Comments on: Thinkpad X61s and Linux

By: Michael G

Michael G — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:40:18 +0000

Again, try installing the package tpb

It fixes those volume control button bindings.

By: Michael G

Michael G — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 19:38:10 +0000

Thanks for the article, it is very good.

I have a X61, and am very happy with it in Linux.

As for the multimedia buttons not working.

On ubuntu and Fedora, install the package “tpb”. It stands for ThinkPad Buttons.

On fedora:
sudo yum install tpb
on Ubuntu:
sudo aptitude install tpb

Good luck!

By: blinkybloo

blinkybloo — Sun, 25 May 2008 10:40:14 +0000

Justin: Linux is about more than “getting away from MS”: it’s about getting away from proprietary software (at least, that’s what is USED to be about). That’s reason enough to disavow SUSE, along with a great many other distros — Ubuntu included.

If you really care about the ethics of Linux, as you seem to, you should check out gNewSense; but be warned: you’re likely to be in for even less convenience without all the usual proprietary blobs tacked on.

Of course, ESR would disagree with me, as he seems to be all about “taking over” the desktop market, no matter what, so he’s willing to run distros that are about half closed-source. I can understand his zeal, but to me it seems to miss the point of this whole adventure: to have absolute control over every aspect of YOUR operating environment.

As equally fanatical as RMS can be to the opposite extreme of ESR, I have to side with RMS, and everyone else should, too — or else they should just buy a Macbook and be done with the hassles and the half-hearted battle for freedom..

By: eet

eet — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 09:00:07 +0000

Install the latest BIOS-update; it’s worth it!

Power usage is down by 1-2 Watts but, more importantly, the fan is now OFF during normal work! A quiet ThinkPad, the way it should be.

By: SaintDanBert

SaintDanBert — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:03:20 +0000

John,
When I bought my x61 in January, they did not offer the SLED preload. I’m trying to get openSUSE 10.3 running. I’d welcome any help that you might offer.

I got the ultrabase along with the Intel 4965 wifi and “dual touch” display.

~~~ Dan 0;-D
Austin, Texas

By: SaintDanBert

SaintDanBert — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:58:03 +0000

I’ve tried loading OpenSUSE 10.3 onto my X61 with only partial success — no tablet or touch features, wifi was a huge struggle. Is there any way you can share config details either here or by direct email?

Can you also share other openSUSE specific X61 resources that you have found useful. Most of what I’ve found is [k]ubuntu based.

I have the Core2 Duo edition (newer) of the X61 along with the Intel 4965 wifi card and the “dual touch” display.

~~~ Dan 0;-D
Austin, Texas

By: zenny

zenny — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 18:59:05 +0000

Go for Zenwalk (zenwalk.org). I made it work on a Lenovo X61 wonderfully. You would never look back except you need specifics sometimes. The developers and user-base are also very prompt and friendly.

zenny

By: Karthik Poobalasubramanian

Karthik Poobalasubramanian — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 02:42:56 +0000

Great Review. I have been using Gutsy(Since Tribe 3) on my X61s since July 2007. I have had two major configuration issues with this laptop.
1. No Video support when compiz is enabled. I have to disable compiz to view videos.
2. Harddive load/unload. For now, as a temporary fix, I have turned off hdd power management. This possibly means more power drain.

I do have minor issues with network manager especially with wireless networks and extremely occasional system freezes because of compiz.
Personally, I think thinkpad quality has gone down a bit after Lenovo took over manufacturing but still a better than most competitors.