Thinkpad T61 - Ubuntu works with T61?

Hi,

I'd like to install Ubuntu as my OS of choice on my T61. However, I am afraid of certain things not working, such as:

1) Standby ("sleep") - such as when I close the lid, etc.
2) Hibernate
3) Keyboard FN (function) keys
4) IBM/Lenovo "Thinkvantage" utilities and programs (do they even have these for Linux?!)

5) anything else I haven't thought of, can you let me know?!

Is this wise? Or should I keep Win Vista / XP and VirtualBox/VMware into Linux? Dual-booting would be unwise if none of the above work.. right?

Is Ubuntu easy to install on the Thinkpad T61???

Thanks!!

 

I have heard that the T61 is the perfect Linux laptop (somewhere I can't remember).

 

Here's a good guide: http://www.thinkwiki.org/wiki/Installation_instructions_for_the_ThinkPad_T61

Take a look at Ubuntu 7.10 installation

 

is that true? any link that explain those quote? thanks

 

I have a Z61 which is similar, but with T7200 instead of the "Santa Rosa" series. I installed Gutsy Gibbon and most functions worked right off the disk:

Media card reader
WiFi
Volume/Mute buttons
Fn+F2 (Lock)
FN+F3 (Power)
FN+F4 (Suspend)
Fn+ScrLk (Num Lock)
Fn+screen-brightness
Fn+Thinklight

Also, I easily set-up:

Trackpoint 3rd button scrolling (required config adjust in Firefox)
Sierra Wireless USB EVDO modem

DVD Playing is still a little quirky to set-up.

Battery life is good.

I hadn't played with Linux in a few years and was pleasantly surprised by Ubuntu. I backed up all the original configurations, shrunk the MS partition, deleted the Restore partition and made a separate /home partition. If I need more space, I will probably lose the MS partition before upgrading the HD.

 

webvanguy: thanks for sharing your experience