Lenovo Thinkpad T43

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1. Hardware information

Machine Type: 1871, 1872, 1875 and 1876 (Intel Graphics)

Machine Type: 2668, 2669, 2686 and 2687 (ATI Graphics)

1.1. Standard Features

• Intel Pentium M (Dothan) 1.6, 1.73, 1.86, 2.0, 2.13 or 2.26 GHz CPU
• One of the following chipsets and graphics adapters:
  • Intel 915GM northbridge with integrated Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 (no dvi docking support) using shared system RAM
  • Intel 915PM northbridge and an ATI Mobility Radeon X300 with 64MB on-chip dedicated RAM
• Intel 82801FBM ICH6-M southbridge
• One of the following displays:
  • 14.1" TFT display with 1024x768 resolution
  • 14.1" TFT display with 1400x1050 resolution
  • 15.0" TFT display with 1024x768 resolution
  • 15.0" TFT display with 1400x1050 resolution
• 256 or 512MB PC2-4200 memory standard, 2GB max
• 40, 60 or 80GB PATA HDD1
• AD1981B AC'97 Audio controller
• Broadcom 10/100/1000 Ethernet

• UltraBay Slim with one of the following:

  • DVD-ROM
  • DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo
  • DVD±RW
• CDC slot with one of the following:
  • IBM Integrated 56K Modem (MDC-2)
  • IBM Integrated Bluetooth IV with 56K Modem (BMDC-3)
• MiniPCI slot with one of the following:
  • none (empty)
  • IBM 11a/b/g Wireless LAN Mini PCI Adapter II
  • Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Mini-PCI Adapter
  • Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Mini-PCI Adapter

• CardBus slot (Type 2)

• !ExpressCard/54 slot
• IBM Embedded Security Subsystem 2.0
• IBM Active Protection System
• Integrated Fingerprint Reader on select systems

• UltraNav (TrackPoint / Touchpad combo)

2. CentOS-6

2.1. Installation

CentOS 6 was successfully installed with an i386 Net Install image over PXE; it downloaded installation files from a local repository. The laptop's gigabit Ethernet port was used, however, it appears that the CentOS 6 kernel also supports the ipw2200-based wifi card; as such, a Net Install over wifi is possible. Bear in mind that the laptop's wifi card only supports Wireless-B/G and so a Net Install over wifi will be somewhat slower than a Net Install over LAN.

2.2. Issues

Unfortunately, it appears that the fglrx93 graphics driver, required for the ATI X300 graphics chip, is not available for C6; advanced features such as 3D acceleration are not available or will perform slowly.

2.3. Models tested

• 2668

3. CentOS-5

3.1. Installation

CentOS 5 installs flawlessly from either an installation CD/DVD or a Net Install CD. If you are going to use a Net Install image, connect the laptop to a wired network until you configure the wireless networking card; the wireless interface will not work (see Post-installation notes below).

3.2. Post-installation notes

You will need to set up two third party repositories, RPMForge and ELRepo, for these steps. For more information, warnings, and instructions for setting up and using RPMForge and ELRepo, see the guide on Third-Party Repositories.

3.2.1. Wireless Firmware for ipw2200

The wireless card on the laptops tested, the Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG Mini-PCI adapter, requires additional firmware to operate. Install the ipw2200-firmware package from RPMForge.

3.2.2. Graphics Drivers for ATI Mobility Radeon X300

For models 2668, 2669, 2686 and 2687, which have the ATI Mobility Radeon X300, ATI's binary driver should be installed for optimal performance, hardware-accelerated 3D rendering, improved power management, and various other bells and whistles. Install the kmod-fglrx93 package from ELRepo. Reboot after installing; no further tweaking should be needed.

3.3. Issues

3.3.1. Power issues

Both Hibernation and Suspend are non-functional. The "moon" indicator turns solid, but the laptop does not actually enter suspend or hibernation, and requires a hard-reboot. This appears to be a kernel panic; the caps-lock key flashes on and off. In addition, the kernel occasionally panics on shutdown; once it panicked after plugging in the power cord while running on battery power. These issues could possibly be ACPI related. CentOS 6 solves these problems and is fully compatible with this laptop, so it is recommended that new users install CentOS 6 instead.

3.3.2. Using both LCD and CRT screens

When giving presentations it is not possible to use both the LCD and CRT output because of what seems to be a power usage issue (even when using a power outlet). The CRT output on an LCD projector moves whirly. This happens with the integrated Intel GM915 card. (1872-CTO)

(This issue was fixed with a newer xorg-x11-drv-i810 driver from CentOS 5)

3.4. Models tested

• 1872-CTO
• 2668

4. Links

• Thinkpad T43

  • ThinkWiki Thinkpad T43