Second-hand thinkpad x301 owner's thread.

If anyone is interested, I've just installed Windows 10 Preview on my X301 and it is running fine. Everything from Windows 8 moved over (drivers, etc) Start menu works great. The whole system seems happy. I'll keep testing.

 

About the SSD. I am running Crucial M500 msata with adapter. Works allmost perfectly. Only thing that isn't working is the ata password.

 

Hi, do you have graphic/display drivers for windows 8/8.1/10 that don`t produce so bright screen on lowest level?

 

I'm running the basic Lenovo drivers and everything seems to work fine.

 

Fixed.
This helped.
Old drivers for win vista 64bit

http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc/pccbbs/mobiles/7xd649ww.exe

and for 32-bit

http://download.lenovo.com/ibmdl/pub/pc/pccbbs/mobiles/7xd549ww.exe

 

Hi,

is anyone willing to share any version of dual IDA BIOS?


thank you

 

I also need the ICC file. Can anybody send me a link for downloading?

 

Hi,

I've just bought a x301 from ebay and must say i'm very happy with my purchase.

The fact is, the colours seem a little bit washed out so i would like to request the colour profile that you are recommending.

I'm aware i must have 5 posts to be able to receive a PM so i'll keep posting in this forum.

Thanks in advance, nice thread btw.

 

color profile : https://www.dropbox.com/s/msonl8n6cldnzwq/X300%20TN.icc?dl=0

Moded IDA BIOS : https://www.dropbox.com/s/9864kgiuax8a7gm/X301%20Dual-IDA.7z?dl=0

WhiteList Bios : https://www.dropbox.com/s/u2syc0klxbnaxz9/ThinkPad_X301_3.16_6euj42us_NWL.rar?dl=0

Wallpaper i use : https://www.dropbox.com/sh/v88cpx860teyfha/AACOECxQF_7xj1-4qMf-IpQDa?dl=0

 

After all of these years, I finally took the plunge and purchased an X301 with the 1.6GHz CPU last night on eBay. I've owned many Thinkpads over the last 19 years, but never an X30x model-but I always wanted one. This thread finally pushed me over the edge so to speak. I just read thru all 51 pages to get an idea of what options and modifications are out there. Thanks to Bronsky and 600X for all of their information, and for xplayz in making the needed files publicly available. It will probably be a week before I receive it, but will try to remember to update the thread once it arrives.

 

Hi everyone. First-time poster, long time reader of the forum.
I used to own an x300, years ago. Bought it in 2008 and sold in 2010. I've had thinkpads what seems like forever. Before the kodachi, I had a 370, T40, T42, T43, T60 and x60s. After I sold the x300, I had a T400s, x220, T420s and X1 Carbon. I sold the Carbon after my job bought me a retina macbook pro. So, I am now thinkpadless

 

... For the first time in fifteen years. My wife still has a thinkpad and had one for the last ten years. So it is not like there are no thinkpads around in our house (atm there are two - x200s and x230. Both owned by my wife).

I can honestly say that no thinkpad left a more lasting impression on me than x300. I still think about mine from time to time. A friend bought it and it is now owned by his wife, so I still see it from time to time. Like a shared custody thing .

 

So, I am now financially able to afford stuff I do not strictly need. Thus, I went and bought an x301 off eBay yesterday. Just to have and use as a second laptop if my rmbpro kicks the bucket.

I couldn't find any 1.6GHz ones, but I do recall that even on x300 the 1.2GHz CPU worked ok, unless I did complex computations, when it would lag a bit. That is why I sold it, actually. But now I have other machines for that, so I can have my toy and eat my cake too.

 

I then went and bought a 160Gb x18-M (to replace the original 120g ssd inside). And the replacement hdd tray to swap with the optical drive, which I do not need at all, the dvd I mean,
And 2x4Gb ddr3 1333 sodimms. And a replacement battery.

 

And then I went and read this whole thread. From what I gather, I need a bios that would:
- allow me to use 8gb / 1333mhz of ram (whitelist bios)
- increase the clockspeed by 200MHz. (Dual IDA)
- enable sata II (mdl bios)

And i need the custom ICC profile, I guess.

I was hoping for a little help from you guys. Is there a bios image that does all of the above and can anyone provide a link (I am winking at you Bronsky )? I understand that x600 has moved on.

I would really appreciate it as all the mdl + dual ida links to the 3.16 bios are dead in this and in my digital life threads.

Sorry for spamming, but I understand that I need five posts before I can pm, so... . I also don't mind posting one of my mails on this forum.

I would really appreciate it, if anyone could either pm me with dropbox (or similar) links or simply email them to me at: david.modic7673[at]gmail.com
As usual please replace the [at] with @.

Thank you, much appreciated. If there is any interest I can let you know how I get on.

David

 

Interesting way to get your 5 posts. I've sent the links.

 

Hi all. Newbie here. At the moment I have one of the original Intel Atom netbooks that I bought to take on holiday 6 years ago. It's OK but it's a bit small and a bit slow. If I could get a reasonable X301 from ebay or somewhere would it make a suitable machine to replace my netbook?

 

It will be noticeably faster than Intel Atom, especially if you buy one with SSD. It is also a bit bigger. Take time to look at screen specs, most of Intel Atom netbooks come with lower resolution and much lower pixel density. For me personally x301 is a bit uncomfortable for writing and other stuff becouse of small pixel pitch and overall bad screen quality. You can also consider t400s and x201, which are a bit bigger/smaller than x300 respectively.

 

Thanks for that. I'll have a look at the machines you mention.

 

The only thing I would take issue with in Furydrone's post is the comment about the low pixel density making the notebook uncomfortable for writing. I use my X301 for writing 6 to 8 hours a day and longer at times. I write legal documents primarily and I love the screen for that purpose. Because of the tight viewing angles, you may wind up adjusting the display quite a bit, but the display is far better than a net book display. I would also consider an X220. The IPS display is probably easier on the eyes than the X301's display. The "T" series is not comparable. They are tanks compared to the X301. My office has a few T410 and 420s. Nobody takes them on the road.

 

Those T410 and T420 sound like dead weight! I'll relieve you of em!

 

I think I'll stick with the X301 as it has a DVD drive in it. Now to find one going cheap

 

These machines were close to $3K when new, so even if you pay a couple of hundred quid for a well-kept example you'll do fine IMO.

 

Snagged one off Ebay for £155. Running Linux but I have a spare copy of W7 if I'm not happy. Only problem is I'm going to have to wait until next week before it arrives

 

I should propably stop to buy them after buying my second X301 a few days ago...

 

Now that I have one on it's way are there any mods that are worth doing? Is there a sticky somewhere that I can read? It's a standard X301 with 128GB SSD and 4GB of memory. If I got a caddy off Ebay could I stick the Kingston V200 128GB SSD in the DVD bay? Thanks.

 

I'd replace the original SSD with something newer/faster instead of sticking another SSD (Kingston is a pretty horrible one BTW) in the UltraBay. Max out the RAM and enjoy.

 

Thanks. I already have the Kingston SSD in my notebook so I'm not buying new. I thought the original SSD was a 1.8" one? Do they still make make 1.8" SSDs that would be suitable replacements for the original that comes in the X301? No point in increasing the RAM as the spare W7 I have is a 32 bit version.

 

There are still quite a few 1.8" SSDs around, such as Micron P400e. Even an Intel 320 would be an upgrade from the current Samsung or Toshiba one.

If you have a W7 license, it can be used for both 32 and 64 bit install...

 

Cheers. I'll have a look round for them. The W7 I have is a student upgrade and is 32 bit only.

 

Can you fit 8GB to a machine with a standard bios?

 

Yes. No issues.

 

Just a crazy thought - is an mSATA to 1.8" SATA adapter a worthwhile alternative? There are plenty of good drives in mSATA form factor.

 

Which Lenovo software is it that downloads drivers automatically in Windows please?

 

Yes, some folks prefer that.

 

Anyone using thinkfan mind sharing their config?

 

Thinkvantage System Update. ThinkVantage System Update 5.06 for Windows 8.1 (32-bit, 64-bit), 8 (32-bit, 64-bit), 7 (32-bit, 64-bit) - Desktop, Notebook, Workstation - Lenovo Support (US)

 

Thank you.

 

That is exactly what I would do if I upgraded my SSD. I use the bay for an OD when I need it and a 3cell battery when I take the X301 out of the office.

 

Regarding that post about writing - I should mention that I'm currently writing my thesis and 'writing' means to me more like 'working with Matlab, dealing with data in Mathcad, making graphs in Excel and writing everything in Word simultaneusly'. :] And I ussually do this on 1920x1200 24" VA monitor, so sitting down to x301 screen is painfull. I was just tired of staring into small fonts and numbers everywhere. Writing alone is not bad. Also having SO MUCH better display in my t42 totaly spoiled me and elevated my expectations. So don't mind my complaining about screen that much, becouse it might be a bit personal preference in my case. Just take into account that screen in x301 is rather bad and it is nice to see it before buying if you have that opportunity.

If you are upgrading hard drive, I recommend going with the adapter and msata SSD option. There is a lot of good and relatively cheap drives in this format. Before buying an adapter, take a look in this topic, as some folks reported problems with certain adapters.

Regarding fan control, I think that 600X shared his config few pages back. But I recommend making your own, as not every machine will behave in the same way. Some may have dried thermal paste or lot of dust in cooling system, and might not respond well to someone else's config.

PS. It's very nice to see this thread alive and more people buing x301.

 

If one is coming from an IPS-equipped 15" T42 - or even a 14" SXGA+ one - the screen on X301 is going to be nothing short of painful...

They are unique little machines and very well built in my opinion. It's a shame that Lenovo never released a true successor to the X30* series. They are tough to beat as travel machines, even nowadays presuming one values a proper keyboard to begin with.

 

I'm making the journey from a 10" netbook so I suspect I shall be reasonably happy

 

The display is utter junk. When I return to Germany I'll upload some pics of my AFFS modded X301. Despite how much I love the X301, it has simply outlived its days as a useful travel companion to me. The biggest issue I had was battery life. 2-3h just doesn't cut it. The S1 fares much better at 6-9h, but the keyboard is even worse than the X301 display. So I had to build myself a FrankenPad for the desk, just so that I don't have to cringe everytime I even touch the S1.

 

Yes, the battery life is troubling me as well. Currently mine allows for about 2 to 2.5 hours of moderate usage, which is simply not enaugh. I'm thinking about buying new battery, but... maybe a new laptop will be better for me.

By the way, what sort of FrankenPad are you talking about? Did you already mention it somewhere?

 

What most people refer to as FrankenPads is a 15" T60/p (4:3) shell with an IPS LCD housing a 14" T61 (4:3) motherboard. Click on the link in my signature to see one such - fairly maxed out - example.

I've just picked up a genuine Lenovo NOS battery for my upcoming X301, will report back on its longevity sometime next week.

 

Yes. Battery life and aging graphics are the two biggest shortcomings the X301 has IMO. I use a Bay Trial tablet and BT keyboard as my primary travel unit (8-10 hrs batt life), taking along the X301 only when absolutely necessary. Even then, I have to have the 3 cell bay battery and fully charged 6 cell in place while taking along the spare 6 cell. If I needed a 13" portable with me at all times, I would probably have been forced to move onto another unit.

 

Got my X301 today. I'm really pleased with it

 

Hi! I'm totally new here, but I already have my wonderful X301 since 1 year. I would like to pinmod my notebook, but I cannot find the exactly description. Could somebody send some documentations with pictures? Thanks a lot!

 

I've installed W7 Home Premium 64 bit on my X301 and run System Update. As far as I can see all the drivers for what's inside it are properly installed but I still have one Unknown Device in Device Manager. Anyone have any idea what it could be?

 

Go to device manager, go to the properties of that device, details, hardware IDs, and google search those strings?

Of the top of my head, maybe it's a hardware sensor or Intel vPro management (it took me a little while to figure the latter out on an HP dc7900 a while back). Edit: And if it is vPro, but you don't use that, you could just turn it off in the BIOS. That should take it out of device manager.