad's right CTRL key for the time being – we'll see how that goes. I'm surprised the laptop arrived so quickly, to tell you the truth.
Why the “older” T41p? It had everything I needed: P M 1.7GHz, 512MB RAM, 60GB 7200rpm HDD, 14.1 SXGA+ (1400×1050) TFT LCD, 128MB Fire GL T2, 16×10x24x/8x CD-RW/DVD(slim), Bluetooth/Modem(CDC), 1Gb Ethernet(LOM), 802.11a/b/g Wireless(MPCI), Secure Chip(TCPA), UltraNav, 9 cell battery, WinXP Pro.
I spent the better part of my morning getting the Thinkpad up to speed, so to speak. It was fine out of the box, but I knew there'd be updates aplenty on IBM's Web site. The default Thinkpad “update” utility did a fine job, until I realized it missed 90% of what needed updating. It took me so long to get things going largely because IBM's layout and software services suck. Seriously, it should have taken me three or four clicks – not hours of searching and comparing T41p software and driver versions against one another.
This particular Thinkpad seems lightweight enough for me; I didn't want a large screen, but I wanted a higher resolution. The longer-life battery is a bit on the heavy side, but I won't be complaining with two of 'em keeping me well charged for hours on end. I haven't had much time to play with it, but it'll get a good run soon enough. Any other Thinkpad thinkers out there?
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6 Comments
Anonymous
March 15th, 2005
at 9:06am
You will like the thinkpad. awesome keyboard and solid overall.
i told you to but one three years ago but your windows key thingie was too much for you to overcome
i have had 4 t series machines and 2 x series. love them all. of course my 12 inch powerbook smokes them all !
all were winners.
Anonymous
March 15th, 2005
at 10:00am
I have had 4 thinkpads over the years and every one has been a winner.
I switch from a Toshiba Tecra 730CT and there was no comparison. I am genuinely worried Lenovo will screw it up.
Take a look at the laptops most speakers carry or that you see in airport lounges. Thinkpad predominates…
Anonymous
March 15th, 2005
at 5:59pm
I have a 3 yr old TP A30 and it's the first computer I've owned where I wasn't looking to upgrade after a year. Great KB and screen – 1400 x 1050 15″.
Anonymous
April 12th, 2005
at 1:54pm
You can use ctrl+esc for the start menu, i think this was a tip from your newsletter :)
Anonymous
March 16th, 2006
at 10:31pm
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LAPTECH1
October 18th, 2006
at 11:51am
Im a thinkpad technician have worked with them for 2 years, When i started i thought that they were rubbish, useless and not worth buying, But now i have worked on them for so long i would never buy a different laptop brand. Anyone who likes the windows key buy a T60/X60 they have them on the keyboard, Anyone else can map it to the CTRL key. They are easy to repair (once u know what ur doing) And bieng the former repair line (20,000 units a year) Software Guru (or i have been told) I have never seen a better software installation and update program than an IBM.
Just watch one thing, Anyone with a T4x series dont put any weight on the top with the lid closed, You wont like the scratches the keys put on the LCD, You will like even less the £300 and SXGA LCD will cost!
Also if anyone was wondering, If you want to know if the Laptop you have is an IBM or a Lenovo, Take a look at the serial number, If it starts with an ‘L’ its a Lenovo.
But i will warn you, i would only buy a lenovo laptop if it looks like an IBM i wouldnt but one of the 3000 series