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    T61 - upgrade to webcam? (hardware hackers only need apply)

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by LoneWolf15, Jun 9, 2009.

  1. LoneWolf15

    LoneWolf15 The Chairman

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    Hey all (I know it's been a long time),

    Does anyone know if the 15" ThinkPad T61 can be upgraded to have the onboard webcam? I realize I'd need to obtain the cam, the display bezel, and possibly some other gear, but I'm checking to see if it can be done.

    At the time I ordered my T61, a webcam was not available. I didn't need one very badly, so I didn't worry about it. Now, I'm at a point where it would be useful, and I really don't want an external. I know I may just need to save up for a different system, but if someone else has retrofit theirs, I'd be willing to know, since I'm used to taking notebooks apart.

    Thanks in advance for everyone's help.
     
    LoneWolf15, Jun 9, 2009
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  2. ortegaluis

    ortegaluis Notebook Consultant

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    The cameras ribbon connector will not be present.
    The simplest method would be to find a top lid with the integrated camera and swap them.
     
    ortegaluis, Jun 9, 2009
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  3. LoneWolf15

    LoneWolf15 The Chairman

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    Makes sense to me, but I'd like to be sure that if I can find the parts, there will actually be a connector on my system board for it.

    Closest I've found so far is a 15" SL500 lid with hinges/wifi/camera; not sure that would be compatible.
     
    LoneWolf15, Jun 10, 2009
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  4. LoneWolf15

    LoneWolf15 The Chairman

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    NM --Just caught a deal on a T400 at the Lenovo outlet on a new T400 with WXGA+, webcam, ATI Graphics, Bluetooth, and most of the works for $799. It'll need a RAM upgrade and a better OS than the one that ships with it, but I have access to that.

    Looks like I'll sell my 15" T61. I don't think I could have gotten webcam parts for it anyway.
     
    LoneWolf15, Jun 10, 2009
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