New T500

[MikalE]

The new German keyboard for my T500 arrived today and I installed it a few minutes ago.

It makes the T500 look brand new compared to the crappy looking keyboard that was installed.

The new keyboard is a lot stiffer than the old one too and doesn't flex when typed on.

I also swapped one of the 2GB modules that was installed with a 4GB module I had laying around. I really didn't think this module was any good because I got it with a Win 7 Pro key code I bought off of E-bay. I didn't expect the module to be any good, but the machine booted right up. So now the machine has 6 GB and is a little snappier that before, but not quite up to 8 GB speed.

If the palm rest looks bowed in one of the pics it's because I had two screws out of position. I corrected it after I noticed it in the photos. I didn't see it looking straight at the computer.

[CASPER]

What screen do you have? Looks brighter than mine, also looks like better viewing angles.

[RealBlackStuff]

The best screen for the likes of 15.4" R61/T61/T500/R500 is still the Sharp WUXGA (1920x1200) lq154m1lw2a or lq154m1lw02.
You'll need to carefully cut off some brackets, but otherwise it's a dropin replacement.
Search the forum for specifics.

[MikalE]

I don't have any idea what screen is installed. Resolution is 1680x1050.

[CASPER]

Thanks both. RBS I believe that this Sharp panel is the best solution. Was just curious what he uses and noticed how really bad mine is
Nice looking T500, still usable and typically rock solid.

[RealBlackStuff]

I don't have any idea what screen is installed. Resolution is 1680x1050.

In that case it's either an LG or a Samsung.

[MikalE]

The sound is so much better on the T500 than either my T510's or my T520.

You would think for newer models the speakers would at least be as good as the older T500.

[TPFanatic]

Speaker connectors are quite standard. If the issue is in the speakers and not the sound chip, you should be able to fit better speakers in the T510/T520.

[MikalE]

I think it's the audio amp. The sound is fine, there just isn't enough of it.

I don't think there is a way to change out the audio amp. It might also be integrated with a chip that has multiple functions unrelated to audio output.

I've never seen a schematic or even a block diagram of any T series laptop so I can't say for certain.