"This [360CSE] DX2-50 passive color notebook's decent ... price and good
performance, plus IBM's legendary support and reputation for making reliable
systems, makes this an attractive package. Lots of preinstalled
software...." (PC World Magazine, May95)
"If you want a ThinkPad 755CE, but your budget can't handle its $6,000-plus
price tag, you may want to consider IBM's value-minded ThinkPad 360CE or
360CSE notebooks. The latest editions to IBM's notebook line have 50-MHz
486DX2 processors and can carry enhanced IDE hard drives of 810MB. These
wallet-conscious ThinkPads are identical in all respects but one: The ...
360CE is outfitted with an 8.4-inch active matrix color display, while the
... 360CSE has a 9.5-inch dual-scan passive-matrix color screen. Either way
you go, you win, because both notebooks successfully carry the ThinkPad
pedigree." (Tin Albano, PC Magazine, 24Jan95)
"Aware that not everyone can find or afford its ThinkPad 755C, IBM has
designed the ... ThinkPad 360C and ... pen-capable ThinkPad 360P. Both are
powered by a 486SX/33 CPU.... [T]he ... 360C's screen is 8.5-inches; the
... 360P has a 9.5-inch screen that can be turned over to use the unit's
wireless pen. Both screens are bright and sharp. Both units offer the
built-in TrackPoint II ... and can accommodate two Type II or one Type III
PCMCIA device. Both units scored well within their processor group on most
benchmark tests. The ... 360P had the best DOS score among SX/33-based
machines.... Both systems offer enough features to make them worthy of
serious contention." (Robert S. Anthony, PC Magazine, Aug94)
"By bringing most of the ThinkPad 750C's features to its low-cost ThinkPad
360CS, IBM has made the benchmark notebook more affordable. In addition,
IBM has opted for a dual-scan passive-matrix color LCD in the Model 360CS,
so it should be more available than the elusive 750C.... ...PC Week rated
the [750C] system's ergonomics highly because of its well-designed keyboard
layout, integrated pointing device, and screen. This remains true of the
360CS... The 360CS' 9.5" dual-scan passive-matrix color display was not as
large or bright and crisp as the 750C and 755C's active-matrix color LCD.
However the 360CS' screen is still competitive ... (an 8.5-inch active
matrix color screen is also available [on the 360C]. [T]he 360CS ...
maintain[s] the 750C's excellent level of expandibility. The floppy drive,
for instance, can be replaced by a cellular modem or infrared communications
device. In addition ... the 360CS ... support[s] two PCMCIA Type 2
expansion cards. We did like the one innovation IBM has integrated into
each power supply--retracting contact prongs. This makes the power supply
easier to stuff in a briefcase and eliminates one cable." (Michael Caton, PC
Week Magazine, 13Jun94)
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5. ThinkPad Technical Q&As ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Choose the section to which you wish to jump, below:
Q&As
ThinkPad 300 Series Q&As ThinkPad 700/720 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 350 Series Q&As ThinkPad 700T/710T/730T Series
Q&As
ThinkPad 360 Series Q&As ThinkPad 701 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 500/510Cs Series Q&As ThinkPad 750/755 Series Q&As
ThinkPad Software Q&As ThinkPad Family Hardware Q&As
To return to the ThinkPad Technical Q&As header, double-click here.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.1. ThinkPad 300 Series Q&As ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The following questions relate specifically to the ThinkPad 300 Series series
of systems. Questions that apply to several, or all, ThinkPad models can be
found in the ThinkPad Family Software Q&As and ThinkPad Family Hardware Q&As
sections.
Battery/Charging Cradle
Q. What is the battery life of the ThinkPad 300 Series?
A. Using the PC Magazine benchmarks, which measure continuous usage with power
management features disabled (i.e., worst-case scenario), the ThinkPad 300
Series has a battery life of 4 hours. According to the Veritest benchmark,
which measures battery life in a "typical workday environment," with power
management features enabled, the battery in the 300 lasts 10 hours. Depending
on the hardware configuration, and the power management settings used, "real
life" numbers will probably be somewhere in between.
Q. What is the external charging cradle?
A. The external charging cradle allows the user to recharge extra battery packs
outside the ThinkPad by using the power cord and AC adapter packed with the
machine. The charging cradle has been withdrawn by IBM, but may still be
available from remarketers and used equipment brokers.
Q. Why is the charge status LED red?
A. Sometimes when connecting the AC adapter the contacts in the connector do
not make the connection at the same time. To correct, disconnect and then
reconnect the AC adapter connector. If the problem persists, contact your
service representative.
Q. Why is my charge status LED flashing amber?
A. Normally this occurs when the AC voltage to the AC adapter was lost or the
AC adapter was disconnected from the computer. Check the line cord to the AC
adapter and be sure it is still plugged into the wall socket and the AC
adapter.
Ethernet
Q. Is the Ethernet adapter that comes standard with the ThinkPad 300 Series
10BaseT or 10Base2?
A. Either--depending on the connector cable used. For 10BaseT, use P/N
33G9293; for 10Base2, use P/N 33G9294. These cables have been withdrawn by
IBM, but they (or equivalent cables) may still be available from remarketers
and used equipment brokers.
Q. The ThinkPad 300 Series has built-in Ethernet support. Why not a Token-Ring
version?
A. The 300 is the entry-level product in the ThinkPad line. It wasn't possible
to integrate Token-Ring support at a low enough price for an entry-level
product. Plus there isn't as much demand for Token-Ring support on low-end
models. Users requiring Token-Ring support may use an external (parallel port)
Token-Ring adapter, such as that sold by Xircom and other vendors.
Expansion/Upgradeability
Q. Does the ThinkPad 300 Series support an external keyboard?
A. Yes; the IBM 101 Enhanced keyboard (or compatible) is a supported option.
It can be plugged into the mouse/keyboard port. However, this will leave no
port for a mouse. If you use the optional port replicator, there are ports for
both the keyboard and a mouse.
Q. What exactly is the port replicator and how does it attach?
A. The TP 300 provides a 68-contact "pinless" connector to connect the optional
port replicator. The port replicator is a passive device that passes various
signals from the computer to external ports, including: Video, Numeric Keypad,
Mouse, Parallel Port, Serial Port, and AC Adapter. One of the more annoying
aspects of mobile computers is the necessity to disconnect all external cables
before leaving, and then reconnecting them upon return. The port replicator
eliminates this problem. It allows the user to unplug only the replicator from
the ThinkPad, while leaving all external devices connected to the replicator,
providing a quick-disconnect/reconnect convenience feature.
Q. Is there an external docking unit or port replicator available for adding
external adapters or drives to the ThinkPad 300 Series?
A. There is no external expansion capability announced for the 300. However,
external network, 3270, and 5250 adapters that attach to the parallel port are
available from a number of vendors.
Q. Is the 386SL processor used in the ThinkPad 300 Series upgradeable to a 486
or Pentium?
A. No, the processor in the 300 is not upgradeable.
Q. Are there any larger hard drives available for my system?
A. Not from IBM, but there are OEM companies that offer 2.5" drives for many
different laptop/notebook PCs. One such company is Laptop Solutions at
800-683-6839. Contact them for details and pricing. Other such vendors exist
as well. Look at the ads near the back of most PC magazines, and especially
Computer Shopper.
Problem Resolution
Q. My ThinkPad 300 does not count memory at power-on like other IBM systems.
Do I have a hardware problem?
A. No. The TP 300 is designed to not count memory during POST. Many users
feel that a memory count is a waste of time. If you wish to check the amount
of memory installed in your TP 300, look in the Setup (Fn-F5) "memory
configuration menu".
Q. Nothing happens when the computer is turned on. What could be the problem?
A. The battery could be discharged. Connect the AC adapter, and let the
battery pack charge for about 15 minutes. If the computer starts up when you
power it on, the battery pack was fully discharged. Power off the computer and
charge the battery pack for three hours before using. Another cause could be
that the AC adapter and cord is damaged. Check for obvious damage, and replace
the adapter or cords with the same type and rating.
Q. The LCD screen and the status panel went blank after closing and opening the
lid. What could be the problem?
A. The computer needs about 1.5 sec. to completely enter rest mode. If rest
mode is entered by closing the lid but the lid is re-opened before rest mode is
completely entered, the computer will not see the lid open and will remain in
rest mode. To remedy this problem, close the lid, wait 5 sec, then open the
lid, and the computer should resume normally. If this fails, contact a service
representative.
Q. The video display goes blank or is unreadable when I am running Windows 3.1.
What's wrong?
A. When running Windows 3.1 in 386 enhanced mode and switching between running
applications that are configured for different video displays or resolutions,
one of the displays may lose synchronization. To correct, press the Fn-F10 key
combination two times to restore the display.
Q. The message "[200553] ERROR" is displayed on the screen when I power on.
What does it mean?
A. This error means that the computer has been stored unused for more than four
weeks. The main battery pack and the backup battery are completely discharged.
Connect the AC adapter and allow the batteries to fast charge for three hours.
If the message reappears, contact service representative.
Q. When I reset my computer, the [200001] HARD DRIVE ERROR message appears.
What's wrong?
A. This message normally appears if the power button is pressed before the
reset button when performing a cold reset while in rest mode. To correct,
press and hold the reset button and then press the power button to correctly
reset the computer.
Q. After resuming, the clock in my software program is not correct. Why?
A. During rest mode, the computer and the software program are halted by
stopping the CPU clock. This means that any timekeeping function performed by
the program is also stopped. When resumed, the software program starts keeping
time where it was stopped. It is the responsibility of the software program to
periodically check the operating system clock to update itself. Contact the
software vendor for applicaitons assistance.
Q. My serial device does not work after I resume the computer. What could be
the problem?
A. The device probably gets power from the computer through the serial port.
When the power is turned off, the device loses its configuration. If the
device driver for the device is a .COM or .EXE file, try reloading the driver.
If this fails, reboot the computer.
Q. The LCD screen is black after I resume the computer.
A. If there was an external CRT connected before the computer was placed in
standby mode, and then disconnected the CRT before resuming, the computer
assumes that the CRT is still connected and sends the video signals to the CRT
connector. The monitor sensing circuit is only active during power up and
resume from rest mode. To correct, press the Fn-F10 key combination to switch
to the LCD display.
Miscellaneous
Q. Is the ThinkPad 300 Series LCD sidelit or backlit?
A. Sidelit, although it appears to be backlit.
Q. Why is the original PS/2 mouse not supported on the ThinkPad 300 Series?
A. The DIN connector on the original PS/2 mouse is too large to make good
contact with the TP 300 connector. The newer Enhanced, and Miniature, IBM mice
remedy this problem and are supported.
Q. What is the maximum operating altitude for the ThinkPad 300 Series?
A. 10,000 feet, or equivalent air pressure (such as in a pressurized airplane
cabin).
Q. What is the service part number (FRU) for the ThinkPad 300 Series lithium
Backup Battery?
A. The FRU is number 33F9295. Use only this part number.
Choose the section to which you wish to jump, below:
Q&As
ThinkPad 300 Series Q&As ThinkPad 700/720 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 350 Series Q&As ThinkPad 700T/710T/730T Series
Q&As
ThinkPad 360 Series Q&As ThinkPad 701 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 500/510Cs Series Q&As ThinkPad 750/755 Series Q&As
ThinkPad Software Q&As ThinkPad Family Hardware Q&As
To return to the ThinkPad Q&As header, double-click here.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.2. ThinkPad 350 Series Q&As ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The following questions relate specifically to the ThinkPad 350 series of
systems. Questions that apply to several, or all, ThinkPad models can be found
in the ThinkPad Family Software Q&As and ThinkPad Family Hardware Q&As
sections.
Q. How do the 350/350C ThinkPads differ from the 720/720C systems? They seem
very similar, yet the 350's are priced much lower.
A. While the 350 and 720 series have much in common, there are some significant
differences as well: 1) The 720C uses an active matrix (TFT) 10.4" color
screen, while the 350C uses a passive matrix (STN) 9.5" screen. STN technology
is much less expensive than TFT, but also not as bright. 2) The 486SL-25
processor in the 350 is slower than the 50/25MHz 486SLC (which is faster than a
486SX-33) used in the 720. 3) On the other hand, the 350 includes SVGA local
bus video, versus the 720's VGA (which makes up some of the performance
difference with graphics-intensive software). 4) The 720 includes two PCMCIA
sockets (2 Type I or II cards, or 1 Type III), to only one for the 350 (1 Type
I or II card). 5) The 720 offers docking station and port replicator options,
which the 350 doesn't offer. 6) The battery in the 350 lasts longer than the
720. 7) The 350 weighs less than the 720. And 8) the 720 monochrome model is
upgradeable to a TFT color LCD, but the monochrome 350 is not upgradeable to
color at all.
Processor
Q. What kind of processor is used in the 350/350C ThinkPads?
A. An Intel 486SL-NM
Q. How does the 486SL-NM differ from the standard 486SL processor?
A. The NM stands for "No Math coprocessor." So it is essentially a low-power
version of the 486SX.
Q. If the 486SL-NM doesn't have a built-in math coprocessor, does the 350 have
a coprocessor socket for an external 387?
A. No.
Q. Can the processor be slowed down to save battery power?
A. Yes; press Fn-F1 to enter the setup program and change the "Power mode"
setting to Custom. This allows you to change the "Processor Speed" from 25MHz
to "Auto". Auto allows the power management software to slow the processor
automatically when it becomes idle, and then return to full speed when needed.
Video
Q. So the 350 has an SVGA LCD?
A. No; the LCD is VGA, but external SVGA monitors are supported.
Q. Does the SVGA controller support high-refresh rate, flicker-free monitors?
A. VGA and SVGA monitors are supported up to 75Hz in both 640x480 and 800x800
resolutions, non-interlaced and flicker-free.
Q. Is the SVGA controller ISO 9241/3-capable?
A. Yes. With an ISO 9241/3-capable monitor the 350 is fully ISO
9241/3-compliant.
Q. What SVGA chipset is used?
A. The Cirrus CT-65530.
Q. How much video RAM is standard?
A. 512K.
Q. Is the video RAM upgradeable?
A. No.
Q. Is there a 256-color driver for OS/2 2.1 available for the 350C?
A. Not at this time.
Q. How do I toggle between normal and reverse video?
A. Press Fn-F2.
Q. I understand that there is a "text contrast enhancement feature." How do I
implement it?
A. Press Fn-F3. To specify the parameters for the program to use, enter the
setup program (Fn-F1), and change the settings.
Q. How far does the LCD display panel tilt?
A. 180┬░.
Q. Are the mono and color LCDs single- or dual-scan?
A. The mono LCD is dual-scan, and the color LCD is single-scan?
Q. What's the difference between single-and double-scan LCDs?
A. Single-scan LCDs read each of the 480 lines of resolution one at a time.
This is slow enough that ghosting can result. Double-scan LCDs use two
scanners to read alternate lines, thus reading all 480 lines in half the time.
This produces much faster screen refresh with much less ghosting than
single-scan LCDs.
PCMCIA
Q. Are there any OEM 14.4Mbps internal modems available for the 350, if I need
faster than the 9600 bps modem IBM offers?
A. Not at this time. Only PCMCIA modems from IBM and other vendors.
Q. How many PCMCIA "bays" or "sockets" do the 350 models contain?
A. There is one bay that can take one Type 1 or Type 2 card at a time.
Q. What software do I need to use PCMCIA cards in the 350?
A. The DOS card and socket services are already preloaded on the 350 (along
with DOS and Prodigy). All you need are the device drivers that should come
with each PCMCIA card. In addition, OS/2 2.1 and later includes the card and
socket services so, again, you would only need the device drivers for OS/2.
Q. Is there an OS/2 driver for the Apex PCMCIA high-speed modems??
A. Yes. Call Apex at 800-841-2739 for the driver, or download it from their
BBS at 510-803-2039. (All modems shipped since November 1993 include this
driver.)
Miscellaneous
Q. Are there any larger hard drives available for my system?
A. Not from IBM, but there are OEM companies that offer 2.5" drives for many
different laptop/notebook PCs. One such company is Laptop Solutions at
800-683-6839. Contact them for details and pricing. Other such vendors exist
as well. Look at the ads near the back of most PC magazines, and especially
Computer Shopper.
Q. I'm running OS/2 2.1 on a ThinkPad, but when OS/2 boots up I get messages
saying that COM.SYS and VCOM.SYS didn't load? What's wrong?
A. A) If you are using a PCMCIA modem, make sure that 1) the PCMCIA drivers
have been installed, 2) a PCMCIA modem is inserted in the socket, and 3) the
power management software isn't set to "Off" for the PCMCIA socket. Or, B) if
you are using an internal modem, make sure that 1) the hardware setup program
recognizes the modem, and 2) the power management software isn't SET to "Off"
for the MODEM. Or, C) if you don't have a modem, or it is external, make sure
that 1) the hardware setup program isn't set to disable the serial port, and 2)
the power management software isn't SET to "Off" for the port.
Q. There is no numeric keypad option offered by IBM for the 350. Are there any
OEM options that work?
A. One vendor whose numeric keypad is known to work with the 350 is Genovation
(714-833-3355). There may be similar products available from other vendors as
well.
Q. Are there any "feet" that I can pop out to tilt the keyboard for a more
comfortable typing angle.
A. Not feet, but the door on the back of the 350 that covers the I/O ports is
designed to pivot all the way back and down. When you pivot the door as far as
it can go it will slide slightly upward and lock in place. To close the door,
raise the 350, pull the door slightly downward, then pivot it back up.
Q. What is the maximum operating altitude for the ThinkPad 350/350C?
A. 7,000 feet, or equivalent air pressure (such as in a pressurized airplane
cabin).
Q. How do I access the setup program?
A. Press and hold the function key, then F1 (Fn-F1).
Q. The announcement letter says that the 350 has an "enhanced" parallel port.
Is this a DMA port, like some PS/2s have, or like the N45 notebook's parallel
port?
A. It is the same as the N45's port, achieving throughput of up to
14Mbits/second.
Q. Are the 350/350C Micro Channel or AT bus (ISA)?
A. AT bus; although the lack of any adapter slots makes the distinction
meaningless.
Q. What is the battery life of the Thinkpad 350/350C?
A. Using the PC Magazine benchmarks, which measure continuous usage with power
management features disabled (i.e., worst-case scenario), the monochrome
Thinkpad 350 has a battery life of 2.7 hours, and the color 350C's battery life
is 2.0 hours. According to the Veritest benchmark, which measures battery life
in a "typical workday environment," with power management features enabled, the
battery in the 3500 lasts 9 hours, while the 350C is good for 7.2 hours.
Q. How many times can the NiMH battery be recharged before it must be replaced?
A. Approximately 500 times.
Choose the section to which you wish to jump, below:
Q&As
ThinkPad 300 Series Q&As ThinkPad 700/720 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 350 Series Q&As ThinkPad 700T/710T/730T Series
Q&As
ThinkPad 360 Series Q&As ThinkPad 701 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 500/510Cs Series Q&As ThinkPad 750/755 Series Q&As
ThinkPad Software Q&As ThinkPad Family Hardware Q&As
To return to the ThinkPad Q&As header, double-click here.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.3. ThinkPad 360 Series Q&As ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The following questions relate specifically to the ThinkPad 360 series of
systems. Questions that apply to several, or all, ThinkPad models can be found
in the ThinkPad Family Software Q&As and ThinkPad Family Hardware Q&As
sections.
Q. What's the difference between the 360/360C/360CS/360P models?
A. The 360 uses a monochrome LCD, the 360C has an active-matrix color LCD, and
the 360Cs has a dual-scan STN passive-matrix color LCD. The 360P uses a
pen-enabled version of the mono LCD used on the 360. The pen display can pivot
down over the keyboard for use like a pen tablet. The only other difference is
that only the 360C supports the two video options that display TV and
full-motion video on the internal color LCD. Passive matrix color screen
technology is not fast enough to keep up with full-motion video without
excessive "ghosting."
Q. How do the 360 series models differ from the more expensive 750 and 755
series?
A. The 360 series is the "value" line of 75x-class systems. While they share
many features in common, the 75x systems offer faster processors, larger
screens and hard disk drives, and multimedia features not available on the 360
series, but at a price premium.
Video
Q. Does the 360 series support an external monitor concurrently with the LCD?
A. Yes. An external VGA or SVGA monitor can be used (up to 1024x768), and both
the LCD and the monitor will be active.
Q. Why are the video options (TV Tuner, Analog-to-Digital Converter) only
supported on the 360C model?
A. The active-matrix (TFT) LCD is the only one with a refresh rate fast enough
for full-motion video.
Q. Why would I want to spend the extra money for the active-matrix LCD versus
the STN color LCD, if I don't care about the video options?
A. In addition, the TFT display has a 100:1 contrast ratio, versus 20:1 for the
color STN LCD. This means a much sharper and brighter image, with a wider
range of viewable angles. Also, the TFT LCD can display 256 colors out of a
palette of 262,144 colors; the STN LCD displays 256 out of 4,096 colors. Thus
the active-matrix LCD is capable of photorealistic imaging. Finally, the TFT
screen is 10.4" (diagonal), to 9.5" for the STN LCD (about 20% more total
area). This translates into larger text, larger graphics and icons, etc. All
in all, better readability of the screen, and less eye-strain.
Q. What is the maximum monitor weight supported by the ThinkPad Display Stand?
A. 48.6 lbs (22 kg).
Q. How do install both the ActionMedia II adapter and the Analog-to-Digital
Video Adapter (which allows the AM II card to display full-motion video on the
LCD screen of the 360C) in the Dock I docking station if there is only one ISA
slot?
A. The ADV adapter does not use an adapter slot. It attaches directly to the
circuit board inside the Dock I (or Dock II) unit, leaving the adapter slot
available for the AM II card.
Q. I can't seem to figure out how to enable Picture-In-Picture (PIP) with the
TV Tuner option so that I can watch video in a window on my LCD.
A. The TV Tuner, unlike the PS/2 TV product, does not support PIP video, only
full-screen.
Q. What's the difference between using the TV Tuner versus the PS/2 TV?
A. There are several pros and cons for each product: The TV tuner fits inside
the diskette bay (but the drive can be attached externally if needed), and so
is portable; on the other hand, it does not support PIP, and does not offer a
video out port for an external monitor. By comparison, the PS/2 TV option is
an external box, about the same size as the 750, and so is much less portable,
and it doesn't support video to the LCD, only an external monitor; but it does
offer PIP on the monitor. So someone needing "video to go" would probably
prefer the TV Tuner, while someone operating in the office, who wants to
display the video on a large monitor, full-screen or PIP, might prefer the PS/2
TV. Both accept input from antenna or cable.
PCMCIA
Q. How many PCMCIA "bays" or "sockets" do the 360 models contain?
A. There is one bay that can take either one Type 3 card, or two Type 1 and/or
Type 2 cards at a time.
Q. What considerations are there for using two PCMCIA cards at once?
A. There are several: 1) Two cards have the same potential address and I/O
conflict problems that two adapters would. 2) Two communications cards may
have physical conflicts between the cables coming out the back of the cards.
3) When the ejection button is pressed, both cards are ejected. This might
result in a communications session being interrupted, for example.
Q. The PCMCIA diagnostics program doesn't see the PCMCIA cards installed in my
Port Replicator I. But the cards appear to be functioning. What's wrong?
A. It is merely a limitation of the diagnostics program. To test a PCMCIA card
that is installed in a slot higher than 2, move the card temporarily to either
slot 1 or 2. Then return it to its original location in slot 3 or 4 when
finished testing.
Q. I have PCMCIA cards installed in my Port Replicator I. But the drivers
don't seem to be able to find them. What's wrong?
A. If the cards use "point enabler" drivers, they will not be recognized in a
slot number higher than 2. If possible, move those cards into slots 1 and 2,
and move the other cards (if they do not require point enabler drivers) into
the higher-numbered slots.
Q. Is there an OS/2 driver for the Apex PCMCIA high-speed modems??
A. Yes. Call Apex at 800-841-2739 for the driver, or download it from their
BBS at 510-803-2039. (All modems shipped since November 1993 include this
driver.)
Battery and Power Management
Q. What is the battery life of the Thinkpad 360 series?
A. Using the PC Magazine benchmarks, which measure continuous usage with power
management features disabled (i.e., worst-case scenario), the monochrome
Thinkpad 360 has a battery life of 4.6 hours, the passive matrix color (pen)
360P lasts for 3.3 hours, the passive matrix color 360Cs is good for 3.5 hours,
and the active matrix color 360C's battery life is 3.0 hours. According to the
Veritest benchmark, which measures battery life in a "typical workday
environment," with power management features enabled (a more realistic test),
the battery in the 360 lasts for up to 10 hours, and the 360C, 360Cs, and 360P
up to 7 hours. Depending on the hardware configuration, and the power
management settings used, "real life" numbers will probably be somewhere in
between.
Q. What does "non-disruptive battery exchange" mean?
A. It means that you don't have to shut down the 360 to exchange batteries or
risk losing whatever was running in memory. The 360 series allows the user to
put the system in suspend mode and exchange battery packs without any loss of
data or function.
Q. I am having mouse problems with hibernation mode since installing OS/2 2.11
(or the 2.1 ServicePak) on a ThinkPad 750. What can I do?
A. Download a file called HIBERFIX.EXE from the IBM PC Company BBS. This fix
replaces the APM.SYS and MOUSE.SYS drivers. (Or download 211DDU1B.EXE, which
contains this fix, plus the previous one, in one file.)
Expansion Unit and Port Replicator
Q. Is there a docking station available for the ThinkPad 360/360C/360CS/360P
systems?
A. Yes; two in fact. The IBM Dock I includes one 3.5"/5.25" drive bat, one
full-length 16" ISA adapter slot, two stereo speakers, universal power supply,
serial, parallel, keyboard, pointing device, SVGA, and SCSI ports, as well as
audio-in/out, video-in, and speaker jacks, and an integrated handle, allowing
the user to carry it with the system connected. Dock II includes all of the
above, and adds a second drive bay, a second full-length 16-bit ISA slot, and
two PCMCIA sockets.
Q. What is the Analog-to-Digital video converter option for the Dock I and II?
A. The Analog-to-Digital video converter option, when used in conjunction with
an IBM ActionMedia II Display adapter in the docking unit, provides full-motion
color video on the 750C TFT LCD.
Q. I'm confused about the "port replicators." What are they?
A. One of the more annoying aspects of mobile computers is the necessity to
disconnect all external cables before leaving, and then reconnecting them upon
return. The optional ThinkPad 750 Port Replicators eliminate this problem.
The Port Replicator II is a removable module that connects to all the ports on
the back of the ThinkPad, providing pass-through to matching ports on the
replicator. Cables are attached to the replicator. Then when the ThinkPad has
to be moved, the replicator is disconnected from the ThinkPad with all cables
still attached. When the ThinkPad returns, the replicator is snapped back onto
the unit. At no time are the cables removed from the replicator, saving the
user much time and inconvenience. The Port Replicator I is the same, but adds
two PCMCIA Type II slots.
Q. The performance of the CD-ROM kit for the Dock I seems slow for a dual-speed
drive. Why?
A. Two reasons: 1) The maximum data transfer rate of the Internal CD-ROM
Installation Kit drive is 200KB/second. If higher performance is required, use
an externally-attached drive connected to the SCSI port of the DOCK I. 2) Even
with the existing drive, there is a faster driver provided than the default
driver (IBMCDROM.SYS) automatically installed. On the same Option diskette
provided with the Dock I unit, there is a driver called FDCD.SYS. Follow the
installation instructions provided in the readme file. This driver will
greatly improve performance for applications like video playback.
Q. Do I need the CD-ROM kit for an internal drive, or can I just use any CD-ROM
drive?
A. You can use any SCSI CD-ROM drive (or other device) that will fit in a
1"-high bay. Also, you will need a black bezel (cover plate) that fits the
3445 unit if you are concerned about appearance.
Q. I'm trying to use an IBM Auto 16/4 Token-Ring Adapter in a Dock I docking
station attached to my ThinkPad 360, but the system hangs whenever I run
LANAID. What's wrong?
A. Make sure you use the latest version of LANAID (1.2 or later), which
corrects this problem. It can be found on the IBM PC Company BBS.
Miscellaneous
Q. What is the maximum operating altitude for the ThinkPad 360/360C/360CS/360P
models?
A. 10,000 feet, or equivalent air pressure (such as in a pressurized airplane
cabin).
Q. What is the security base (P/N 66G3684)?
A. It is a cradle for the system that serves as a physical security option. It
allows the user to bolt the system to the desk. It locks the system to the
cradle using the hard disk drive locking mechanism. A padlock can be added by
the user. The Security Base protects against removal of the hard disk drive,
IC DRAM cards, and the math coprocessor. It also prevents access to the
system's screw holes, system expansion port, and I/O connectors. Note: This
option is not required if you have the 3545 docking station, which provides the
same protection. This option is for those who desire security but don't have a
docking station.
Q. What is the Security Utility Diskette (P/N 49G2173)?
A. This allows the user to set a Privileged Access Password (PAP) to the system
in order to limit access to the system partition. Once a password is set it
can prevent any tampering with the boot selection or I/O port usage, even by
the Reference Diskette. If you ever forget the PAP the motherboard must be
replaced because it can not be disabled.
Q. Are the 360/360C/360CS/360P models Micro Channel or AT bus (ISA)?
A. AT bus.
Choose the section to which you wish to jump, below:
Q&As
ThinkPad 300 Series Q&As ThinkPad 700/720 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 350 Series Q&As ThinkPad 700T/710T/730T Series
Q&As
ThinkPad 360 Series Q&As ThinkPad 701 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 500/510Cs Series Q&As ThinkPad 750/755 Series Q&As
ThinkPad Software Q&As ThinkPad Family Hardware Q&As
To return to the ThinkPad Q&As header, double-click here.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.4. ThinkPad 500/510Cs Series Q&As ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The following questions relate specifically to the ThinkPad 500 and 510Cs
systems. Questions that apply to several, or all, ThinkPad models can be found
in the ThinkPad Family Software Q&As and ThinkPad Family Hardware Q&As
sections.
Q. What are the advantages of the ThinkPad 510Cs over the less expensive 500?
A. The two primary differences are: 1) The 50/25MHz IBM 486BL2 "Blue Lightning"
processor, which is much faster than the 500's 50/25MHz 486SLC2 chip; and 2)
The larger 7.7" passive matrix color LCD screen, versus the smaller 7.4"
monochrome LCD in the 500. Other significant enhancements of the 510Cs
include: Up to 20MB of RAM (compared to 12MB in the 500); and a larger hard
disk drive (200MB in the 510Cs, but only 85MB or 170MB in the TP500).
Q. Now that the ThinkPad 510Cs has been announced with all these advantages, is
there any reason to still buy a ThinkPad 500?
A. Certainly: 1) The battery lasts longer in the TP500 due to the lower-power
monochrome LCD; 2) The 500 is lighter (3.4-3.7 lbs vs. 4 lbs for the 510Cs),
and 3) The ThinkPad 500 is significantly less expensive. All perfectly good
reasons to buy a TP500, if you don't absolutely need the advanced features of
the 510Cs.
Processor
Q. Why use the 486SLC2 chip in the ThinkPad 500 versus the Intel
486SL/SX/DX/DX2 series?
A. The 486SLC2 chip is a terrific price-performer, and (like only the
486SL--prior to June 1993--among the Intel 486 chips) offers advanced power
management.
Q. How does the 486SLC2 differ from the 486SL?
A. The 486SLC2 has a 16KB internal cache (versus 8K in the 486SL), clock
doubling, and an optimized instruction set; but only a 16-bit external data
path (vs 32-bit for the 486SL). The 486SLC2 was designed with Intel's full
support an cooperation, and contains the genuine Intel instruction set, with
IBM optimizations.
Q. How fast is the 486SLC2 processor?
A. The IBM 486SLC2 50/25MHz processor calculates at 50MHz, while accessing
external data at the 25MHz speed of the motherboard. The overall performance
is somewhat faster than a 33MHz 486SL or SX.
Q. What is an IBM Blue Lightning processor, such as used in the ThinkPad 510?
A. It is an IBM-developed derivative of the Intel 486SX chip that comes in two
"flavors": the clock-doubling 486BL2 and clock-tripling 486BL3. Only the
486BL2 is used in the TP 510 at this time.
Q. How do the 486BL2/BL3 compare to the IBM 486SLC2/SLC3 processors?
A. Blue Lightning is essentially the same as the 486SLC2/486SLC3 processors,
but uses a 32-bit external bus, like the 486DX2, for faster I/O. This also
allows a Blue Lightning-equipped system to use more than 16MB of RAM (up to
4GB), a limitation of the 486SLCx processors.
Q. How does the 486BL2 compare to the Intel 486SX/486DX2 processors?
A. Like the 486DX2, the 486BL2 comes in a 50/25MHz and 66/33MHz clock speeds,
and offers a 32-bit external bus. Unlike the 486DX2, the 486BL2 doesn't
contain an internal math coprocessor, but does include a 16K internal cache,
compared to only 8K for the 486DX2. The overall result is better performance
(at the same clock speed) for the 486DX2 in floating-point math-intensive
calculations, but better performance in non-FP intensive situations (which is
much more common for most users). Plus, the 486BL3 offers 75/25MHz and
100/33MHz clock-tripling versions, as described above, for even better
performance than the DX2. Finally, unlike the DX2, the Blue Lightning contains
power-saving circuitry similar to that in the 486SLCx processors, making it
more suitable for laptop and "green PC" use.
Q. How does the 486BL3 compare to Intel's new 486DX4 processor?
A. Both processors come in clock-tripling 75/25MHz and 100/33MHz speeds, both
use 16K internal caches, and both use 3.3V technology for low
power-consumption. No direct performance comparisons have yet been done;
however, because the DX4 contains a clock-tripled math coprocessor and the
486BL3 does not, the DX4 should be much faster for floating point math
operations. Integer operations should be roughly equivalent. Still, the
486BL3 chip is far less expensive than the 486DX2 and should prove a
satisfactory performer for those needing powerful systems on a lower budget.
Q. How fast are the 486BL2 and 486BL3?
A. In composite benchmarks, which test a combination of floating-point and
integer operations (an averaging of Norton, Landmark, Power Meter, Whetstone
and 16/32-bit Dhrystone benchmarks), the following results were tabulated:
Compared to an Intel 486DX-25, the 50/25MHz 486BL2 was 58% faster overall, and
the 75/25MHz 486BL3 was more than twice as fast (216%). Against the Intel
50/25MHz 486DX2, the 50/25MHz 486BL2 was 2% faster overall, and the 75/25MHz
486BL3 was 38% faster.
Compared to an Intel 486DX-33, the 66/33MHz 486BL2 was 43% faster overall, and
the 100/33MHz 486BL3 was twice as fast (200%). Against the Intel 66/33MHz
486DX2, the 66/33MHz 486BL2 was 9% slower overall, and the 100/33MHz 486BL3 was
26% faster. For customers using primarily non-floating-point (integer)
computations, both clock-doubling 486BL2s offer similar performance to the
486DX2's, while both clock-tripling 486BL3 chips are significantly faster than
the 486DX2's, at a lower price.
Q. Are the TP 500/510 systems upgradeable to a faster processor?
A. No. The footprint of a subnotebook doesn't leave enough room for a ZIF type
processor socket that would make processor replacement simple, so the current
processors are soldered onto the motherboards.
Q. Is there any way to slow down the processor to increase battery life?
A. Yes. Use Func-F3 (or Ctrl-Alt-F3, then PgDn) to access the power management
settings. The last option on the screen is CPU Speed. The choices are Fast
(50MHz), Medium (12.5MHz), and Slow (6.25MHz). Use the + and - keys to change
the settings, then press ESC to bring up the menu that allows you to make
permanent or temporary changes to the settings, or cancel the changes.
Q. Is there any way to disable the 16K internal cache in the 486SLC2?
A. Yes. Use Ctrl-Alt-F3 to access the settings. Look for the Cache Control
setting. The choices are Enabled and Disabled; the default is Enabled. Use the
+ and - keys to change the settings, then press ESC to bring up the menu that
allows you to make permanent or temporary changes to the settings, or cancel
the changes.
Q. Is there a math coprocessor socket in the 500/510Cs systems?
A. No.
Video/Monitor
Q. I can't seem to find the external video port. Where is it?
A. There is a round port on the back that looks like a PS/2 mouse port. This
is for a short cable (included with the 500) with a 15-pin "female" D-shell
connector on the other end. This is the external VGA port.
Q. Is there a switch to reverse the video?
A. Not a switch, but a key combination: Func-F8.
Q. How do I switch back and forth between the LCD and an external monitor?
A. Just press Func-F7 to toggle back and forth.
Q. Is the video controller VGA or SVGA?
A. SVGA. External monitors are supported up to 800x600 resolution, while the
built-in LCD runs at 640x480.
Q. Am I limited to IBM monitors?
A. Not at all. Any VGA monitor capable of running at 70Hz/31.5KHz; or SVGA
monitor running at 56Hz/31.5KHz should be compatible.
Q. How much video RAM is standard?
A. 512K.
Q. Is the video RAM upgradeable?
A. No.
Q. How far does the LCD display panel tilt?
A. 180┬░.
PCMCIA
Q. How many PCMCIA "bays" or "sockets" do the 500/510Cs contain?
A. There is one bay that can take two Type 1 and/or Type 2 cards at a time.
Q. What software do I need to use PCMCIA cards in the 500/510Cs?
A. The DOS card and socket services are already preloaded on these systems.
All you need are the device drivers that should come with each PCMCIA card. In
addition, OS/2 2.1 and later includes the card and socket services so, again,
you would only need the device drivers for OS/2.
Q. Is there an OS/2 driver for the Apex PCMCIA high-speed modems??
A. Yes. Call Apex at 800-841-2739 for the driver, or download it from their
BBS at 510-803-2039. (All modems shipped since November 1993 include this
driver.)
Serial/Parallel Ports
Q. I can't seem to find the serial port. Where is it?
A. There is a port on the back that looks something like a SCSI port, but with
26 tiny pins. This is for a short Y-cable (included with the system) with two
different connectors on the other end. One connector looks like the port on
the back of the unit. This is for the external diskette drive. The other is a
9-pin serial port. This cable can be used without the diskette drive, if not
needed.
Q. The announcement letters say that the 500/510Cs have an "enhanced" parallel
port. Is this a DMA port, like some PS/2s have, or like the N45 notebook's
parallel port?
A. It is the same as the N45's port, achieving throughput of up to
14Mbits/second.
Q. Is the parallel port bidirectional or unidirectional?
A. Bidirectional, which provides better performance to high-speed printers.
Q. Is there any way to run the parallel port in unidirectional mode?
A. Yes. Use Ctrl-Alt-F3 to access the settings. Look for the Parallel Port
setting. The choices are Bidirectional and Unidirectional; the default is
Bidirectional. Use the + and - keys to change the settings, then press ESC to
bring up the menu that allows you to make permanent or temporary changes to the
settings, or cancel the changes.
Rechargeable Battery
Q. What kind of rechargeable battery is used with the 500?
A. Originally, a Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) battery was used, but due to quality
problems with the battery, the SLA batteries were discontinued, and NiMH
batteries are now used on all newly-manufactured models.
Q. If the NiMH batter is lighter and lasts longer than the SLA battery
originally used in the 500, why use the SLA at all?
A. Three reasons. SLA technology (similar to automobile batteries in
technology): 1) Eliminates the battery "memory" that plagues NiCad and NiMH
batteries, 2) Can be self-charging, eliminating the need for a bulky AC
adapter, and 3) Costs less, reducing the street price to the consumer.
Q. I have one of the original 500s that came with the SLA battery. How do I
get it "upgraded" to work with the NiMH batteries?
A. Call 800-IBM-7244 (Mon-Fri, 9am-9pm Eastern Time). You will be instructed
on how to receive a free system upgrade and replacement battery. A side
benefit of this upgrade is that the NiMH battery not only weighs about .4 lbs
less than the SLA, so overall system weight will be almost a half-pound lighter
than before (now 3.4-3.5 lbs), but lasts longer as well (a minimum of 3.5
hours, instead of 2).
Q. What kind of rechargeable battery is used with the 510Cs?
A. The 510Cs uses the same NiMH battery as the newer 500 models.
Q. So the NiMH battery is not self-charging?
A. That is correct. NiCad and NiMH technologies do not lend themselves to
being self-charging, the way SLA does.
Q. Is there a quick-charger option available for the 500/510Cs battery?
A. No, but the A/C adapter, when attached to the 500/510Cs, serves much the
same purpose: 90% recharged in 1 hour, and 100% complete in 3-4 hours. When
the self-charging battery is plugged directly into the wall the times are 90%
complete in 3 hours, and 100% in 5-6 hours.
Q. What is the average battery life of the Thinkpad 500 and 510Cs systems?
A. Using the PC Magazine benchmarks, which measure continuous usage with power
management features disabled (i.e., worst-case scenario), the Thinkpad 500 has
a battery life of 3.5 hours vs. 2.5 for the 510Cs. According to the Veritest
benchmark, which measures battery life in a "typical workday environment," with
power management features enabled, the battery in the 500 lasts 9 hours, an
hour longer than the 510Cs.
Q. Are there any battery status LED/LCDs?
A. No, but pressing Func-F2 will pop a battery status panel ("fuel gauge") up
on your screen.
Q. I swapped batteries while the fuel gauge was displayed, but the remaining
charge info didn't look right, so I powered the system off and back on, and
then the fuel gauge looked correct. What happened?
A. Inserting or removing a battery while the fuel gauge is displayed will cause
an erroneous display. Always close the fuel gauge prior to swapping batteries.
Q. Does the ThinkPad 500 self-charging battery support both 110/60 and 220/50
power?
A. Not directly; only 110V, 50/60Hz power. Plugging the battery into a 220V
outlet will blow the battery's internal fuse. On the other hand, using the
supplied AC adapter will allow you to recharge the battery in a 220 outlet.
Q. I didn't use my ThinkPad for several months, and now when I charge up the
battery, it doesn't seem to hold a charge. Is the battery defective?
A. Not if it worked normally the last time you used it. After 7 or 8 weeks of
non-use, the battery will requires as much as 5 cycles of charge and discharge
before it will again hold a full charge. The first time may take only 10-15
minutes to charge, with a similar discharge time. But each successive
charge/discharge cycle will be progressively longer. This is symptomatic of
NiMH battery packs.
Service
Q. I lost the cable that connects the external diskette drive to the multiport
adapter, and I can't seem to find a part number to order so I can replace it.
Is there one?
A. Yes, but it is a service part, not a retail part. It must be ordered from
IBM Service Parts Order Center (800-388-7080) using FRU number 73G3422.
Miscellaneous
Q. If I need a bigger hard disk drive, is the one in my 500/510CS upgradeable?
A. Not from IBM, however you should be able to use most IBM and non-IBM PCMCIA
Type II hard disk drives (Type III drives will not fit) for this purpose,
allowing you to keep your present drive, plus add another via the PCMCIA slot,
giving you much more total capacity. The only down-side is that PCMCIA drives
are not bootable, and they prevent you from using other devices in your PCMCIA
slot while the drives are in use. In addition, there are OEM companies that
offer 2.5" drives for many different laptop/notebook PCs. One such company is
Laptop Solutions at 800-683-6839. Contact them for details and pricing. Other
such vendors exist as well. Look at the ads near the back of most PC
magazines, and especially Computer Shopper.
Q. What are the minimum operating system requirements of the 500 and 510Cs?
A. The 500 supports: IBM PC DOS 5.02 or later, OS/2 1.3x and 2.0 with the
ServicePak (does not support PCMCIA, however), and OS/2 2.1 or later. The
510Cs supports: IBM PC DOS 6.1 or later, MS DOS 6.2 or later, and OS/2 2.1 or
later.
Q. What preloaded software is included with the 500 and 510Cs models?
A. Originally the 500s only included DOS 5.02 and Prodigy. More
recently-manufactured models include the following: The ThinkPad 500 17N
model, and the 510CS, include IBM PC DOS 6.3, MS Windows 3.1, Prodigy, America
Online, Online Airline Guide FlightDisk, Lotus ScreenCam, Organizer and
cc:Mail, Co/Session Ho FaxWorks. In addition, the IBM EasyPlaying (510Cs only)
or IBM Card Director (500 17N only) PCMCIA utility, and IBM Online Housecall
remote diagnostic service are included. The ThinkPad 500 08N, with its much
small hard drive size, includes DOS 6.1 and Prodigy.
Q. If I buy a TP 500 now, how do I know if I'm getting one with the enhanced
software bundle, versus a previously manufactured model with the old software?
A. The new bundle is highlighted by a colorful sticker on the outside of the
box.
Q. I'm running OS/2 2.1 on a ThinkPad, but when OS/2 boots up I get messages
saying that COM.SYS and VCOM.SYS didn't load? What's wrong?
A. A) If you are using a PCMCIA modem, make sure that 1) the PCMCIA drivers
have been installed, 2) a PCMCIA modem is inserted in the socket, and 3) the
power management software isn't set to "Off" for the PCMCIA socket. Or, B) if
you are using an internal modem, make sure that 1) the hardware setup program
recognizes the modem, and 2) the power management software isn't SET to "Off"
for the MODEM. Or, C) if you don't have a modem, or it is external, make sure
that 1) the hardware setup program isn't set to disable the serial port, and 2)
the power management software isn't SET to "Off" for the port.
Q. How do I access the Setup program?
A. There are two ways: 1) From a command prompt, press Ctrl-Alt-F3. This will
access two panels of setup parameters. Use PgDn/PgUp to jump back and forth
between them. 2) Press Func-F3 at any time to access just the second of the
setup panels, which contains the power management features.
Q. I pressed Ctrl-Alt-F3 and nothing happened. What's wrong?
A. Be sure you are in DOS, or a full-screen OS/2 command prompt session. This
control-key combination will not function from within Windows, or an OS/2 PM
session.
Q. What is the capacity of the external diskette drive?
A. 1.44MB.
Q. What is the maximum operating altitude for the ThinkPad 500/510Cs?
A. 10,000 feet, or equivalent air pressure (such as in a pressurized airplane
cabin).
Q. Are the 500/510Cs Micro Channel or AT bus (ISA)?
A. AT bus; although the lack of any adapter slots makes the distinction
meaningless.
Choose the section to which you wish to jump, below:
Q&As
ThinkPad 300 Series Q&As ThinkPad 700/720 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 350 Series Q&As ThinkPad 700T/710T/730T Series
Q&As
ThinkPad 360 Series Q&As ThinkPad 701 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 500/510Cs Series Q&As ThinkPad 750/755 Series Q&As
ThinkPad Software Q&As ThinkPad Family Hardware Q&As
To return to the ThinkPad Q&As header, double-click here.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.5. ThinkPad 700/720 Series Q&As ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The following questions relate specifically to the ThinkPad 700 and 720 series
of systems. Questions that apply to several, or all, ThinkPad models can be
found in the ThinkPad Family Software Q&As and ThinkPad Family Hardware Q&As
sections.
Compatibility/Installation/Upgradeability
Q. I'm running OS/2 2.x on a ThinkPad 720 (or 720C), but when OS/2 boots up I
get messages saying that COM.SYS and VCOM.SYS didn't load. What's wrong?
A. A) If you are using a PCMCIA modem, make sure that 1) the PCMCIA drivers
have been installed, 2) a PCMCIA modem is inserted in the socket, and 3) the
power management software isn't set to "Off" for the PCMCIA socket. Or, B) if
you are using an internal modem, make sure that 1) the hardware setup program
recognizes the modem, and 2) the power management software isn't SET to "Off"
for the MODEM. Or, C) if you don't have a modem, or it is external, make sure
that 1) the hardware setup program isn't set to disable the serial port, and 2)
the power management software isn't SET to "Off" for the port.
Q. I can't get my PCMCIA fax/modem to work with Warp on my ThinkPad 720. When
I try to use the MODE command to check the COM port settings I get an error.
What's can I do?
A. Look for WFP_xx.ZIP (where xx is the latest version number) and WKICKR.ZIP
from various electronic sources. Or call the OS/2 support center at
800-992-4777 and request Warp FixPak 01 (and the necessary FixPak installation
diskettes if you don't already have them). This FixPak corrects the problem
you are having.
Q. How upgradeable are the 700 and 700C?
A. Both notebooks can upgrade the processor to a 50/25MHz 486SLC2, the RAM to
16MB, install an internal fax/modem or high-speed (57.6Kbps) modem or second
serial port, and add an external IBM 3550 expansion unit (with two adapter
slots and a disk drive bay) or Expansion Cartridge (with one 8" adapter slot).
The 80MB drive in one 700 model can be replaced with a 120MB, 160MB, or 240MB
drive; the 120MB drives can be replaced with 160MB or 240MB; the 160MB drive
can be replaced with a 240MB drive; and the LCD in all monochrome models can be
upgraded to the active matrix (TFT) color LCD used in the 700C/720C.
Q. How upgradeable are the 720 and 720C?
A. Both notebooks can upgrade the RAM to 16MB. In addition, the PCMCIA slots
can be used to add anything compatible with PCMCIA Type 1, 2 or 3, including
3270/5250 emulation, Token-Ring and Ethernet adapters, fax/modems, hard disk
drives, etc. Plus, an external IBM 3550 expansion unit (with two adapter slots
and a SCSI disk drive bay) or Expansion Cartridge (with one 8" adapter slot)
can be added. The standard 120MB or 160MB drives can be replaced with a 160MB
or 240MB drive, and the LCD in both monochrome models can be upgraded to the
active matrix (TFT) color LCD used in the 720C.
Q. What's the basic difference between the ThinkPad 700/700C and the new
720/720C models?
A. The 720/720C are very similar to the 700/700C models, differing primarily in
the type of processor used, the presence or absence of PCMCIA slots, and the
standard hard disk drives installed. The 700/700C models come with a 486SLC
processor and either an 80MB or 120MB drive; there are no PCMCIA slots. The
720/720C include the 486SLC2 processor, either a 120MB or 160MB drive, and (2)
PCMCIA Type 1 or 2 (or one Type 3) slots. Most of the 700/700C options will
work in the 720/720C models, and vice-versa.
Q. What's the basic difference between the ThinkPad 700, 700C and 700T?
A. The 700 and 700C are monochrome and color notebooks (otherwise identical),
respectively, while the 700T is a pen-based tablet--essentially completely
different computers.
Q. Can I plug my external keyboard directly into the ThinkPad 7xx/7xxC?
A. No you cannot. You can only plug a mouse or numeric keypad directly into
the port on the 7xx/xxC. If you plug the numeric keypad into the port you can
then plug the mouse into the port on the rear of the numeric keypad. To plug
the keyboard in you must use the keyboard/mouse connector (a Y-cable P/N
54G0441). This will allow you to use both the keyboard and the mouse, but must
be used in order to have a external keyboard at all. The 3550 docking station
has a separate port for the mouse and keyboard so it will support both without
the use of the Y-cable.
Q. What type of math coprocessor should I use with the ThinkPad 700/700C?
A. Use an Intel 387SL or 387SX running at 25MHz.
Q. What type of math coprocessor should I use with the ThinkPad 720/720C?
A. Use a 25MHz Intel 387SL.
Q. If I purchase the 486SLC2 upgrade what happens to my math coprocessor?
A.The 486SLC2 upgrade is a new processor board. It has a math coprocessor
socket on the board. You just remove the old processor board containing a math
coprocessor socket, and install the new 486SLC2 board. Then all you must do is
remove the math coprocessor from the old processor board and install it on the
new 486SLC2 processor board.
Q. What are the different memory configurations for the ThinkPad 7xx/7xxC?
A. The system comes with 4MB standard. It has two IC DRAM card slots. There
are 2MB, 4MB, and 8MB IC cards available and they can be installed in any
combination of one or two at a time. So the system memory configurations could
be 4MB, 6MB, 8MB, 10MB, 12MB, 14MB, 16MB, or 20MB, but the max the processor
can address is 16MB, due to its 24 bit address path.
Q. How can I access the setup software in the 3MB system partition?
A. This partition can be accessed by pressing Ctrl-Alt-Del simultaneously.
Then when the cursor moves to top left of LCD push Ctrl-Alt-Ins simultaneously.
This will take you to IBM logo screen and the system will instruct you to turn
system off and back on again. Once turned back on the system will
automatically boot to the system partition. From here you can access the
system programs.
Q. Is there an IBM solution by which I can obtain an external hard drive and
any hard drive larger than the standard drive?
A. Yes. You have two choices: 1) The use of an IBM 3550-002 docking unit
provides an internal bay for a SCSI device. It will also allow you hook
external SCSI devices through the SCSI port provided on the rear of the docking
station. From there an IBM 3510 or 3511 SCSI expansion unit can be connected
for up to 6 additional SCSI devices (not just hard disk drives). This is in
addition to the standard drive included with the 700/720. 2) For more internal
storage, IBM now offers 160MB and 240MB drives to replace the 80MB, 120MB or
160MB standard drives. The 160MB drive is customer-installable; the 240MB
drive must be installed by an authorized servicer.
Q. Will the 7xx/7xxC systems function without the removable hard drive?
A. The 700/700C will not boot up correctly without the hard drive installed.
It will give you a 165 error and will not allow you to reconfigure without the
hard drive. It has to have the hard drive in order to reconfigure because it
contains the system partition. The system partition contains the IML (initial
microcode load) which is required by the BIOS to boot up. The 720/720C, while
supporting PCMCIA Type 3 disk drive cards, does not at this time allow booting
from a PCMCIA drive in the absence of a hard disk drive. They do, however,
allow selective booting from either the hard drive or a Type 3 card, but there
must be a hard drive actually installed.
Q. When my system is set up to use Unattended Start mode the mouse statement
hangs on bootup; and if it does run the driver then the system does not
recognize the mouse.
A. Unattended start mode is not designed for use with a mouse. If you are
using Unattended Start then your mouse driver should be REM'd out in the
AUTOEXEC.BAT. It must be REM'd in order for the system to come out of this
mode correctly. You might consider using the Power-on password instead; it
will not exhibit this behavior. This is not a "defect"; Unattended Start was
designed to function in this way: without a mouse.
Q. I am getting an error stating that my system identification is bad or cannot
be found.
A. This problem can usually be solved by running Automatic Configuration. The
system ID is stored in CMOS. Auto Config should restore it. If not then you
have a hardware problem. Always try Auto Config before replacing any
components.
Q. I am experiencing difficulties with a device attached to the parallel port.
Is there anything I can try?
A. Use the Reference Diskette to disable the parallel port arbitration (and the
1MB of VRAM aperture on a 700C/720C only). This may solve the problem. If not
try diagnostics; it may be a compatibility issue or defective device.
Processor
Q. What's the difference between the 486SLC2 (used in the 720/720C), and the
486SLC (used in the 700/700C)?
A. Both are 486 processors (without built-in math coprocessors) with 16K of
internal processor cache and optimized 32-bit instruction set, but with a
16-bit external data path. While the 486SLC runs at 25MHz both internally and
externally, the 486SLC2 uses clock-doubling to operate at 50MHz internally
while still maintaining a 25MHz clock rate between the processor and the rest
of the system.
Q. Is the 486SLC2 processor upgrade for the ThinkPad 700 user- or
servicer-installed?
A. User-installed. No special tools are required.
Q. How does the IBM 486SLC differ from the Cyrix 486SLC?
A. Despite the name, the two chips are completely different (IBM's was even
developed with Intel's knowledge and cooperation). The IBM chip's 16K internal
cache (compared to 1K in the Cyrix) and optimized 32-bit instruction set makes
the IBM chip much faster than the Cyrix processor (an InfoWorld article stated
a 22% difference). In fact, even the 20MHz IBM 386SLC (with an 8K cache and
optimized instruction set) is slightly faster than the Cyrix 25MHz 486SLC. The
IBM 486SLC is clearly superior to Cyrix in all benchmarks IBM has run (Lotus,
Word and Excel for Windows, using PC Week and PC Magazine benchmarks).
Video/Monitor
Q. What type of video does the external CRT port allow?
A. VGA is the highest resolution supported by the external CRT port on the
ThinkPad 7xx/7xxC. The maximum resolution is 640 by 480. The refresh rate for
this port is 75Hz. It supports ISO capable displays.
Q. Can I attach any VGA-compatible display to a 720/720C?
A. The color 720C models support either a color or mono external display. Only
a color display can be attached to the monochrome 720 models.
Q. Can the built-in VGA video be upgraded?
A. Yes and no. There is no way to upgrade the VGA chipset internally, however
an XGA or XGA-2 adapter can be installed in a 3550 docking station. However
once the XGA drivers are loaded, you must continue using the docking station
for video. The built-in VGA chipset will not work with the XGA drivers. The
VGA drivers would have to be reinstalled in order to use the 7xx/7xxC without
the docking station.
Q. I have a 700/720 ThinkPad that I sometimes connect to a 3550 docking unit.
I installed an XGA card in the 3550. After configuring OS/2 for the card
everything worked fine; until I detached the 7xx. Now, whenever I try to boot
from the system OS/2 returns Trap D (Internal Processing Error) messages and
won't boot. Everything is fine If I reattach the 7xx to the 3550 and boot.
What's wrong?
A. Because OS/2 is configured to use the XGA card, it looks for the card before
loading the drivers. After you disconnect the 7xx from the docking unit OS/2
is unable to find an XGA card, and therefore cannot load the video drivers.
This is what is producing the error. Before detaching the system from the
3550, you must run Selective Install from within OS/2 to reload the VGA
drivers. Then, the next time you reattach the system to the docking unit you
must run Selective Install again to load the XGA drivers (if you wish to use
the XGA while attached, instead of VGA).
Q. Can I view my external display as well as the system's built in LCD
simultaneously?
A. Yes, this is possible with all the 700/720 systems. This system can be set
up to use both the CRT and LCD simultaneously from the system partition or with
the reference diskette. From the main menu select Set Features. From the Set
Features menu select Set display and audio features. From the Set display and
audio features menu you can toggle the Display device to LCD and CRT using the
space bar. Once you have changed it simply hit enter to save the change. Once
you have made the change you must reboot for the change to take effect.
Q. My display seems to be defective. There is an inch of black space above and
below the area of the screen that is visible. This problem only seems to occur
in DOS and other text applications. Is there a fix for this or is my LCD
defective?
A. The LCD is not defective. This is one of the features of the ThinkPad 700.
Using the Reference Diskette you can turn the Vertical Expansion feature on.
This is done from the System Partition or the Reference Diskette. From the
main menu select Set Features. Then from the Set Features menu choose Set
display and audio features. The second feature on this screen that can be
toggled with the space bar is LCD vertical expansion. Turn it on and when you
press Enter it will take effect.
Q. My color LCD seems to have a few discolored or burnt-out pixels. Should I
replace the display and is this covered under warranty?
A. The ThinkPad 700C/720C LCD contains more than 921,000 thin film transistors
(TFTs). Even using the current state-of-the-art TFT LCD technology, a small
number of missing or discolored dots is to be expected, and not considered a
defect. The LCD should only be replace if the number of missing or discolored
dots causes viewing problems.
Q. How do I obtain the 256 color driver for MS Windows?
A. This can be obtained by calling 800-845-4263 or the IBM PC Company BBS.
PCMCIA
Q. How many PCMCIA "bays" or "sockets" do the 720/720C contain?
A. There is one bay that can take either one Type 3 card, or two Type 1 and/or
Type 2 cards at a time.
Q. What considerations are there for using two PCMCIA cards at once?
A. There are several: 1) Two cards have the same potential address and I/O
conflict problems that two adapters would. 2) Two communications cards may
have physical conflicts between the cables coming out the back of the cards.
3) When the ejection button is pressed, both cards are ejected. This might
result in a communications session being interrupted, for example.
Q. Do the 720/720C models offer "hot pluggable" PCMCIA slots?
A. Yes. Any PCMCIA card that was designed to be hot-pluggable will operate
that way. Refer to the documentation that accompanies the card, or the vendor,
for details.
Q. What does "hot pluggable" mean?
A. It means that, unlike traditional adapters, a card can be removed or
inserted "on-the-fly" without having to power down the system. If the correct
drivers are already loaded the card is immediately available for use. This
means, for example, that a LAN card could be used for a while, then replaced by
a fax/modem card, and then by a hard drive card; all without having to reboot.
Q. Is there an OS/2 driver for the Apex PCMCIA high-speed modems??
A. Yes. Call Apex at 800-841-2739 for the driver, or download it from their
BBS at 510-803-2039. (All modems shipped since November 1993 include this
driver.)
Rechargeable Battery
Q. What is the battery life of the Thinkpad 700/720?
A. Using the PC Magazine benchmarks, which measure continuous usage with power
management features disabled (i.e., worst-case scenario), the monochrome
Thinkpad 700 has a battery life of 3.8 hours, and the color 700C's battery life
is 2 hours. According to the Veritest benchmark, which measures battery life
in a "typical workday environment," with power management features enabled, the
battery in the 700 lasts 7.5 hours, while the 700C is good for 4 hours. The
mono 720's battery should last between 4 and 8 hours, while the color 720C is
good for about 2.4-4.8 hours. Depending on the hardware configuration, and the
power management settings used, "real life" numbers will probably be somewhere
in between.
Q. Does upgrading from the 486SLC to the 486SLC2 decrease the battery life?
A. Yes, but only about 10%.
Q. Speaking of batteries, what is this new battery with "status indicators"
that was announced with the Thinkpad 720/720C?
A. The new battery is identical to the old one in terms of battery life,
however it has the added feature of 5 LEDs that indicate (in 20% increments)
the amount of charge remaining in the battery.
Q. Does the new battery offer a "deep discharge" feature to combat the battery
"memory" problem?
A. Although the new (as well as old) battery does not itself contain this
feature, the Quick Charger announced earlier provides a quick discharge feature
for up to two batteries at a time (either kind).
3550 Expansion Unit
Q. How is your expansion unit different than other vendors', to justify its
higher price?
A. The IBM 3550 includes a SCSI port, allowing SCSI devices besides disk and
tape drives to be attached. Other vendors do not include SCSI, which would
require the user to buy a SCSI adapter and use up one of the expansion unit's
adapter slots. The IBM 3550 also provides more security features and options
than the competition, including cable / memory / coprocessor / drive security
and bolt-down. For cost-conscious users who only require one 8" adapter slot,
and no drive bay, there is the lower-cost Expansion Cartridge.
Q. Why don't you call your unit a "docking station"?
A. Another vendor had already trademarked the term "docking station."
Q. Can I still use my internal data/fax modem when my system is attached to the
3550 expansion unit?
A. Yes your data/fax modem will still function as normal even when the system
is attached to the 3550.
Q. Is the keyboard/mouse cable required to use a mouse and keyboard when
plugged into the 3550?
A. No the Y-cable is not required. The 3550 has two separate ports for a
keyboard and a pointing device.
Q. Are the IBM Audiovation and WindSurfer adapters supported in the 3550-002
ThinkPad expansion unit?
A. No. This unit does not work well with any Micro Channel sound cards.
Q. When my ThinkPad is attached to the 3550 do I have to use an external
monitor and keyboard, or can I use the system unit's built-in LCD and keyboard?
A. You do not have to use a external CRT and keyboard when your system is
attached to the 3550 docking station. As long as a keyboard and CRT are not
attached to the 3550 the built in keyboard and LCD will function the same as if
it were not attached. To leave the system unit open so that you can open and
view the LCD and type on the built-in keyboard, you will have to remove the
display stand. For instructions on removing the display stand refer to the
optional Hardware Maintenance Reference manual.
Q. I know that only the IBM Miniature Mouse is supported on the system units,
but can I attach a standard PS/2 mouse to the 3550 without damaging either the
3550 or the computer?
A. Yes. The standard PS/2 mouse is supported, but only when attached to the
3550. If plugged into the notebook there is a risk of damaging the
motherboard.
Q. What type of upgradability does the built-in SCSI support provide and how
many interfaces does it have?
A. The SCSI controller has two connectors. The 50-pin internal device
connector allows the attachment of an internal SCSI device. The 60
pin-external device connector allows the attachment of external SCSI devices
(including SCSI expansion units like the IBM 3510 and 3511). A total of (7)
SCSI devices are supported, including the one internal device.
Q. Is the internal IBM 3.5-inch Rewritable Optical Disk drive supported? I
don't see how you could access this drive because there is a solid bezel in the
way.
A. Yes this product is supported. To install it internally you will need a
different, slotted, bezel part number 49G2670.
Q. Does the 3550 docking station trickle-charge the batteries when the system
is docked and will it charge the batteries when the system is off?
A. Yes the 3550 trickle-charges the battery when the system unit is docked. It
even charges the battery when the system is connected but turned off, as long
as the 3550 is plugged in.
Q. Can the notebook power both itself and the 3550 docking station from its
battery or A/C adapter?
A. No. The 3550 has to be plugged into a power supply. The 3550 powers both
the system unit and itself, not vice-versa.
Q. Is there a security feature to protect the 3550 from theft?
A. Yes. The 3550 has a security hook that is located in the rear. This hook
will allow the use of a security chain or cable to lock the system to the desk.
Q. What must I do before I connect a 3550 to the supported notebooks?
A. The Option diskette supplied with the 3550 must be copied into the system
partition of the notebook before it can be used. Follow these instructions:
1) Start the notebook from the system partition.
2) Select Copy an Option Diskette from the Main Menu and follow the instructions on the screen.
3) Then dock with the 3550 and reboot the system.
Q. What are the features of the 3550 security lock?
A. This feature must be locked and unlocked with a user's key. It provides the
following features:
-Cover lock: Prevents unauthorized access to the devices and options inside the 3550.
-Computer lock: Protects unauthorized removal of the computer from the 3550.
-Power security: Prevents unauthorized operation of the 3550 and unauthorized access to the data stored on the internal SCSI device through the external SCSI connector.
Note: Different combinations can be set by the use of three different keylock
positions.
Service
Q. Is the 486SLC2 processor upgrade for the ThinkPad 700 user or
servicer-installed?
A. An authorized servicer must install the 486SLC2 processor upgrade, and
return the 486SLC to IBM.
Q. What is the service part number (FRU) for the ThinkPad 700/700C lithium
Backup Battery?
A. The FRU is number 44G3778. Use only this part number.
Q. What is the service part number (FRU) for the ThinkPad 700/700C Standby
(NiCad) Battery?
A. The FRU is number 44G3799. Use only this part number.
Q. What is the service part number (FRU) for the ThinkPad 700T Backup
(lithium) battery?
A. The FRU is number 92F0119. Use only this part number.
Miscellaneous
Q. Are there any larger hard drives available for my system?
A. Not from IBM, but there are OEM companies that offer 2.5" drives for many
different laptop/notebook PCs. One such company is Laptop Solutions at
800-683-6839. Contact them for details and pricing. Other such vendors exist
as well. Look at the ads near the back of most PC magazines, and especially
Computer Shopper.
Q. What is the maximum operating altitude for the ThinkPad 7xx models (notebook
and tablet)?
A. 8,000 feet, or equivalent air pressure (such as in a pressurized airplane
cabin).
Q. When I suspend my 720/720C, running Windows 3.1, the mouse is frozen when I
resume. What's wrong?
A. Run the Windows Setup program from DOS, and change the Computer Type to
"MSDOS System with APM". This should resolve your problem.
Q. What is the security base (P/N 49G2172)?
A. It is a cradle for the system that serves as a physical security option. It
allows the user to bolt the system to the desk. It locks the system to the
cradle using the hard disk drive locking mechanism. A padlock can be added by
the user. The Security Base protects against removal of the hard disk drive,
IC DRAM cards, and the math coprocessor. It also prevents access to the
system's screw holes, system expansion port, and I/O connectors. Note: This
option is not required if you have the 3550 docking station, which provides the
same protection. This option is for those who desire security but don't have a
3550 docking station.
Q. What is the Security Utility Diskette (P/N 49G2173)?
A. This allows the user to set a Privileged Access Password (PAP) to the system
in order to limit access to the system partition. Once a password is set it
can prevent any tampering with the boot selection or I/O port usage, even by
the Reference Diskette. If you ever forget the PAP the motherboard must be
replaced because it can not be disabled.
Q. I have forgotten or misplaced my Power-on password. Is there any way that
it can be disabled?
A. A power on password can only be removed by an authorized IBM dealer.
Authorized Dealers can call the IBM Personal Systems HelpCenter Technical
Support Group for instructions.
Q. I am having problems with my suspend/resume function with the ThinkPad
7xx/7xxC. What can be done to fix this?
A. First verify whether the system has a Power-on password. If so enter it and
that should allow you to resume. If it does not, see the troubleshooting
section in the ThinkPad Guide To Operations appendix.
Q. What is the "port replicator"?
A. One of the more annoying aspects of mobile computers is the necessity to
disconnect all external cables before leaving, and then reconnecting them upon
return. The optional ThinkPad Port Replicator eliminates this problem. The
replicator is a removable module that connects to all the ports on the back of
the ThinkPad, providing pass-through to matching ports on the replicator.
Cables are attached to the replicator. Then when the ThinkPad has to be moved,
the replicator is disconnected from the ThinkPad with all cables still
attached. When the ThinkPad returns, the replicator is snapped back onto the
unit. At no time are the cables removed from the replicator, saving the user
much time and inconvenience.
Q. What is the KeyGuard option offered for the ThinkPad 700 and 720 families?
A. The KeyGuard is a black plastic overlay for the keyboard. It is intended
primarily as an option for users with limited use of their hands. It allows
the user to rest their hands on the keyboard without touching the keys. Users
can use a pointing stick or one finger at a time to push the keys, while being
prevented from accidentally depressing more than one key at a time.
Q. Are the ThinkPad 700/700C, and 720/720C Micro Channel or AT bus (ISA)?
A. Micro Channel.
Choose the section to which you wish to jump, below:
Q&As
ThinkPad 300 Series Q&As ThinkPad 700/720 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 350 Series Q&As ThinkPad 700T/710T/730T Series
Q&As
ThinkPad 360 Series Q&As ThinkPad 701 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 500/510Cs Series Q&As ThinkPad 750/755 Series Q&As
ThinkPad Software Q&As ThinkPad Family Hardware Q&As
To return to the ThinkPad Q&As header, double-click here.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.6. ThinkPad 700T/710T/730T Series Q&As ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The following questions relate specifically to the ThinkPad 700T, 710T, and
730T pen-tablet systems. Questions that apply to several, or all, ThinkPad
models can be found in the ThinkPad Family Software Q&As and ThinkPad Family
Hardware Q&As sections.
Q. What's the basic difference between the ThinkPad 7xx, 7xxC and 7xxT?
A. The 7xx and 7xxC are monochrome and color notebooks (otherwise essentially
the same), respectively, while the 700T/710T are pen-based tablets--essentially
completely different computers.
Q. Who developed the ThinkPad 700T/710T tablet computers for IBM?
A. The 700T/710T were developed by IBM in Boca Raton, and the handwriting
recognition engine was developed by IBM's Research Division in Raleigh. Only
the PenPoint and PenDOS operating systems were developed outside of IBM, by GO
Corporation and CIC, respectively.
Battery
Q. How long is the 700T battery good for?
A. Under typical usage, between 2-3 hours.
Q. How long is the 710T battery good for?
A. Under typical usage, between 3.1-3.8 hours, for the hard disk drive models
(302/303), depending on whether backlighting is turned on or off. The
PCMCIA-only model (09Y) battery will last between 3.3-4.1 hours.
Q. How long does the battery take to recharge?
A. With the system off, 3 hours. The battery will trickle-charge with the
power on.
Q. How many times can the NiCad battery be recharged before it must be
replaced?
A. Approximately 500 times.
Q. What is the optional "half-battery" (feature code 4947)?
A. It is a smaller version of the 710T NiCAD battery that weighs half as much
as the regular battery, and lasts half as long. It is intended primarily for
users concerned about the weight of the 710T with the standard battery.
Operating Systems
Q. What operating systems are available for the pen-based 700T tablet?
A. From IBM, only PenPoint. PenDOS (from CIC) or Pen Windows may be available
from other vendors.
Q. What operating systems are available for the pen-based 710T tablet?
A. PenPoint 1.01 (preloaded on 710T model 303) and PenDOS 2.0 (preloaded on
model 303). Pen Windows may be available from other vendors.
Q. Why so many operating system choices?
A. Just as on desktop systems, no one operating system is perfect for every pen
user. PenPoint is ideal for those developing custom pen applications, who
don't have a compatibility "burden" to contend with. On the other hand, those
who need to run the same DOS applications as their desktop units will prefer
PenDOS. And those with a need for a mixture of DOS, Windows, and OS/2 programs
will need the flexibility of OS/2 Pen.
Q. Will my current DOS applications work with PenPoint?
A. No. PenPoint is a new operating system, designed specifically for pen-based
computing. As such, it requires applications specifically written for
PenPoint.
Q. Well, what about file compatibility, then?
A. Yes, PenPoint does support the importing and exporting of data between
PenPoint and many popular application data formats.
Q. Will my current DOS applications work with PenDOS?
A. Yes, since PenDOS runs on top of DOS 5.0.
Q. How much RAM does PenPoint require?
A. 4MB of RAM.
Q. What are PenTops and PenCentral?
A. PenTops is a PenPoint communications "client" that resides on the 700T and
connects to PenCentral. PenCentral is the communications "server" that resides
on a desktop PS/2. Between them the user can transfer files back and forth,
via parallel, serial or modem connection.
Q. Is this how I'm supposed to load software onto the 700T/710T, then?
A. Either this way, or via the optional external 2.88MB/1.44MB diskette drive.
Disk Drive
Q. Can the external diskette drive from the 700T be used with the 710T?
A. No; it is not compatible.
Q. Since the 700T/710T don't come with an internal diskette drive, can I use my
external drive with them?
A. No, but IBM offers a special external 2.88MB/1.44MB drive for these tablet
systems.
Q. What kind of hard drive does the 700T use?
A. The 700T uses solid-state memory drives.
Q. What kind of hard drives does the 710T use?
A. Two of the 710T models (302/303) include traditional 2.5" (60MB) hard
drives, plus one PCMCIA Type II (which meets JEIDA guideline 4.2) slot that can
accommodate one flash memory drive card. The other 710T model (09Y) has no hard
disk drive bays, instead providing three PCMCIA Type II slots that can
accommodate flash memory drives and other PCMCIA devices. At least one
bootable PCMCIA card loaded with an operating system must be installed in one
of the PCMCIA card slots.
Q. What is an "SSF" card?
A. This is one of the Solid State File "hard drive" cards for the 700T.
Q. What is a "ThinkPad File"?
A. ThinkPad File (TPF) is the term used to identify the flash memory PCMCIA
"hard drives" used by the 710T.
Q. Do the SSF and TPF cards allow me to interchange data between systems, like
diskettes or optical cartridges?
A. Yes. Like a hard drive, these drives support partitioning, subdirectories,
etc., depending on the features of the operating system. The only limitation
is that SSF and TPF files are not mutually interchangeable. They can only be
interchanged with "like" drives (SSF with another SSF, TPF with another TPF).
Q. Why solid-state, or flash memory, rather than traditional hard drives?
A. Solid-state and flash memory drives are much more reliable, lighter, faster,
and use less power than disk drives, and because there are no moving parts, are
more rugged than disk drives--an important asset for the mobile worker, where a
hand-held tablet is prone to being dropped.
Q. What optional PCMCIA solid state drives are available for 710T use?
A. 5MB (blank), 10MB (blank, or with PenDOS installed), and 15MB (blank, or
with PenDOS or PenPoint installed). (Note: The solid state drive preloaded
with PenPoint has been withdrawn from marketing, but may still be available
from remarketers.)
Q. With both PenDOS and PenPoint available on TPF cards, does this mean I can
boot from one operating system on the hard drive one time, and then from the
other OS on a TPF the next time (or even between the two OSes on two different
TPFs)?
A. Yes. The system will boot from the OS on the hard drive (model 302 only)
unless a TPF with a bootable OS is inserted in card slot 1. (The diskless,
3-slot model will only boot from the TPF in slot 1.) So you have great
flexibility in what OS you wish to boot to.
Q. How much hard drive storage do PenPoint and PenDOS require?
A. PenPoint uses approximately 11MB of "disk" space, whether installed on the
60MB hard drive or one of the PCMCIA flash memory drives. PenDOS uses about
5MB.
Q. I received a 9990305 error when I turned on my 710T, model 09Y. What does
it mean?
A. It means that the 09Y, which has no built-in hard disk drive, has no
bootable PCMCIA drive installed.
Q. I have a 710T with a built-in hard drive, and wish to use a blank TPF card
as a work drive. But when I boot the system with a TPF installed the system
tries to boot from an operating system on the TPF drive, rather than my hard
drive. How come?
A. Just like booting a PC with a diskette in the A: drive, the 710T looks for
an operating system on the removable media if inserted. To use the TPF as a
work drive, simply insert the card in PCMCIA slot 2 (like B:), or wait until
after the operating system boots up from the hard drive before inserting the
card in slot 1.
Miscellaneous
Q. What is the contrast ratio for the 710T LCD, both with backlighting on and
off?
A. With backlighting on, the ratio is 7:1; without backlighting (to conserve
battery power), it is 4.5:1.
Q. The PCMCIA modems are supported in the 710T, but what about the other IBM
PCMCIA cards (including network, 3270 emulation and 5250 emulation)?
A. These have not been tested, and therefore are not supported. This does not,
however, mean that they do not work; just that they are not guaranteed to do
so.
Q. I have heard that the PS/2 L40SX SIMMs are identical to those used in the
710T, despite different part numbers. Is this true, and why the different
P/Ns?
A. Yes, the SIMMs (80ns) are identical. The different part numbers are due to
the different installation leaflets included in the two packages, because of
the two computers involved.
Q. Can I attach an external keyboard to the 700T?
A. Yes, an IBM PS/2 keyboard, or equivalent.
Q. Are the 700T/710T waterproof?
A. Not water "proof," but water and dust "resistant." In other words, while
they can be used in the rain, and are resistant to liquid spills, they are not
designed to be immersed.
Q. What other "rugged" features do the 700T/710T tablets offer?
A. Magnesium case, built-in shock absorbers, an LCD protective cover, and a
padded carrying case.
Q. What is the "stand" option (feature code 4958)?
A. It is a way to position the 710T upright, making it easier to use as a
display with an external keyboard and/or mouse.
Q. Does this stand act as a docking station?
A. No. It adds no additional features or ports. It merely supports the 710T
in an upright position.
Q. What is the "battery carrier" option (feature code 4956) for?
A. It is a protective sheath for the standard 710T NiCAD battery, intended to
prevent accidental discharge from contact with metal objects during storage.
Q. How does one set the power-saving modes for the 710T?
A. Hold the Suspend/Resume switch and press the power switch. This will bring
up the main menu. Select the Power Save icon. The three choices are Low (shut
hard drive off after 1 minute of non-use), Medium (3 minutes), or High (do not
power off hard drive). To change the settings, just touch the pen to the
circle in front of the option you wish to select. For more information, refer
to your User's Guide.
Q. Is there an expansion unit for the 700T/710T models as there is for the
700/720/750 families?
A. No.
Q. Are the 700T/710T Micro Channel or AT bus (ISA)?
A. AT bus.
Choose the section to which you wish to jump, below:
Q&As
ThinkPad 300 Series Q&As ThinkPad 700/720 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 350 Series Q&As ThinkPad 700T/710T/730T Series
Q&As
ThinkPad 360 Series Q&As ThinkPad 701 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 500/510Cs Series Q&As ThinkPad 750/755 Series Q&As
ThinkPad Software Q&As ThinkPad Family Hardware Q&As
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ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.7. ThinkPad 701 Series Q&As ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The following questions relate specifically to the ThinkPad 701 series of
systems. Questions that apply to several, or all, ThinkPad models can be found
in the ThinkPad Family Software Q&As and ThinkPad Family Hardware Q&As
sections.
Audio
Q. Speaking of the DSP, does it use the same Mwave DSP as the newer 755 models?
A. No. It uses the ESS 688 Codec chip for sound. OS/2 Warp automatically
recognizes this chip and assigns the correct driver.
Q. Is it Sound Blaster compatible?
A. It is SB-compatible at the software (device driver) level, but not the
hardware. This means that OS/2 and Windows software will work fine with the
Sound Blaster drivers included with the 701 for those OSes (not the ones
supplied by Windows or OS/2), but many DOS programs (which write directly to
the hardware registers), including most games will not be able to use the DSP
for sound, even when run under OS/2 or Windows.
Q. So this is why it is called "Business" audio?
A. Exactly.
Q. I can't seem to be able to get any sounds in Windows, but sounds work fine
with DOS. What can I do?
A. Try the following. It has worked with a number of users.
1. Use the configuration utility (Fn-F1) to verify that sound is enabled and
everything appears to be set up correctly.
2. Edit the \WINDOWS\SYSTEM.INI file as follows: In the {auddrive.drv}
section set VoiceMutes=4, VolumeMaster=28270, and VolumeMasterR=32639.
Q. I plugged in a microphone, but it doesn't work. What's wrong?
A. Be sure to read the online documentation for important microphone impedance
and other guidelines.
Battery/AC Adapter
Q. What is a "Super NiCAD" battery, and why not a NiMH?
A. The Super NiCAD has a higher-capacity than a standard NiCAD of the same
size, and in fact nearly that of a NiMH, but at a lower cost. An optional
NiMH battery is also available.
Q. Does the Super NiCAD battery suffer from "battery memory" the way other
NiCAD and NiMH batteries do?
A. No. Where most battery cells are wired in parallel, the Super NiCAD
battery is wired in series, which eliminates this problem.
Q. How long does the standard battery last, and how long does it take to
recharge?
A. Depending on usage and the power-saving settings the battery should last
between 2.5 and 7 hours in the 486DX2 models; slightly liess in the DX4
models. The battery will recharge in about 1.0-1.5 hours if the system is in
suspend mode, or about 2-3 hours while the system is running.
Q. The standard two-prong AC adapter is great--nice and small and light, but
only supports 60Hz power. What about if I go overseas and need to run off
50Hz power?
A. There is an optional three-prong AC adapter that supports international
power. (You still may need one or more plug converters for the various outlet
types, depending on the country, and whether your hotel or office has standard
U.S. type outlets.)
Q. Does the 701 series support non-disruptive battery exchange?
A. Yes. If you put the system in Suspend mode first, you can exchange
batteries without having to power down the system first (the whole thing only
takes about 10 seconds). If you are connected to the AC adapter you don't
even have to Suspend the system; and in fact don't even need to have a battery
in the system at all.
Q. I have an AC adapter from a ThinkPad 500/510. Can I use it with a 701, or
vice versa?
A. No. The polarity of the two connectors is reversed. This will result in
damage to the system, the AC adapter, or both.
Q. Why does the battery gauge "time remaining" amount fluctuate up and down?
A. Just as many communications programs adjust to phone line conditions when
displaying upload/download time remaining, so does the the battery gauge
reflect current conditions. For example, while the hard drive or modem are
running they draw power that is not being used when they stop. So time
remaining may show 2 hours 30 minutes before using the hard drive, then 2
hours 5 minutes while using, then 2 hours 25 minutes after the drive stops.
(The 2 hours 5 minutes figure was calculated assuming that the hard drive
would continue to be used. Then when it stopped the new calculation reflected
continued non-use of the hard drive.)
Q. Why does the battery gauge "time remaining" amount increase when I
disconnect the AC adapter?
A. The battery time remaining number is fairly meaningless while the AC
adapter is being used, because the battery is basically not being used, just
recharged. Also, some things that might default to time out while running off
the battery are left running while on AC power. So the hard drive, modem, and
perhaps serial ports are consuming power while on AC that they wouldn't if
timed out on battery. Thus the time remaining number reflects a higher
"battery" power draw when on AC power than when switched to actual battery
power.
Communications
Q. What fax standards does the DSP support?
A. Class 1 and Group III, at rates up to 14.4Kbps, but not Class 2.
Q. I'm using the FaxWorks program that came with the OS/2 Warp BonusPak, but I
can't seem to get it to communicate faster than 9600 bps. Isn't the built-in
fax/modem rated at 14.4Kbps?
A. Yes it is; however it uses a Digital signal processor (DSP) from Crystal
Semiconductor, and the OS/2 driver for the modem aspect of the DSP currently
does not support higher than 9600bps.
Q. Is the internal DSP modem software-upgradeable to a speed faster than
14.4Kbps.
A. No. For faster speeds, an external serial or PCMCIA modem is required.
Infrared/Serial
Q. What serial port UART is used in the ThinkPad 701, a 16450 or a 16550?
A. A 16550-compatible UART that controls the infrared serial port, the 9-pin
serial port on the MultiPort II port replicator, and the internal fax/modem.
Q. What is the maximum data transfer rate of the infrared port?
A. 115Kbps (using the Hewlett-Packard infrared standard). Also supported is
the Sharp standard 9600bps mode.
Q. What software do I need to do infrared data transfer?
A. The TranXit software is provided for this purpose. It allows you to
transfer and synchronize files between notebook computers, and desktop units,
with compatible infrared ports. (There are now infrared transcievers that can
attach to any desktop PC and make it infrared-ready.)
Q. Can I use the infrared port to print to infrared-capable printers as well?
A. Yes. There are only a few infrared-ready printers so far (HP's LaserJet 5
series includes a few, for example), but there are also OEM attachments that
can make any standard printer infrared-capable, such as JetEye (Extended
Systems; 208-322-7575), or let you "talk" to a desktop unit, and use its
printer.
Q. What's the maximum transmit/receive range of the infrared port?
A. One meter. Obviously it is not designed for long-distance work, but for
"same desk" line-of-sight data transfer.
Q. I'm trying to transfer data between my 701 and an HP 100LX palmtop, but I'm
having trouble. How should I set them up?
A. When using the Redirector feature of the 100LX, the 701 must be setup as
the requestor.
Q. I can't seem to get the infrared port to work on my ThinkPad 701 with Warp.
What's wrong?
A. Early ThinkPad 701s shipped before the infrared OS/2 drivers were ready.
New 701s preloaded with Warp manufactured starting in May 1995 include the new
driver. For those with the early models that came without the driver, or for
users installing shrinkwrapped Warp on a system preloaded with DOS/Windows,
this driver can be download when available. In addition, the Windows version
of TranXit will not work under OS/2, but an update is planned to fix this.
Call the IBM HelpCenter ThinkPad team at 800-772-2227 for details.
Q. I'm having trouble getting data transferred. What's wrong?
A. There are several things to check for:
1. Make sure you are no more than one meter from the other IR port.
2. Make sure the other IR port is no more than 15 degrees away from directly
in front of yours (in other words there is only a 30 degree spread
permitted).
3. Make sure there are no obstructions between the two IR ports.
4. Set the processor speed to 50MHz (via Fn-F1) for best results.
MultiPort II/Dock II
Q. I have an IBM Dock II docking station that I would like to use, but I don't
see any way to connect it to the 701. Isn't it supported?
A. Yes. You just need Dock II Adapter Kit (P/N 04H6196), due to the smaller
size of the 701.
Q. I'm having trouble setting up an IDE drive in the Dock II unit. What do I
need to do?
A. Only the ThinkPad 755 hard drives are automatically sensed and configured
for the 701. All other IDE drives must be manually set to "slave" mode via
jumpers. Refer to the hard drive documentation for jumper settings.
Q. Can the MultiPort II be "hot-docked" (i.e., attached and detached while the
701 is running), like a PCMCIA card?
A. No, but it can be "warm-docked." This means that although the MultiPort II
must already be connected when the system is turned on. it can be disconnected
while the 701 is running, but in suspend mode.
Q. My MultiPort adapter has only one latch. It looks like the other one was
broken off. Is it defective?
A. No. The MultiPort adapter was designed to be connected with only one
latch, so the other one was removed.
Parallel Port/Cable
Q. Is the parallel port a "standard" bi-directional port, or one of the new
high-speed ones?
A. The 701 series parallel port is a high-speed Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP),
and the system ships with an EPP printer cable.
Q. I can't figure out how to connect both the external diskette drive and the
printer cable at the same time. I only see one port.
A. They cannot be connected simultaneously. They both use the same 25-pin
D-shell port.
Q. Isn't there a "Y" cable to allow me to use the parallel port for both a
printer and the floppy drive at the same time?
A. No, not from IBM. Perhaps an OEM vendor sells such a cable.
PCMCIA
Q. Which PCMCIA controller is used in the 701?
A. The 701 uses the Cirrus Logic CL6720 PCMCIA controller.
Q. Is there anywhere I can find a list of supported PCMCIA cards?
A. Yes. You can access this list from within the IBM PC Card Manager Utility
installed on every 701 system.
Q. Does the 701 support "hot-pluggable" PCMCIA cards?
A. Yes, if the cards themselves support this feature. Not all do.
Q. Can the PC Card Director software from the ThinkPad 755 be used with the
701?
A. No, due to the differing PCMCIA controller hardware. You must use the
software that comes with the 701.
Power Saving Modes
Q. I can't seem to get the battery to charge in Suspend mode. Isn't it
supposed to?
A. In Suspend mode the battery will charge if the power switch is in the "on"
position, but not if it is set to "off."
Q. When I return from "partial" Suspend mode, while attached to the Dock II
docking unit, the system is frozen and I can't get into it. What's wrong?
A. If you have a password set, the system is waiting for it, but just not
displaying a password prompt panel. This is normal. Just type the password
and press Enter.
Q. What does "safe suspend" mean?
A. That is the ability of the 701 to write the entire contents of memory to a
disk file before entering Hibernation mode. This gives you the ability to
exit Hibernation mode and return to the exact state of readiness as Suspend
mode (subject to the limitations of Suspend mode) without having to worry
about exceeding the battery time limit for Suspend mode. The limitations are
that it takes longer to return from Hibernation mode than Suspend mode (due to
disk access rates), and you need enough disk space free to write the entire
contents of memory. In other words, if you have 16MB of RAM, you will have a
16MB hibernation file.
Q. Does Hibernation mode require a special disk partition?
A. No, it is only a disk file in your "regular" partition.
Q. In various places the documentation refers to Manual and Auto methods of
entering suspend modes. What's the difference?
A. The Manual method is to close the lid, or press Fn-F4. The Automatic
method is simply to let the system timeout.
Preloaded Software
Q. The 486DX4 models come with OS/2 Warp preloaded. Which version of Warp is
it: Warp with Win-OS/2 (full-pack), or Warp (for Windows)?
A. It is Warp (for windows), installed over IBM PC-DOS 6.3 and MS Windows
3.11.
Q. If I don't want OS/2 on my 486DX4 model, is there any way to delete it
without hurting anything else that was preloaded?
A. Yes. Just follow the instructions that come with the system.
Q. My 486DX2 model came with DOS/Windows preloaded. What version(s) of OS/2
can I install?
A. If you don't want to delete DOS/and Windows, you can install OS/2 2.1 for
Windows (and the ServicePak), or OS/2 Warp 3.0 (for Windows), or later. If
you plan to remove Windows from the system, you can install OS/2 2.11 or OS/2
Warp 3.0 with Win-OS/2 ("full-pack"). It is strongly recommended that you
upgrade your memory to at least 8MB before installing OS/2, for best
performance.
Q. I just installed OS/2 2.1 for Windows over the Windows 3.11 preloaded on my
701. Now I'm having problems with Windows sessions. What's wrong?
A. Changes in the 3.11 Windows code prevent OS/2 2.1 for Windows from running
correctly "as is." For a fix, download a patch called WIN311.ZIP from
CompuServe (OS/2 Support forum, Library 23), the OS/2 BBS/TalkLink, the
Internet anonymous ftp sites at ftp.pcco.ibm.com and software.watson.ibm.com,
and other sources. For more details about this fix, refer to the "OS/2
2.x-Specific Installation and Compatibility Q&As" section in the IBM OS
Assistant.
TrackPoint III/Keyboard
Q. I'm using the IBM Enhanced Mouse (P/N 92G7457), and I'm having problems
with it. What's the matter?
A. This particular mouse can't be used while the TrackPoint III is active.
You must first go into the setup program and disable the TrackPoint III.
Q. I'm using an IBM 8516 touch screen monitor, and I'm having problems with
it. What's the matter?
A. See preceding question.
Q. I'm using the IBM SpaceSaver Keyboard, and I'm having problems with it.
What's the matter?
A. See preceding question.
Video
Q. What video chipset is used, and what video resolution/color combinations
are supported?
A. The 701 uses the Chips and Technologies CT-65545 chipset, with 1MB of video
memory. It is capable of 640x480 (256 colors from a palette of 1.7M colors)
on the built-in 701C active-matrix color LCD, or 640x480 (256 colors from a
palette of 226K colors) on the 701Cs passive-matrix color LCD, and up to
640x480 (16.7M colors) or 1024x768 (256 colors) on an external monitor. (The
models preloaded with OS/2 Warp 3.0 do not yet include a 16.7M color driver.
This driver will be made available at a later time via the IBM PC Company BBS,
and other electronic sources.)
Q. I can't seem to get more than 16 colors on my ThinkPad 701 screen with
Warp. What's wrong?
A. Early ThinkPad 701s shipped before the 256 color OS/2 drivers were ready
for the C&T 65545 chipset (as were the shrinkwrapped copies of Warp and Warp
with Win-OS/2). New 701s preloaded with Warp manufactured starting in May
1995 include the new driver. For those with the early models that came
without the driver, or for users installing shrinkwrapped Warp on a system
preloaded with DOS/Windows, this driver can be downloaded from various
electronic sources, as BFVIDOS2.ZIP. This driver also supports up to 16.7
million colors on an external monitor. (Users also needing the DOS/Windows
drivers can download BFVIDWIN.ZIP.)
Note: Do not use these drivers on other systems containing the same video
chipset. They have been customized specifically for the 701, and will not
work correctly on other systems.
Q. How does the video panning feature work?
A. Although the LCD screen is only capable of displaying 640x486 resolution,
you can set up the 701 for a virtual desktop in Windows or OS/2 of 800x600 or
1024x768 resolution. Then you can "slide" this 640x480 "window" around over
your desktop, enabling you to use your system as if it had a 1024x768 screen.
This also solves the annoying problem of going back and forth between the LCD
and a hi-res external monitor and constantly having to adjust the screen
resolution in Windows or OS/2. Now when you shift from an external monitor at
the same resolution as your virtual desktop, you don't have to change anything
to continue working.
Q. I can't seem to get the panning feature working. What's wrong?
A. You must do two things to make it work: 1) Set the resolution for the LCD
to something larger than 640x680; and 2) Set the display device to either
"LCD" or LCD & CRT." If it is set to "CRT" only, you will get the full
screen, not the panning window.
Q. When I turned on my 701Cs the brightness/contrast was set correctly. After
a period of time I had to adjust it. Why?
A. Brightness and contrast can vary with temperature. If you operate the unit
in hotter or colder temperatures than usual manual adjustment may be
necessary.
Q. Why don't the brightness and contrast controls work on my 701C?
A. These controls only apply to the 701Cs (STN passive matrix). The
brightness and contrast of the active matrix (TFT) LCD on the 701C is
controlled by the system.
Miscellaneous
Q. Is the DX2 or DX4 processor used in the 701 upgradeable to a Pentium? The
announcement letter was confusing.
A. No such upgrade has been announced for the ThinkPad 701 series. The
announcement wasn't very clear about specifying that the Pentium upgrade is
for the ThinkPad 755CD/CE/CSE models only.
Q. Are there any larger hard drives available for my system?
A. Not from IBM, but there are OEM companies that offer 2.5" drives for many
different laptop/notebook PCs. One such company is Laptop Solutions at
800-683-6839. Contact them for details and pricing. Other such vendors exist
as well. Look at the ads near the back of most PC magazines, and especially
Computer Shopper.
Q. Can other ThinkPad model hard drives be interchanged with the 701?
A. No. Unfortunately they will not fit.
Q. I have several 701 systems, and some have one kind of diskette drive, and
some have a different one. What's the difference?
A. The first 9,000 701 systems came with the external diskette drive that
shipped with the discontinued 510Cs subnotebook. When they ran out a
different drive was used. The original drive had the eject button at the
side. The newer ones are a bit smaller and have the button at the top. They
are functionally identical.
Q. I have tried to change my port settings, but the changes don't seem to
take. What's wrong?
A. Make sure you do the following:
1. Use Fn-F1 to get to the port settings.
2. Cursor down to the User Port Settings section, below the Active Port
Settings, on page 3 of 4.
3. Press Enter to get to the I/O Management screen.
4. Make your changes and press Enter to return to the Comfiguration Utility
screen.
5. press ESC and save the settings, then reboot the system.
Your changes should be in effect after rebooting.
Q. I'm concerned about security. Is there any way to secure the PCMCIA cards
and removable hard drive so they can't be removed?
A. Yes. There is a Kensington lock included with the 701 series that will
secure both bays, as well as the MultiPort II port replicator.
Q. Are there any padded carrying cases available for the 701?
A. Yes. Port, Inc. makes two cases specifically for the 701 series: 1) A
leather carrying case (P/N TP70100) that doubles as a briefcase (16" x 13" x
6"; 4.5 lbs) with integrated wrist rest, and has special compartments for the
port replicator, diskette drive, AC adapter, spare batteries, and cables; and
2) A simple leather portfolio (TP70200) that has no pockets, but doubles as a
combination typing base (to angle the keyboard and wrist rest (8.5" x 10" x
2.25; 1 lb). Both are designed to allow use of the 701 without having to
remove it from the case. For more information, or to order, call either IBM
PC Direct (800-IBM-2YOU), or the vendor (800-350-PORT).
Q. My 701 is havine weird problems (won't hibernate, no memory count on
bootup, or other symptoms), but I can't find anything wrong? What can I do?
A. Sometimes this can be the result of corrupted CMOS settings. Try
pressing/holding both mouse buttons during a cold boot (power off) until the
POST beep. This will reset all CMOS settings to the factory defaults. This
has been know to correct the above problems. If not, call technical support
for assistance.
Q. When I touch the left/bottom part of the keyboard my cursor jitters.
What's going on?
A. This only occurs when running on AC power, and is not consiered a problem
that requires fixing.
Q. Do I have to go through EasyServ for service, or can I have my local dealer
take care of it?
A. Dealers are not authorized to service ThinkPads, and can only send them to
EasyServ, so you might as well save the time an effort of dealing with a
middle man and go straight to EasyServ yourself.
Choose the section to which you wish to jump, below:
Q&As
ThinkPad 300 Series Q&As ThinkPad 700/720 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 350 Series Q&As ThinkPad 700T/710T/730T Series
Q&As
ThinkPad 360 Series Q&As ThinkPad 701 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 500/510Cs Series Q&As ThinkPad 750/755 Series Q&As
ThinkPad Software Q&As ThinkPad Family Hardware Q&As
To return to the ThinkPad Q&As header, double-click here.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.8. ThinkPad 750/755 Series Q&As ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The following questions relate specifically to the ThinkPad 750 and 755 series
of systems. Questions that apply to several, or all, ThinkPad models can be
found in the ThinkPad Family Software Q&As and ThinkPad Family Hardware Q&As
sections.
Q. What's the difference between the 750/750C/750Cs/750P models?
A. The 750 uses a monochrome LCD, the 750C has an active-matrix color LCD, and
the 750Cs has a dual-scan STN passive-matrix color LCD. The 750P uses a
pen-enabled version of the mono LCD used on the 750. The pen display can pivot
down over the keyboard for use like a pen tablet. The only other difference is
that only the 750C supports the two video options that display TV and
full-motion video on the internal color LCD. Passive matrix color screen
technology is not fast enough to keep up with full-motion video without
excessive "ghosting."
Q. What is a ThinkPad 750Ce? I have seen it referenced in several publications
(including the ThinkPad 755 announcement).
A. The 750Ce is an enhanced version of the standard 750C. It is only available
through a Special Bid process; not by normal remarketer or IBM PC Direct
channels.
Q. How do the 750 models differ from the 720 family?
A. Besides the pen and passive-matrix color screens, the major enhancements in
the 750 include: 1) A 486SL-33 processor, which provides slightly better
performance than the 25/50MHz 486SLC2 used in the 720's. 2) More RAM: Up to
20MB of RAM, versus 16MB in the 720, also due to the difference in processor.
3) Larger, faster hard drives: 170MB and 340MB removable disk drives, versus
80MB or 160MB removable and upgradeable to 240MB non-removable. 4) Lighter
weight: 5.5 lbs (750) and 6.4 lbs (750C) vs. 6.5 lbs (720) and 7.6 lbs (720C).
5) Longer battery capacity: 5.3-12.0 hrs (750) and 3.4-8.0 (750C) compared to
4.0-8.0 (720) and 2.4-4.8 (720C). 6) High-capacity diskette drive: 2.88MB
instead of 1.44MB. 7) The 750's add a SoundBlaster-compatible audio chipset
and audio in/out jacks. 8) The 750's allow you to remove the diskette drive to
save weight, or to attach it externally to allow the insertion of an option
into the diskette drive bay (such as the TV Tuner).
Q. What's the difference between the 755C/755Cs models?
A. The 755C has an active-matrix color LCD, and the 750Cs has a dual-scan STN
passive-matrix color LCD. The only other difference is that only the 750C
supports the two video options that display TV and full-motion video on the
internal color LCD. Passive matrix color screen technology is not fast enough
to keep up with full-motion video without excessive "ghosting."
Q. How do the 755 models differ from the 750 family?
A. Well, first of all the 750 family includes pen and monochrome LCD models.
But aside from that (just comparing the color models), the 755 models offer
faster processors (75MHz 486DX4 and 50MHz 486DX2, versus 33MHz 486SL), greater
memory expansion (up to 36MB, compared to 20MB for the 750 family),
higher-capacity hard drives standard, more preloaded software, and a built-in
microphone. Aside from these advantages, all the other great features of the
750 series are kept, including compatibility with all of the optional
components offered for the 750 models. Plus, new options, such as the 540MB
and 810MB removable hard disk drives are equally compatible with the 750
family.
Compatibility/Installation/Upgradeability
Q. What is the "CDPD" module that is now available for the 75x product line?
A. The Cellular Digital Packet Data module (P/N 71G2560) slips into the
removable diskette drive bay. It provides a high-speed (14.4Kbps) data/fax
modem and CDPD transceiver combined. It supports Circuit Switch data/fax over
AMPC or PSTN, AMPS or PSTN voice, and CDPD communications. It includes BitFax,
BitCom, and BitPhone software. The CDPD module is compatible with all 750
models, except the pen-based 750P. There is an optional handset (P/N 92F1082)
available to allow use of the CDPD as a standard cellular phone. For ultimate
flexibility, there is an optional kit that allows the diskette drive to be
connected externally at the same time the CDPD module is installed. The CDPD
module may also be interchanged with the TV Tuner module.
Q. What is the "TV Tuner" module that is now available for the 75x product
line?
A. The TV Tuner module (P/N 66G3689) slips into the removable diskette drive
bay. It allows the user to hook up and external video source, such as TV
cable, VCR, Laserdisc, etc., and view it on the active matrix color LCD of the
TP 750C/755C, as if on a TV screen. The TV Tuner is only available for the
750C/755C models because the active matrix screen is the only LCD technology
fast enough to keep up with full-motion video. The monochrome and passive
matrix screens would have unacceptable image quality, due to excessive
"ghosting" of images. This module, coupled with the built-in speaker and audio
chip (and the optional docking unit for CD-ROM and/or full-motion-video
adapter), and large removable hard disk drives, makes the 750C the ideal
traveling multimedia presentation system. For ultimate flexibility, there is
an optional kit that allows the diskette drive to be connected externally at
the same time the TV Tuner module is installed. The TV Tuner module may also
be interchanged with the CDPD module.
Q. How do I connect an external keyboard? I can't seem to find the right jack.
A. You will need the optional PS/2 Keyboard/Mouse Connector cable (P/N 06G8619,
F/C 1797), which allows you to connect an external keyboard or mouse.
Processor
Q. What's the difference between the 486SL processor used in the 750 series and
the 486SLC2 used in the 720's?
A. 1) Where the 486SL-33 has both an internal and external speed of 33MHz, the
clock-doubling 486SLC2 runs at 50MHz internally, and 25MHz externally; so
performance may be better for one processor with one set of applications, and
better for the other with different applications. 2) The 486SL has a 32-bit
external bus, allowing more than 16MB to be installed in a system, while the
486SLC2's 16-bit external bus limits RAM to 16MB; both processors operate
internally at 32-bits. 3) The 486SLC2 has a 16K internal cache, to only 8K for
the 486SL, which negates most of the advantage of the 486SL's 32-bit external
bus performance-wise. Overall, performance for the two should be fairly
similar; the main difference is the higher memory capacity allowed by the
486SL.
Q. Are the systems upgradeable to faster processors?
A. The 50MHz 486DX2-based ThinkPad 755 models are upgradeable to 75MHz 486DX4s.
Video
Q. Does the 750/755 family support an external monitor concurrently with the
LCD?
A. Yes. An external VGA or SVGA monitor can be used (up to 1024x768), and both
the LCD and the monitor will be active.
Q. Why are the video options (TV Tuner, Analog-to-Digital Converter) only
supported on the 750C/755C models?
A. The active-matrix (TFT) LCD is the only one with a refresh rate fast enough
for full-motion video.
Q. Why would I want to spend the extra money for the active-matrix LCD versus
the STN color LCD, if I don't care about the video options?
A. In addition, the TFT display has a 100:1 contrast ratio, versus 20:1 for the
color STN LCD. This means a much sharper and brighter image, with a wider
range of viewable angles. Also, the TFT LCD can display 256 colors out of a
palette of 262,144 colors; the STN LCD displays 256 out of 4,096 colors. Thus
the active-matrix LCD is capable of photorealistic imaging. Finally, the TFT
screen is 10.4" (diagonal), to 9.5" for the STN LCD (about 20% more total
area). This translates into larger text, larger graphics and icons, etc. All
in all, better readability of the screen, and less eye-strain.
Q. I am having video problems installing OS/2 2.11 (or the 2.1 ServicePak) on a
ThinkPad 750. What can I do?
A. Download a file called 211DDU1A.EXE from the IBM PC Company BBS. This is a
video recovery disk for resetting OS/2 video drivers to VGA. It addresses
installation and post-installation problems with video on the ThinkPad 750.
(Or download 211DDU1B.EXE, which contains this fix, plus the following one, in
one file.)
Q. My color LCD seems to have a few discolored or burnt-out pixels. Should I
replace the display and is this covered under warranty?
A. The ThinkPad 750C/755C LCD contains more than 921,000 thin film transistors
(TFTs). Even using the current state-of-the-art TFT LCD technology, a small
number of missing or discolored dots is to be expected, and not considered a
defect. The LCD should only be replace if the number of missing or miscolored
dots causes viewing problems.
Q. What is the maximum monitor weight supported by the ThinkPad Display Stand?
A. 48.6 lbs (22 kg).
Q. I'm trying to use the ThinkPad TV Tuner option with the ActionMedia II
adapter (installed in the Dock I docking station), but I can't seem to get it
to work. What's wrong?
A. The ActionMedia II adapter uses an interrupt that the TP 750/755 audio chip
uses, and another interrupt that the Dock I uses. So you need to change the
audio chip IRQ setting from IRQ10 to IRQ5, and likewise, the DOCK I interrupt
from IRQ11 to IRQ15. The audio chip setting can be changed using the PS2.EXE
command and entering the System Information area, while a jumper mush be
changed in the docking station to alter the IRQ. The Dock I manual explains
how to change the jumper. Unlike Micro Channel systems, AT Bus PCs cannot
share interrupts.
Q. How do install both the ActionMedia II adapter and the Analog-to-Digital
Video Adapter (which allows the AM II card to display full-motion video on the
LCD screen of the 750C/755C) in the docking station if there is only one ISA
slot?
A. The ADV adapter does not use an adapter slot. It attaches directly to the
circuit board inside the Dock I (or Dock II) unit, leaving the adapter slot
available for the AM II card.
Q. I can't seem to figure out how to enable Picture-In-Picture (PIP) with the
TV Tuner option so that I can watch video in a window on my LCD.
A. The TV Tuner, unlike the PS/2 TV product, does not support PIP video, only
full-screen.
Q. What's the difference between using the TV Tuner versus the PS/2 TV?
A. There are several pros and cons for each product: The TV tuner fits inside
the diskette bay (but the drive can be attached externally if needed), and so
is portable; on the other hand, it does not support PIP, and does not offer a
video out port for an external monitor. By comparison, the PS/2 TV option is
an external box, about the same size as the 750, and so is much less portable,
and it doesn't support video to the LCD, only an external monitor; but it does
offer PIP on the monitor. So someone needing "video to go" would probably
prefer the TV Tuner, while someone operating in the office, who wants to
display the video on a large monitor, full-screen or PIP, might prefer the PS/2
TV. Both accept input from antenna or cable.
Q. Can I use the "180-degree rotation" driver on any laptop, IBM or otherwise?
A. No. The 180-degree rotation driver was designed to be used with the IBM
ThinkPad 755CV/CDV only. Furthermore, they are only compatible with the
Western Digital C24 display drivers.
Q. I received an error message when I tried to install PCMCIA Token-ring. It
said the video driver wasn't supported. Why not?
A. The PCMCIA Token-ring installation program is not aware of the 180-degree
rotation driver.
Q. When I install the 180-degree rotation driver, will my display automatically
come up upside-down?
A. No. You must manually rotate the display after the installation is
complete.
Q. How do I rotate the image on my display?
A. Here are the steps:
1. Open the System Setup folder, either from the OS/2 System folder or by
clicking on the Desktop with the right mouse button and then selecting it
from the menu.
2. Open the System object. The System Settings folder will open.
3. Click on the Capabilities button. The Driver Capabilities notebook will
open.
4. Select one of the following from the Desktop Orientation list:
0 for right-side up
180 for upside-down
5. Close the Driver Capabilities notebook.
6. Close the System Settings notebook.
7. Shut down and then restart the computer.
Q. My ThinkPad 755CV/CDV supports 65,535 colors. Will it still support them
after I install this driver?
A. Yes. The 180-degree rotation driver can support up to 65,535 colors.
However, the driver will not support resolutions higher than 640 x 480.
Q. Are there any restrictions on using the 180-degree rotation drivers for
OS/2?
A. Yes. Besides the limitation of no higher than 640x480 resolution, OS/2
Full-Screen sessions, DOS Full Screen sessions, OS/2 System Error dialog boxes
and OS/2 System Message dialog boxes will not be displayed as rotated.
PCMCIA
Q. How many PCMCIA "bays" or "sockets" do the 750 models contain?
A. There is one bay that can take either one Type 3 card, or two Type 1 and/or
Type 2 cards at a time.
Q. What considerations are there for using two PCMCIA cards at once?
A. There are several: 1) Two cards have the same potential address and I/O
conflict problems that two adapters would. 2) Two communications cards may
have physical conflicts between the cables coming out the back of the cards.
3) When the ejection button is pressed, both cards are ejected. This might
result in a communications session being interrupted, for example.
Q. The PCMCIA diagnostics program doesn't see the PCMCIA cards installed in my
Port Replicator I. But the cards appear to be functioning. What's wrong?
A. It is merely a limitation of the diagnostics program. To test a PCMCIA
card that is installed in a slot higher than 2, move the card temporarily to
either slot 1 or 2. Then return it to its original location in slot 3 or 4
when finished testing.
Q. I have PCMCIA cards installed in my Port Replicator I. But the drivers
don't seem to be able to find them. What's wrong?
A. If the cards use "point enabler" drivers, they will not be recognized in a
slot number higher than 2. If possible, move those cards into slots 1 and 2,
and move the other cards (if they do not require point enabler drivers) into
the higher-numbered slots.
Q. Is there an OS/2 driver for the Apex PCMCIA high-speed modems??
A. Yes. Call Apex at 800-841-2739 for the driver, or download it from their
BBS at 510-803-2039. (All modems shipped sinceg November 1993 include this
driver.)
Battery and Power Management
Q. What is the battery life of the Thinkpad 750 series?
A. Using the PC Magazine benchmarks, which measure continuous usage with power
management features disabled (i.e., worst-case scenario), the monochrome
Thinkpad 750 has a battery life of 5.3 hours, the monochrome (pen) 750P lasts
for 5.1 hours, the passive matrix color 750Cs is good for 3.5 hours, and the
active matrix color 750C's battery life is 3.4 hours. According to the
Veritest benchmark, which measures battery life in a "typical workday
environment," with power management features enabled (a more realistic test),
the battery in the 750 and 750P last for 12 hours, and the 750C and 750Cs for
8 hours. A big improvement over the earlier 7xx models. Depending on the
hardware configuration, and the power management settings used, "real life"
numbers will probably be somewhere in between.
Q. What is the battery life of the Thinkpad 755 series?
A. Using the PC Magazine benchmarks, which measure continuous usage with power
management features disabled (i.e., worst-case scenario), the passive matrix
color Thinkpad 755Cs has a battery life of 4.0 hours, and the active matrix
color 750C's battery life is 3.1 hours. According to the Veritest benchmark,
which measures battery life in a "typical workday environment," with power
management features enabled (a more realistic test), the battery in the 755Cs
and 755C systems lasts for up to 8 hours. Depending on the hardware
configuration, and the power management settings used, "real life" numbers
will probably be somewhere in between.
Q. What does "non-disruptive battery exchange" mean?
A. It means that you don't have to shut down the 750/755 to exchange batteries
or risk losing whatever was running in memory. The 750/755 series allow the
user to put the system in suspend mode and exchange battery packs without any
loss of data or function.
Q. I am having mouse problems with hibernation mode since installing OS/2 2.11
(or the 2.1 ServicePak) on a ThinkPad 750. What can I do?
A. Download a file called HIBERFIX.EXE from the IBM PC Company BBS. This fix
replaces the APM.SYS and MOUSE.SYS drivers. (Or download 211DDU1B.EXE, which
contains this fix, plus the previous one, in one file.)
Expansion Unit and Port Replicator
Q. Is there a docking station available for the ThinkPad 750/755/760 series
systems?
A. Yes; two in fact. The IBM Dock I includes one 3.5"/5.25" drive bat, one
full-length 16" ISA adapter slot, two stereo speakers, universal power supply,
serial, parallel, keyboard, pointing device, SVGA, and SCSI ports, as well as
audio-in/out, video-in, and speaker jacks, and an integrated handle, allowing
the user to carry it with the system connected. Dock II includes all of the
above, and adds a second drive bay, a second full-length 16-bit ISA slot, and
two PCMCIA sockets.
Q. What is the Analog-to-Digital video converter option for the Dock I and II?
A. The Analog-to-Digital video converter option, when used in conjunction with
an IBM ActionMedia II Display adapter in the docking unit, provides
full-motion color video on the 750C TFT LCD.
Q. I'm confused about the "port replicators." What are they?
A. One of the more annoying aspects of mobile computers is the necessity to
disconnect all external cables before leaving, and then reconnecting them upon
return. The optional ThinkPad Port Replicators eliminate this problem. The
Port Replicator II is a removable module that connects to all the ports on the
back of the ThinkPad, providing pass-through to matching ports on the
replicator. Cables are attached to the replicator. Then when the ThinkPad
has to be moved, the replicator is disconnected from the ThinkPad with all
cables still attached. When the ThinkPad returns, the replicator is snapped
back onto the unit. At no time are the cables removed from the replicator,
saving the user much time and inconvenience. The Port Replicator I is the
same, but adds two PCMCIA Type II slots.
Q. The performance of the CD-ROM kit for the Dock I seems slow for a
dual-speed drive. Why?
A. Two reasons: 1) The maximum data transfer rate of the Internal CD-ROM
Installation Kit drive is 200KB/second. If higher performance is required,
use an externally-attached drive connected to the SCSI port of the DOCK I. 2)
Even with the existing drive, there is a faster driver provided than the
default driver (IBMCDROM.SYS) automatically installed. On the same Option
diskette provided with the Dock I unit, there is a driver called FDCD.SYS.
Follow the installation instructions provided in the readme file. This driver
will greatly improve performance for applications like video playback.
Q. Do I need the CD-ROM kit for an internal drive, or can I just use any
CD-ROM drive?
A. You can use any SCSI CD-ROM drive (or other device) that will fit in a
1"-high bay. Also, you will need a black bezel (cover plate) that fits the
3445/3556 units if you are concerned about appearance.
Multimedia
Q. I am using OS/2 2.1 with MMPM/2 but I can't seem to get the audio support
to work with the built-in sound chip and speakers on my 750. What's wrong?
A. The OS/2 audio drivers were not ready at the time the 750 series shipped.
The driver is available by calling 800-845-4263 (U.S.) or 800-565-3344
(Canada). Newly manufactured 750's and 755's now include the driver.
Q. I have the ThinkPad 750/755 sound drivers for OS/2 2.1. How do I install
them?
A. When installing MMPM/2 on your ThinkPad 750, install the Motion Video
support, but do not install any of the audio drivers shown. Next, reboot the
ThinkPad. After bootup, insert the ThinkPad Audio Features diskette into the
diskette drive and type: MINSTALL. When the installation panel appears,
select drive A: as the source drive. An icon for the Audio Features will
appear; select this icon and press the Install button. The installation
program will do the rest.
Q. Are there any newer ThinkPad 75x audio drivers for Warp than those shipped
with the systems or included with Warp?
A. Perhaps, depending on when you bought your system. The latest drivers can
be downloaded from various electronic sources. Look for a file called
THKPDWPx.EXE (where x represents a version number); it is self-extracting.
Q. How about newer ThinkPad 75x audio drivers for DOS and Windows than those
shipped with the systems?
A. Yes. The latest drivers can be downloaded from various electronic sources.
Look for files called TPDxxx_1.EXE and TPDxxx_2.EXE (where xxx represents a
version number, such as 102) for DOS; and TPWxxx_1.EXE and TPWxxx_2.EXE for
Windows 3.1x or Windows for Workgroups. The files are self-extracting.
Q. I have a ThinkPad 755CD or 755CE with DOS/Windows, and Warp installed. Is
there any way for me to use the Mwave sound drivers for OS/2 2.11 with Warp?
A. Yes. Download THKPDWP1.EXE from the IBM PC Company BBS (919-517-0001), or
other electronic sources. It is a patch for Warp to allow the OS/2 2.11 Mwave
drivers to be installed and used.
Q. I have a ThinkPad 755CD or 755CE with DOS/Windows, and Warp installed. But
I can't get FaxWorks (part of the Warp BonusPak) to work. What's wrong?
A. You need the same patch as above, which enables the Mwave chip under Warp
for both sound and fax capabilities.
Q. I have installed the ThinkPad 750/755 sound drivers for OS/2 2.1. When the
system boots up it plays a brief tune. Is there any way to disable this, or
reduce the volume?
A. Yes. This is part of the bootup diagnostics run by the sound drivers. To
disable diagnostics entirely, edit CONFIG.SYS to delete or "REM out" the
DEVICE=d:\MMPM2\IBMAUDIO\AUDTEST2.SYS statement (where d: is the drive letter
containing the MMPM2 directory). To reduce or increase the volume, change the
/V= parameter to anything from 0 to 100. This indicates the percentage of
full volume you wish. Or, use the /Q parameter (Quiet) to suppress the tune.
Q. The ThinkPad 750/755 sound drivers include both DOS and OS/2 device
drivers. If I'm using OS/2, do I need to load the DOS drivers for DOS
applications?
A. No. The OS/2 drivers include a "virtual" driver for DOS applications. The
driver intended for DOS systems is not needed.
Q. The ThinkPad 750 sound drivers work under real DOS/Windows, and with OS/2
apps, but I can't seen to get them to work for Windows apps running in a
Win-OS/2 session. What's wrong?
A. This is a known problem, for which there is no fix at this time.
Q. My 750/755 won't shut down when I have the MIDI player and/or Digital Audio
Player running with the OS/2 sound drivers. What's wrong?
A. This is a known problem with the OS/2 Shutdown program. Until a fix is
available, manually close these programs before beginning the Shutdown
procedure.
Q. Using the ThinkPad 750/755 sound drivers for OS/2, is there any way to play
PCM and MIDI files concurrently?
A. Yes, but you must edit the MMPM2.INI file in the \MMOS2 directory. Using a
text editor, add the following line to the [ibmampmixtp01] section:
VALIDCOMBINATIONS=1,2,2,1.
Then save the file. This will enable concurrent play of both file types.
Q. I have the ThinkPad 750 sound drivers for OS/2 2.1 installed. When I use
the setup program to change the CPU speed to something less than High
sometimes my audio applications fail. What's wrong?
A. This is normal and unavoidable. For audio applications to work correctly,
be sure the CPU speed setting is set to High.
Q. I'm using the ThinkPad 750/755 sound drivers for OS/2 2.1. When I reopen
the cover (or RESUME) after suspending the system while recording or playing
back audio the system sometimes hangs or has other difficulties with the
audio. Is there a fix for this?
A. Yes. The Audio Options diskette containing the sound drivers also contains
a replacement MOUSE.SYS file for OS/2. Just copy this file to the \OS2
directory on your hard disk drive and reboot the ThinkPad. This should
correct the problem. If your 750 did not come with this diskette (early
models were shipped before these drivers were available), call 800-845-4263
(U.S.) or 800-565-3344 (Canada) to order.
Q. I'm using the ThinkPad 750/755 sound drivers for OS/2 2.1. When I reopen
the cover (or RESUME) after suspending the system while playing back video the
system loses audio/video synchronization. Is there a fix for this?
A. Not at this time. The workaround is to avoid closing the cover during
video playback.
Miscellaneous
Q. What is the maximum operating altitude for the ThinkPad 750/755 models?
A. 10,000 feet, or equivalent air pressure (such as in a pressurized airplane
cabin).
Q. What is the security base (P/N 66G3684)?
A. It is a cradle for the system that serves as a physical security option.
It allows the user to bolt the system to the desk. It locks the system to the
cradle using the hard disk drive locking mechanism. A padlock can be added by
the user. The Security Base protects against removal of the hard disk drive,
IC DRAM cards, and the math coprocessor. It also prevents access to the
system's screw holes, system expansion port, and I/O connectors. Note: This
option is not required if you have the 3545 docking station, which provides
the same protection. This option is for those who desire security but don't
have a docking station.
Q. What is the Security Utility Diskette (P/N 49G2173)?
A. This allows the user to set a Privileged Access Password (PAP) to the
system in order to limit access to the system partition. Once a password is
set it can prevent any tampering with the boot selection or I/O port usage,
even by the Reference Diskette. If you ever forget the PAP the motherboard
must be replaced because it can not be disabled.
Q. What is the KeyGuard option offered for the ThinkPad 750/755/760 family?
A. The KeyGuard is a black plastic overlay for the keyboard. It is intended
primarily as an option for users with limited use of their hands. It allows
the user to rest their hands on the keyboard without touching the keys. Users
can use a pointing stick or one finger at a time to push the keys, while being
prevented from accidentally depressing more than one key at a time.
Q. Is the 750/755 family Micro Channel or AT bus?
A. AT bus (ISA).
Choose the section to which you wish to jump, below:
Q&As
ThinkPad 300 Series Q&As ThinkPad 700/720 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 350 Series Q&As ThinkPad 700T/710T/730T Series
Q&As
ThinkPad 360 Series Q&As ThinkPad 701 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 500/510Cs Series Q&As ThinkPad 750/755 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 760 Series Q&As
ThinkPad Software Q&As ThinkPad Family Hardware Q&As
To return to the ThinkPad Q&As header, double-click here.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.9. ThinkPad 760 Series Q&As ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
The following questions relate specifically to the ThinkPad 760 series of
systems. Questions that apply to several, or all, ThinkPad series can be found
in the ThinkPad Family Software Q&As and ThinkPad Family Hardware Q&As
sections.
Overview
Q. What is so great about the ThinkPad 760C/CD series?
A. In addition to all of the advanced features in the 755 series (10.4" TFT LCD
with up to 64K color support, TrackPoint III, Mwave DSP audio/fax/modem, up to
40MB RAM, up to 1.2GB hard drive, twin infrared ports, PCMCIA ports, built-in
microphone and mono speaker, DX4 or P-75 processor, optional port replicators
and docking units, optional Li-Ion battery, and 2X integrated CD-ROM--755CD
only) the 760 series adds the following:
Choice of P-90 or P-120 processor
L2 external cache
Choice of 12.1" or 10.4" (both up to 800x600) TFT LCD (12.1" LCD has 35%
larger viewing area than 10.4")
Keyboard that automatically tilts to 10-degree angle when cover opened
Integrated palm rest
Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery standard
720MB or 1.2GB hard drive standard
Optional second battery in UltraBay
Optional 2.88MB diskette drive in UltraBay
Optional second hard drive up to 1.2GB (using optional kit) in UltraBay
Enhanced Mwave DSP software (see below; no-cost upgrade available for
Mwave-equipped 755 series users)
MIDI/Joystick support (760CD only)
Includes Total Image Video: MPEG-1/MPEG-2 HHR support, video
acceleration/capture/scaling, video in/out (760CD only)
Stereo speakers (760CD only)
Volume control slide switch
Integrated 4X CD-ROM drive (760CD only)
Q. What are the differences between the 760C/CD and 760L/LD models?
A. The lower-cost L/LD models do not offer the 12.1" screen or P-120
processor, include an 810MB hard drive instead of the 720MB or 1.2GB drives,
substitute a sound chip for the multi-function Mwave DSP chip, and come with a
NiMH battery standard rather than Lithium Ion (optional).
| Q. What's the big deal about an inch or two (12.1" vs. 10.4", or 10.4" vs.
9.5" or 8.4") in color LCD size?
A. A fraction of an inch diagonal measure may not seem like much, but when
talking about such small screens the difference is actually quite large: A
12.1" LCD has about 35% more screen area than a 10.4" LCD; while a 10.4" LCD
is about 20% larger than a 9.5" screen, and 53% larger than an 8.4" screen!
This translates into more easily readable text, larger graphics and icons,
etc. All in all, better readability of the screen, and less eye-strain.
Q. How does the preloaded software differ between the 755 and 760 series?
A. The 755 and 760 series systems preloaded with SelectaSystem software are
the same except for some device drivers, and include IBM DOS 7.0, Windows 3.11
and OS/2 Warp 3.0, as well as a lot of application software. Some 760 models
ship with Windows 95 preloaded, along with selected applications, instead of
the SelectaSystem preload.
Q. My 760L/LD system came preloaded with OS/2 Warp SelectaSystem, and I keep
getting a "Bad or Missing TEMP.PIF" error. What's wrong?
A. Approximately 3000 ThinkPad 760L and 760LD systems accidentally shipped
without the necessary OS/2 LOADDSKF.EXE and TEMP.PIF files. To replace these
files, download the file DFTPF100.EXE from the IBM PC Company BBS, or other
electronic sources.
Mwave Q&As
Q. Why would I want the voice-over-data feature of the Mwave modem?
A. It allows you to communicate with another voice-over-data modem, while also
talking to another person on the same one phone line. One use for this is to
let IBM support check out your ThinkPad via CoSession software, while
discussing the situation with you verbally.
Q. Voice-over-data sounds like a handy feature if I have only one analog line.
Are there any limitations to this feature?
A. Yes. While VOD is enabled, the modem will only operate at speeds up to
14.4Kbps. For the full 28.8Kbps speed you will have to disable VOD. (If you
have a second analog phone line, of course, you can speak on one and use the
modem on the other at full speed.) Also, VOD will not work with an MNP or
async connection. It requires a V.42 connection (with or without V.42bis).
Finally, at present only DOS and Windows support is provided for VOD, not
native OS/2 or Win-OS/2 session support.
Q. When I boot from DOS/Windows the Mwave modem is automatically opened. But
when I boot from OS/2 Warp it isn't. What's wrong?
A. In Warp the modem isn't opened automatically. You just need to
double-click on the modem icon to get it going.
| Q. I can't seem to get the Mwave modem to connect reliably at high speeds to
other V.34 modems. Are there any patches for this?
A. Yes. Download a file called V34_178.ZIP from many electronic sources.
This is an update for the Mwave 2.0 software.
Battery and Power Management Q&As
Q. What does "non-disruptive battery exchange" mean?
A. It means that you don't have to shut down the 750/755 to exchange batteries
or risk losing whatever was running in memory. The 750/755 series allow the
user to put the system in suspend mode and exchange battery packs without any
loss of data or function.
Q. I have some ThinkPad 755 NiMH or Li-Ion batteries. Can I use them with the
760 series?
A. No. They are not compatible.
Infrared/Serial Port Q&As
Q. What other systems will the infrared ports communicate with?
A. Besides other infrared port-equipped ThinkPads and IBM PC 700 systems, they
are compatible with the Omnibook 300, HP 100LX, HP 200LX, Sharp Wizard, Sharp
Zaurus, and most other systems and devices that are compliant with the
Infrared Data Association (IrDA) data link specification V1.0.
Q. Can I use the infrared port to print to infrared-capable printers as well?
A. Yes. There are only a few infrared-ready printers so far (HP's LaserJet 5
series includes a few, for example), but there are also OEM attachments that
can make any standard printer infrared-capable, such as JetEye (Extended
Systems; 208-322-7575), or let you "talk" to a desktop unit, and use its
printer.
Q. What's the maximum transmit/receive range of the infrared port?
A. One meter. Obviously it is not designed for long-distance work, but for
"same desk" line-of-sight data transfer.
Q. What data transfer rates are supported by the infrared ports?
A. They provide 57.6 Kbps to 1.152 Mbits/second data transfer rate (in IBM
mode), or 9.6-115 Kbps (in HP SIR mode) or 9600bps (in Sharp ASK mode).
Q. What software do I need to do infrared data transfer?
A. The TranXit software is provided for this purpose. It allows you to
transfer and synchronize files between notebook computers, and desktop units,
with compatible infrared ports. (There are now infrared transcievers that can
attach to any desktop PC and make it infrared-ready.)
Q. I'm trying to transfer data between my 760 and an HP 100LX/200LX palmtop,
but I'm having trouble. How should I set them up?
A. When using the Redirector feature of the 100LX/200LX to exchange data at
115Kbps, the 760 must be set up as the requestor.
Q. I'm having trouble getting data transferred. What's wrong?
A. There are several things to check for:
1. Make sure you are no more than one meter from the other IR port.
2. Make sure the other IR port is no more than 15 degrees away from directly
in front of yours (in other words there is only a 30 degree spread
permitted).
3. Make sure there are no obstructions between the two IR ports (direct
line-of-sight only).
4. Be sure you have loaded the appropriate software on both systems.
UltraBay/Expansion Unit/Port Replicator/Port Q&As
Q. Tell me more about the UltraBay.
A. In a typical notebook computer there would be an internal hard drive bay
and a diskette drive bay. In some of the more sophisticated notebook
computers the floppy drive can be swapped for either a second battery or a
second hard drive. The IBM UltraBay allows the interchangeable use of 1) the
diskette drive, 2) a second hard drive, 3) a second Li-Ion battery, 4) IBM
PCMCIA cartridge (which allows an additional Type III PCMCIA card to be used),
and 5) in the 760CD the CD-ROM comes in the bay in place of the floppy drive
(which can be attached externally).
Q. Is there a docking station available for the ThinkPad 750/755/760 series
systems?
A. Yes; two in fact. The IBM Dock I includes one 3.5"/5.25" drive bat, one
full-length 16" ISA adapter slot, two stereo speakers, universal power supply,
serial, parallel, keyboard, pointing device, SVGA, and SCSI ports, as well as
audio-in/out, video-in, and speaker jacks, and an integrated handle, allowing
the user to carry it with the system connected. Dock II includes all of the
above, and adds a second drive bay, a second full-length 16-bit ISA slot, and
two PCMCIA sockets.
Q. I'm confused about the "port replicators." What are they?
A. One of the more annoying aspects of mobile computers is the necessity to
disconnect all external cables before leaving, and then reconnecting them upon
return. The optional ThinkPad Port Replicators eliminate this problem. The
Port Replicator II is a removable module that connects to all the ports on the
back of the ThinkPad, providing pass-through to matching ports on the
replicator. Cables are attached to the replicator. Then when the ThinkPad
has to be moved, the replicator is disconnected from the ThinkPad with all
cables still attached. When the ThinkPad returns, the replicator is snapped
back onto the unit. At no time are the cables removed from the replicator,
saving the user much time and inconvenience. The Port Replicator I is the
same, but adds two PCMCIA Type II slots.
Q. Do I need the CD-ROM kit for an internal drive, or can I just use any
CD-ROM drive?
A. You can use any SCSI CD-ROM drive (or other device) that will fit in a
1"-high bay. Also, you will need a black bezel (cover plate) that fits the
3445/3446 units if you are concerned about appearance.
Q. How do I connect the diskette drive externally on a 760CD/LD? I can't seem
to find the right jack.
A. You will need the optional Floppy Disk Drive External Attachment Kit (P/N
66G3618).
Miscellaneous Q&As
Q. I have some ThinkPad memory kits from earlier TP models. Can I use them
with the 760 series?
A. No. Earlier memory kits drew either 5V or 3.5V of power. In order to
reduce battery drain, the new 760 series requires 3.3V memory.
Q. What is the maximum power output during Suspend mode?
A. 100 milliwatts at 12V. PCMCIA cards cannot consume more than 60 milliamps
at 12V in Suspend mode.
Q. What is the maximum operating altitude for the ThinkPad 760 models?
A. 10,000 feet, or equivalent air pressure (such as in a pressurized airplane
cabin).
Q. What is the security base (P/N 66G3684)?
A. It is a cradle for the system that serves as a physical security option.
It allows the user to bolt the system to the desk. It locks the system to the
cradle using the hard disk drive locking mechanism. A padlock can be added by
the user. The Security Base protects against removal of the hard disk drive,
IC DRAM cards, and the math coprocessor. It also prevents access to the
system's screw holes, system expansion port, and I/O connectors. Note: This
option is not required if you have the 3545 docking station, which provides
the same protection. This option is for those who desire security but don't
have a docking station.
Q. What is the Security Utility Diskette (P/N 49G2173)?
A. This allows the user to set a Privileged Access Password (PAP) to the
system in order to limit access to the system partition. Once a password is
set it can prevent any tampering with the boot selection or I/O port usage,
even by the Reference Diskette. If you ever forget the PAP the motherboard
must be replaced because it can not be disabled.
Q. What is the KeyGuard option offered for the ThinkPad 750/755/760 family?
A. The KeyGuard is a black plastic overlay for the keyboard. It is intended
primarily as an option for users with limited use of their hands. It allows
the user to rest their hands on the keyboard without touching the keys. Users
can use a pointing stick or one finger at a time to push the keys, while being
prevented from accidentally depressing more than one key at a time.
Choose the section to which you wish to jump, below:
Q&As
ThinkPad 300 Series Q&As ThinkPad 700/720 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 350 Series Q&As ThinkPad 700T/710T/730T Series
Q&As
ThinkPad 360 Series Q&As ThinkPad 701 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 500/510Cs Series Q&As ThinkPad 750/755 Series Q&As
ThinkPad 760 Series Q&As
ThinkPad Software Q&As ThinkPad Family Hardware Q&As
To return to the ThinkPad Q&As header, double-click here.
ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ 5.10. ThinkPad Family Software Q&As ΓòÉΓòÉΓòÉ
Q. I have Warp installed on my IBM ThinkPad 750 notebook computer, and I'm
trying to get the IBM Dock II docking unit set up correctly for OS/2. I
followed the instructions that came with the Dock II, but built-in SCSI
controller isn't recognized by OS/2, so the drive isn't seen either. What's
wrong?
A. The documentation that ships with the Dock II is incorrect. First, it tells
you to set the Interrupt level for the built-in Adaptec 1520 SCSI controller to
IRQ 11--but it must be set to IRQ 9. (The documentation also says that the
PCMCIA Socket Services uses IRQs 9 and 15, but it really uses 11 and 15, so
there isn't a conflict with th the SCSI adapter.) Finally, it says to use the
SCSI driver AHA152X.ADD from the Dock II Option diskette, but you really should
use the one included with Warp (which is Resource Manager-enabled, unlike the
one on the Option diskette), via Selective Install. After making these
changes, reboot, and your ThinkPad should now recognize both the SCSI
controller and the hard drive.
Q. I am using OS/2 2.1 on a ThinkPad with PCMCIA support. If I don't have all
the cards physically connected that I have drivers loading (in CONFIG.SYS) for,
I get a series of error messages while OS/2 is booting saying that the hardware
wasn't found, and the driver was not loaded. I can bypass all these messages
by pressing Enter, but it is a nuisance. Is there a solution?
A. Some drivers, such as those for the IBM Fax/Modem cards will load whether or
not the hardware is present, and allow you to "hot plug" them in later with the
drivers already present. Unfortunately, many other drivers do not work this
way. Hopefully they will eventually. In the meantime, you might try the
following as a workaround: Make one or more copies of the CONFIG.SYS file,
using different names, and add or remove drivers from each one, so that you
have a different CONFIG.SYS file created for each combination of adapters that
you are likely to use in the office or on the road. Then each time you get
ready to shut down the system run a batch file that renames the current
CONFIG.SYS file to something else, and copies one of the alternate CONFIG.x
files to CONFIG.SYS (or do it manually from a command prompt). This way, you
will always have only the drivers you need for the adapters that are actually
in the system, and won't see all those error messages saying that "device x
wasn't found."
Q. Is there an OS/2 driver for the Apex PCMCIA high-speed modems??
A. Yes. Call Apex at 800-841-2739 for the driver, or download it from their
BBS at 510-803-2039. (All modems since starting November 1993 include this
driver.)
Q. I am running DOS and Windows 3.1 on my ThinkPad 750, but the power
management doesn't seem to be functioning. What can I do?
A. Unlike OS/2 2.1, which installs the Advanced Power Management (APM) support
automatically, you must install the Windows drivers yourself. Follow the
"Installing Microsoft Windows Version 3.1 or later" instructions in the 750
User's Guide for directions. Without this support, not only will power
management not work, but other problems may occur, including mouse lockup after
suspend/resume.
Q. What software are the ThinkPad 360CE/360CSE systems preloaded with?
A. The 360/360C/360Cs/360P are preloaded with IBM DOS 6.3, MS Windows 3.11,
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