This guide is intended to provide you details on how well this laptop works with Linux and which drivers you need to configure. For details on how to actually install and configure the required drivers have a look at our guides section for distribution specific instructions.

Page Contents Authors Introduction Editing This Page Specifications Linux Compatibility Notes Graphics Related Resources Summary

If you are looking to purchase this laptop you can visit Lenovo's notebook page.

Authors

Bill Giannikos (bill2 at giannikos.com.au)

Introduction

This is a guide to running Linux with the IBM-Lenovo ThinkPad Z61m laptop, model 94515CM.

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Specifications

Name	IBM-Lenovo ThinkPad Z61m
Processor	Intel Core Duo T2400 1.83Ghz
Screen	15.4"
RAM	512MB
HDD	80GB
Optical Drive	DVD+-RW
Graphics	64MB ATI Mobility Radeon x1300
Network	10/100/1000 Ethernet, 802.11g Wireless, Bluetooth
Other	3 x USB2.0, 1 x Firewire, Fingerprint Reader

Linux Compatibility

Device	Compatibility	Comments
Processor	Yes
Screen	Yes
Optical Drive	Yes
Graphics	Yes
Sound	Yes	Use snd-hda-intel driver
Ethernet	Yes	Use tg3 driver
Wireless	Yes	Use ipw3945 driver
Bluetooth	Not Tested
56K Modem	Not Tested
Fringerprint Reader	Not Tested
USB	Yes
Firewire	Not Tested
PCMCIA	Not Tested

Notes

Graphics

The open source radeon driver does not currently support the ATI Mobility Radeon x1300 found in the Z61m. However support for this chip has been added for this chip in the current version of the proprietary ATI driver. You will need to install these drivers to get the display working correctly.

Related Resources

Preparing your laptop for Linux
Configuring an ATI graphics chip
Configuring the ipw3945 driver for the Intel 3945ABG wireless controller
Increasing battery life

Summary

This laptop currently requires the proprietary ATI driver so it is recommended that you avoid the IBM-Lenovo ThinkPad Z61m if you do not like these drivers. Other than that this laptop is well supported under Linux.


Have you installed Linux on this laptop? If so how about leaving a comment about your success in the comments section below.