X61t Purchasing, Customizing and Troubleshooting FAQs

[d_lomanto]

Hello,

I have gotten so much useful information from this forum in regards to the X61t that I thought it might be helpful to organize it for quick reference. I started this as a personal project but figured I might as well share it with others.

If I missed anything, anyone please feel free to add useful FAQs to the list.

Mods, maybe we can make this a sticky and keep adding to it from time to time?

Purchasing an X61t

Which display should I go with, the XGA with touchscreen or the SXGA+?
It obviously depends on your personal preference but this topic is discussed in the following threads:
SXGA+ Resolution on the x61t
X61 XGA (non-MT) vs. XGA MT vs. SXGA+ screen brightness
Multitouch or Superview
Need to Understand Multi Touch Features

• SXGA+ viewing angles:
  
  
  Photos courtesy of SgtDirtbag

What do X61t owners think of their purchase?
Generally the reviews by owners are very favorable. The thread below contains a poll.
How happy are you with your X61T?

Also here is a very thorough review by forum member jenarelJAM:
http://www.tabletpcreview.com/default.asp?newsID=896


Should I get more RAM or Turbo Memory?
Based on some issues with crashing and locking up, Turbo Memory might not be a good idea right now. This is discussed in the following thread:
More RAM, or turbo memory. Which is better?

Note: Perhaps this issue is resolved: Lenovo released new Turbo Memory driver

As a side note, it is much cheaper to buy your RAM from a third-party vendor and install it yourself.


Ok, I want to install my own RAM. Should I get 4GB?
The 32-bit version of Vista only uses up to 3GB of RAM, even if you put in 4GB. Lenovo is shipping only the 32-bit version of Vista. There may however be some advantages of having 4GB because the ram is evenly distributed across two cards. This is discussed in the following thread:
Is 4GB of RAM possible in the X61?


Should I get a 5400rpm or 7200rpm hard drive?
The 7200rpm hard drive delivers better performance at the expense of heat and battery life. This is discussed in the following thread:
Lenovo X61 Hard Drive 5400 vs 7200 rpm


Why is my shipping date so far in the future?
Lenovo has experienced delays of certain components from their suppliers at various points in time. We have seen delays for SXGA+, then delays for the XGA screen. Currently it looks like the WWAN orders are taking the longest. This is being discussed in at the owners lounge:
ThinkPad X61 tablet PC Owner's Lounge



Customizing your X61t

Can I remove all the preloaded Lenovo software?
Yes. You can do a complete re-install of Vista (which is complicated for most users) or restore your system to factory settings with control over which programs get loaded. Details are in the threads below:
Clean install on X61t
The best plan for a clean install?


Can I install the 64-bit version of Vista?
This is probably not a good idea as all the 64-bit drivers are not quite ready but it has been attempted before in the thread below:
Anybody installed Vista X64? I just did.
Vista X64 problems


Should I get a screen protector?
Screen protectors are being discussed at the following thread:
Do you use a screen protector?


Troubleshooting

I am experiencing random lockups, especially when I am on battery power. Is this a problem for anyone else?
Some users have reported this and after research it appears to be an issue with Intel Turbo Memory. More info in this thread:
Random Lockups when on battery

Why is my fan always on?
This is addressed in the thread below:
Will the fan on x61t ever stop?

My X61t makes a constant high-pitched noise. Is this normal?
Actually yes, this has to do with the way the Core 2 Duo switches from high-intensity settings to low-intensity settings. You can tweak this with some work but until Lenovo puts out a BIOS update, it's probably not a good idea to tweak this. More info in this thread:
Constant noise


The Bottom 1/3 of my screen has horizontal shaking lines.
This can sometimes happen. More info in this thread:
The Bottom 1/3 of my Screen Has Horizontal Shaking Lines

LCD coming off of bezel.
This can sometimes happen. More info in this thread:
LCD coming off of bezel. Anyone else?

[cheesyp18]

good thread for a sticky, you must be bored

now if you could add a Lenovo deals portion where we can get the latest on savings, coupon codes, etc etc

[vahnwalker]

Thanks d_lomanto!
I must admit I actually went through most of those threads even before my X61t was delivered.

[Xiao-Yue]

This is a very nice summary!

Thanks!

[Chaz]

Very nice thread! This should definitely be made a sticky, it would help a lot of people who are interested in the X61t.

[Builderman]

Yes, sticky please.

[P8RSON]

Topic made into a 'Sticky'.

[manhattan]

I would like an inclusion of the states where Lenovo charges taxes.
I'll contribute NY -I've been charged 8.42% tax
(this and the late EDD has me reconsidering whether or not I want to cancel; I find it hard to justify paying taxes, without the instant gratification that comes from buying locally.)

Lenovo X61 tablet brings the noise!
X61 tablet audio popping static noise?
Popping Noise in x61 tablet??
Will the fan on x61t ever stop? This one is especially cool; there is a suggestion for monitoring the fan (which in turn monitors temperatures)

[NotABigTruck]

I would like an inclusion of the states where Lenovo charges taxes.
I'll contribute NY -I've been charged 8.42% tax
(this and the late EDD has me reconsidering whether or not I want to cancel; I find it hard to justify paying taxes, without the instant gratification that comes from buying locally.)

I can confirm that Lenovo charges 7% tax in NJ. It doesn't really bother me too much, because newegg charges tax here too, so I'm used to it.

[Xiao-Yue]

Oh my God, I forgot that other states have sales tax!

I'm from Oregon and will be going to school in NY.


Craaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaap.

*wallet shrinks further*