Need some help with IBM Thinkpad 390e Type #2626-DOU

15 Jan 08,
I just bought an IBM Thinkpad 390e for a super price. I want to use it only as a GPS in my truck. I have no plans to use it for anything else.

I want to install MS-Streets and Trips 2008 into it, but that software is on a DVD and the Thinkpad only has a CD/ROM drive and it can't read the DVD.

Can I use an external DVD drive to read the software and download it to the HD? I installed a copy of XP w/service pack 2 and I plan to double the memory to 256 MB.

Also, I've looked everywhere for specs for the USB port on this laptop including the Lenovo /IBM website but all they say is USB, without any version listed. I assume that it's probably a version 1.0 or maybe 1.1. Does anyone know which version came with this computer?

All of the available external DVD drives shown on line indicate that they work with a 2.0 USB. Will they work with an older version but perhaps just be slower? I'd hate to buy one and find out that it still won't work.

I know that a newer laptop with a built in DVD would probably make more sense and that's my last resort if I can't get the Thinkpad 390e to do what I want. I just hate to give up the IBM cause it was so inexpensive and solid.

Any tips or clues you could give me would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Keats1

 

Hi Keats1

I don't have any personal experience with thinkpads, but I do know it is possible to use an external drive to download software to a HHD as long as the HHD has enough free space

I was also unable to find out what type of USB prots the 390e has, but I do know that USB 2.0 came out in April 2000 so if the 390e came out before that it is a sure thing that it doesn't have USB 2.0

hope this helps

 

First of all, congrats and welcome to the thinkpad family. The external dvd drive will work with the older USB standard but it will be slower. You will in fact get a pop up message in the taskbar that says that you have a high speed USB device that is connected to a slower hub or something of the sort. But it will work. You can/should post in the lenovo/thinkpad section of these forums:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/forumdisplay.php?f=2
and another really good resource that i typically consult and that is very good for older thinkpads is:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/
good luck.

 

It has USB 1.1 but you can still use the external dvd drive to install your gps software but a bet slow. If your DVD external drive has also a provision for external power it will boost the speed a bet too.


You can also swap a dvd drive ( slim drive for laptop not for desktop) if have an spare to the existing cd rom drive just replace the cd rom on the caddy and place the dvd drive.

 

Thank you all very much.
I like the Thinkpad cause it's beefy and should work well in the truck. I didn't know that I could swap out the CD/Rom for a DVD. Something to think about.
Just an FYI. I picked this up for $80.00. Too good to bass by. So now I'm sure it's worth investing a few more bucks for a DVD drive and a memory upgrade.
Thanks again
Keats1

 

If that is for your truck, why don't you used the toughbook its cheap now.