Asking for advice: Should I still do the T601?

[dcfbf]

I have just gotten the T60 that I was planning to use to use for the T601 frankenpad project.

I was expecting it to be broken because it was listed as parts only on ebay (basically means broken) and I was going to have a laugh just testing it out to see what kind of broken it was going to be.
When I plugged it in though, it booted right up.

Oh boy it is a gem. It has a HV150UX1-100 albeit in slightly yellowed and marked up condition, the FirePro V5200 gpu, 3gb of RAM, and the best part: the rubberized coating in the lid is in nearly immaculate condition
It's even a T60p instead of the T60 that I thought I had bought
It still even has a windows 7 install from the original owner who used it up until 2018.

The only things especially wrong with it are a cracked palmrest and a cracked magnesium bit where the left hinge applies (I'm guessing) 90% of it's force because darn does it wobble a lot there.
But I don't mind the cracked palmrest and I managed to fix most of the wobble by shimming some foam in between the chassis and the heatsink and putting some strong adhesive strips around the outside to keep the shell from getting damaged any further.


Now I have a massive dilemma: I don't know if I want to put a T61 motherboard into this.
I have all the parts, but I'm wavering on if I should do it.
I feel this thing is so special, partly also because it even has an off center windows key meaning it's an early production model.
Please advise me on this.

[RealBlackStuff]

If you want to hang on to it, definitely replace the chassis and possibly the palmrest if you can't fix it.
I have seen dozens of HV150UX1-100 LCDs but never any with a yellowed condition.
Check the LCD-cable where it plugs into the LCD, has the plug/connector been rewired?
Is there an extra cable (from the inverter) going into the 14-pin slot to the right of the LCD-slot?
If not, you have a different/fake screen with possibly CCFL instead of the expected LED backlight.

[dcfbf]

Replacing the chassis will be near impossible for me because I'll need to find another T60 for a reasonable price which I bet will take a LOONG time.
I've resorted to taping the underside of the palmrest so now it's mostly just a visual defect.

Also the display may not be yellowed? It looks yellow next to my iPad and my X220, but somehow the windows 7 start menu doesn't look yellow(only applications).
I'm sure it's a HV150UX1-100 though because hwinfo says so.
I really don't want to open up this thing's display unless I absolutely need to (satisfying my curiosity is not one of those situations) because I don't want to ruin the plastic clips.

[Glaurung-quena]

I have just gotten the T60 that I was planning to use to use for the T601 frankenpad project.

I was expecting it to be broken because it was listed as parts only on ebay (basically means broken) and I was going to have a laugh just testing it out to see what kind of broken it was going to be.
When I plugged it in though, it booted right up.

Excellent find.

At least 75% of the "for parts" laptops I have bought from Ebay turn out to be fully functional. "For parts" doesn't necessarily mean "broken," it means either:
a) "untested," b) missing something (like the hard drive) or c) "as is, no warranty."

And speaking as someone who buys and sells on Ebay: the number of ebay sellers who have no idea what they are selling significantly outnumber those who do their research. Always look at the photos carefully, always read the full description and condition, and when necessary request better/more in focus photos so you can see what you are buying.

It's your decision what to do with it. I know that in the US, 15" T60's show up on Ebay semi-regularly, with affordable ones at $50-ish popping up every couple of months. If you aren't in the US, then finding an affordable T60 will be harder - reddit's r/thinkpadsforsale forum might be a place to try, prices there are consistently lower than on Ebay.

I would absolutely take apart the lid to address the hinge issue. Putting it off just increases the chance it's going to crack the structure frame or the bottom case some day. Unlike the 14" lids, getting a 15" lid apart and back together without damage is relatively simple. And replacement bezels, while rare, are not unheard of - there's one on sale on Ebay right now (definitely for the 15" as it lacks screw holes at the upper corners), and also a complete lid assembly (again 15"), both from US sellers for reasonable prices.

[Glaurung-quena]

If you want to hang on to it, definitely replace the chassis and possibly the palmrest if you can't fix it.

15" palmrests have become as rare as hen's teeth, unfortunately. Likewise 15" structure frames and bottom cases - there basically aren't any good sources for those parts on their own any more. They turn up from time to time at inflated prices. 15" keyboard bezels may be the hardest parts of all to find - I haven't seen one of those for sale in years.

[dcfbf]

Excellent find.

At least 75% of the "for parts" laptops I have bought from Ebay turn out to be fully functional. "For parts" doesn't necessarily mean "broken," it means either:
a) "untested," b) missing something (like the hard drive) or c) "as is, no warranty."

And speaking as someone who buys and sells on Ebay: the number of ebay sellers who have no idea what they are selling significantly outnumber those who do their research. Always look at the photos carefully, always read the full description and condition, and when necessary request better/more in focus photos so you can see what you are buying.

Thank you for the advice.

I don't trust the "parts only" listings or even "used" listings either because a lot of the times, the seller doesn't even know what they mean.
There could be a parts only one that's like you said just missing a hard drive or a used one that's had the entire lid taken off.
I buy parts only Thinkpads all the time.
Though I've mostly stayed away from the ones marked "untested" because I have nothing to complain about if something is really wrong with it to the ebay sellers and I would much rather pay 20-30 bucks extra for a known working one.

This T60p was a rare exception because it was just priced so much lower than the rest of the other T60s currently on sale.

It's your decision what to do with it. I know that in the US, 15" T60's show up on Ebay semi-regularly, with affordable ones at $50-ish popping up every couple of months. If you aren't in the US, then finding an affordable T60 will be harder - reddit's r/thinkpadsforsale forum might be a place to try, prices there are consistently lower than on Ebay.

Thank you, I didn't know that thinkpadsforsale was a good place to buy. I honestly still don't trust reddit to be credible at all unlike this forum.

I am in the US so I'm banking on a cheap one showing up on ebay soon.
Though I'm not exactly a frequenter of the T60 searches because I'm honestly more of a fan of T61.
But as I see the the T6x and even the R6x ThinkPads get even more expensive as time goes by I've started to not care about getting another one.

I would absolutely take apart the lid to address the hinge issue. Putting it off just increases the chance it's going to crack the structure frame or the bottom case some day. Unlike the 14" lids, getting a 15" lid apart and back together without damage is relatively simple. And replacement bezels, while rare, are not unheard of - there's one on sale on Ebay right now (definitely for the 15" as it lacks screw holes at the upper corners), and also a complete lid assembly (again 15"), both from US sellers for reasonable prices.

Funny thing: the structure frame is already cracked and missing a piece, same with the base cover assembly.
I suspect this thing was dropped on the front left corner which cracked the structure frame near the left.
I don't really think I need to deal with it any time soon though because it's already broken unless leaving it like this can cause other parts to potentially break.

Most of the wobble is caused by the structure frame being broken and there's only a slight wobble from the hinges so I think I'll focus on replacing the structure frame first.
Also, how do you even fix this type of hinge wobble? I've tried to fix only my T61's wobbling hinge with dripping superglue down the side of the hinges, but it came back in a month.
I think I've found the bezel you're talking about. It's the one for 39 bucks plus 10 dollars shipping right? by akasha369?
That is more than half of what I paid for the entire machine
I am not about to risk $50 for this unless I have a proper solution.

15" palmrests have become as rare as hen's teeth, unfortunately. Likewise 15" structure frames and bottom cases - there basically aren't any good sources for those parts on their own any more. They turn up from time to time at inflated prices. 15" keyboard bezels may be the hardest parts of all to find - I haven't seen one of those for sale in years.

I know what you are talking about with parts on their own being unobtainium. I have not found a single 15" standard screen structure frame, base cover assembly or palmrest.
Good thing is that my keyboard bezel doesn't have any issues, not even a broken standoff. (now that I say that I bet I'll break somehow)
I think I'll stick with trying to find with an entire machine with a good structure frame and base cover and hopefully good palmrest as well.
I may even use all the spares for the frankenpad project. (Hopefully I don't get attached to the new parts machine as well)

[TPFanatic]

imo the primary benefit of T61 (more RAM) can be solved alternatively by just having a large SSD. T61 really isn’t much faster.

[dcfbf]

imo the primary benefit of T61 (more RAM) can be solved alternatively by just having a large SSD. T61 really isn’t much faster.

Looks like I'll be keeping it unfrankenpadded then. I originally wanted to do it because I believed it to be a bit of rite of passage as a ThinkPad enthusiast but after using both the T61 and the T60p, the T60p was a lot more enjoyable to use

[dr_st]

imo the primary benefit of T61 (more RAM) can be solved alternatively by just having a large SSD. T61 really isn’t much faster.

Yes, that's an interesting take. There was a period in time (possibly ~2010-2015) where the extra oomph of the T61 over T60 (8GB vs 3GB, SATA2 support when modded, about ~500MHz clock boost on the top-end CPU) made a significant difference. Now they are both equally obsolete, so why bother.

Looks like I'll be keeping it unfrankenpadded then. I originally wanted to do it because I believed it to be a bit of rite of passage as a ThinkPad enthusiast but after using both the T61 and the T60p, the T60p was a lot more enjoyable to use

I understand you. My T60 (the 2007-QPG) in my signature is almost 19 years old, and I have owned it for 17 of these. It's seen very (and I mean, very) little use in the past decade, since I had gotten better laptops. However, as it is currently the only reasonably-working Windows XP system in my home, I am turning it on from time to time for researching and/or messing with retro software. It's still fun (minus the aged display) and does its job well.

I don't ever plan to Frankenpad it, unless the motherboard dies, at which point I may consider it. Really I would just prefer an R61 4:3 with an IPS mod, but these are much harder to come by than parts for a "T601", and you still need some modding to support the faster Penryn CPUs and/or SATA2.

[dcfbf]

I understand you. My T60 (the 2007-QPG) in my signature is almost 19 years old, and I have owned it for 17 of these. It's seen very (and I mean, very) little use in the past decade, since I had gotten better laptops. However, as it is currently the only reasonably-working Windows XP system in my home, I am turning it on from time to time for researching and/or messing with retro software. It's still fun (minus the aged display) and does its job well.

Ah that reminds me, I need to put this in my signature.
I believe that any ThinkPad with a core cpu is still useable (even as a daily driver) today.
This T60p can still browse the web (I stay away from youtube), word process, and use the terminal just fine.
I have disabled hibernation though because the spinning rust makes coming back from hibernation a pain.
If you ever have some free time, perhaps try it out for a longer period of time, you may find it faster and more enjoyable than you remember.

I don't ever plan to Frankenpad it, unless the motherboard dies, at which point I may consider it. Really I would just prefer an R61 4:3 with an IPS mod, but these are much harder to come by than parts for a "T601", and you still need some modding to support the faster Penryn CPUs and/or SATA2.

Just wondering: what are the benefits of getting that R61?

[dr_st]

I have disabled hibernation though because the spinning rust makes coming back from hibernation a pain.

Interesting. I don't have a problem with it (again, under Windows XP). It certainly feels faster than cold boot.

If you ever have some free time, perhaps try it out for a longer period of time, you may find it faster and more enjoyable than you remember.

Maybe one day, when I decide to go full-retro for a week or two.

Just wondering: what are the benefits of getting that R61?

Read about it from the masters who have done it:
viewtopic.php?f=21&t=135248

Essentially, it is the only system in the *61 generation that was offered by Lenovo (albeit in limited quantities and specific countries only) in a 15" 4:3 shell. Thus, the only thing it needs to make a Santa-Rosa IPS system is the IPS screen itself.

[RealBlackStuff]

Correction of my earlier post about your LCD possibly being a fake...
That was my old age creeping up on me, my apologies if I caused you worries.
The HV150UX1-100 that you have, is the original CCFL version.
The HV150UX2-100 that I had in mind is the LED version with reverted port and an extra 14-pin port.

[dcfbf]

Interesting. I don't have a problem with it (again, under Windows XP). It certainly feels faster than cold boot.

For me, it does start up faster, but loading back all my tabs in Firefox is a massive pain.

Read about it from the masters who have done it:
viewtopic.php?f=21&t=135248

Essentially, it is the only system in the *61 generation that was offered by Lenovo (albeit in limited quantities and specific countries only) in a 15" 4:3 shell. Thus, the only thing it needs to make a Santa-Rosa IPS system is the IPS screen itself.

Oh wow Lenovo really likes to restrict their best ThinkPads to outside of the US. If I ever get the chance to travel to Europe, I will be on the lookout for one of these.

Correction of my earlier post about your LCD possibly being a fake...
That was my old age creeping up on me, my apologies if I caused you worries.
The HV150UX1-100 that you have, is the original CCFL version.
The HV150UX2-100 that I had in mind is the LED version with reverted port and an extra 14-pin port.

Ah no worries I was really just happy that I had gotten a UXGA and didn't care if it was LED or CCFL backlit.
I had my own suspicions because of how dim it was and how it definitely is yellow next to my actually LED backlit screens.

[Glaurung-quena]

Though I've mostly stayed away from the ones marked "untested" because I have nothing to complain about if something is really wrong with it to the ebay sellers and I would much rather pay 20-30 bucks extra for a known working one.

I buy a lot of "untested" thinkpads and 2/3 to 3/4 of the time they work fine. The occasions when one is DOA, I usually get my money's worth in spare parts.

Thank you, I didn't know that thinkpadsforsale was a good place to buy. I honestly still don't trust reddit to be credible at all unlike this forum.

I am in the US so I'm banking on a cheap one showing up on ebay soon.

The one or two times I've used that subreddit, it's worked out well.

Also, how do you even fix this type of hinge wobble? I've tried to fix only my T61's wobbling hinge with dripping superglue down the side of the hinges, but it came back in a month.

I think I've found the bezel you're talking about. It's the one for 39 bucks plus 10 dollars shipping right? by akasha369?

Yes, that was the listing. And the complete lid is this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/406318760647

Fixing hinge wobble. When necessary, I usually get replacement hinges/ new side rails on ebay - those are actually still findable, go figure. But that assumes that the frame is not falling apart. Short of figuring out a way to weld broken bits of frame together (without setting the magnesium on fire), I think you're just going to have to get a replacement frame from somewhere. Or spend an inordinate amount of time creating a model so you can 3d print a new one. Good luck.

[dcfbf]

The one or two times I've used that subreddit, it's worked out well.

I see, I'll keep my eye out.

Yes, that was the listing. And the complete lid is this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/406318760647

Ah I'm pretty sure that one is a widescreen lid.

Fixing hinge wobble. When necessary, I usually get replacement hinges/ new side rails on ebay - those are actually still findable, go figure. But that assumes that the frame is not falling apart. Short of figuring out a way to weld broken bits of frame together (without setting the magnesium on fire), I think you're just going to have to get a replacement frame from somewhere. Or spend an inordinate amount of time creating a model so you can 3d print a new one. Good luck.

Yeah I'm trying to get a new frame from either a parts T60 with a good frame or just the frame on it's own.

[Medessec]

Hello dcfbf!

In response to your general question of the topic and after getting the context in your first post... I have a similarly cracked T60p with a shattered magnesium cage in the back left corner by the hinge, how I fixed it is i actually put a metal bracket in, drilled some holes, and mounted it between the screw that holds the hinge mechanism to the frame and a second screw hole... I believe around the Ethernet port area? I might have to fetch it out and have a look. The screw in that hole normally comes up from the bottom, so what I did is shave a bit off the original screw so it leaves a bit of room on the threads from the top, and put a spare screw in from the top to hold the metal bracket. Obviously this doesn't fix the crack in the magnesium- but that's not really possible to fix, you would pretty much have to replace the whole bottom cage. And you'll never really find a 15" T60 magnesium cage for sale by itself, even in a healthy used/parts market for Thinkpads like these. You'd be better off just buying a whole other 15" T60 for cheap, and just steal the cage from that. The metal bracket fix I mentioned puts the leverage of the hinge back where it's supposed to be on the frame, so it essentially fixes the laptop from a functional side of things. Shattered magnesium cage by the left hinge is actually very common on earlier 15" T60s, it happens because the hinges will slowly begin to seize depending on storage conditions and require a little bit more force to open/close, which puts more force on that part of the cage. If you do fix it or replace the cage, definitely look at the hinges too. There might be some play in it, and if they feel stiff... may be a good idea to try applying some machine oil to them.

Provided you can do that or find a replacement cage, I'd leave the T60p alone. 15" T60ps are quite hard to find in good, working condition and I'd say are quite collectible, especially with the Hydis UXGA. The other thing is- as far as tinkering or utility... unless you have a fascination with the idea of a Frankenpad and are a huge fan of the mod, there's not really much of a jump in usefulness or futureproofing that you get if you swap in a T61 motherboard. Even accounting for Middleton's, which gets you SATA II speed and unlocked Wifi cards (which is actually a VERY significant usability upgrade), the CPU is underwhelming for a lot of modern tasks and can easily be choked up by modern web content and decoding 1080p video. You'll still be wanting to run aggressive ad-blockers or a browser focused on optimization and lightweight content to keep your laptop spritely, and if you don't have the full 8GB of RAM (which is expensive) or a decent SSD, running Windows 10 with it's background telemetry can test your patience. And then of course there's the Nvidia problem. I will say that Frankenpadding is cool, and makes for an incredible project... and the benefits do really give your Thinkpad a fighting chance. But honestly in the mix of 2025, a fully upgraded T60p will still be nearly as functional if you do decide to occasionally hop on the web and watch videos. Not to mention it'll be all original, the dGPU will be more reliable (provided you look after the cooling), and now that I think about it... there are modded BIOSes out there that will let you install newer Wifi cards, just like Middleton's.

Either way, welcome to club T60p! Best of luck in restoring it and with whatever you decide to do with it. Your profile says you're in Cali... so the secondhand market for these laptops is not too bad, but yeah, 15" T60 stuff doesn't grow on trees. I might have some spares here, I do for sure have a couple of units but they're nice, I'd not really want to sell one just for you to snag the magnesium cage out of it.

[dcfbf]

Hello! I have mostly given up on swapping the rollcage so it's not that big of a deal anymore.
I'd really appreciate it if you could send me a picture of how you managed to mount the metal bracket. I've found my own solution by just putting two pieces of adhesive between where the hinge mounts and the cooler. Not sure if that can cause any issues so I think I'd ideally want to do your solution.
If you're willing to sell me any of your nice ones, I promise I won't steal the rollcage from it.

The hinges are mostly fine. They've got about 2-3 degrees of play to them and they're not seized up. I think the magnesium fractured from the laptop being dropped on the front left corner.

I've also decided to not FrankenPad the T60p. I swapped in a T7400, swapped out the heatsink for a W500's, then upgraded to a ssd, and it's been running great.
It's currently running windows 7 and I use it as a desktop replacement/classic media enjoyment machine.
The T61 that I was planning on stealing the motherboard from has since developed hinge failure though, so I'm still looking for a 15 inch chassis to put the motherboard in. I've been looking at parts 15" R60's to perhaps reunite the T60p with its partner.

On the subject of using a _61 ThinkPad on windows 10 though, I've managed to find the perfect solution: Tiny10. TLDR is that it's a stripped-down, modified version of Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC that has zero background processes beyond what's absolutely necessary.
My X61 and X301 perform at their best on Tiny10. Yes even better than Windows 7.

[RealBlackStuff]

Just in case, also have a look at viewtopic.php?p=874960#p874960

[Glaurung-quena]

Yeah I'm trying to get a new frame from either a parts T60 with a good frame or just the frame on it's own.
[/quote]

FYI: I just finished testing a 15" T60P that I won in auction recently. Smashed screen, and worse a dead motherboard (powers on but no video out).

If you are still in the market for a 15" structure frame or other 15" parts, send me a PM. I didn't pay very much for it, so I could send you what you need for not very much more than postage.