IBM-Lenovo Thinkpad T40
Created by: Bill Giannikos,Last modification on Sun 02 of Mar, 2008 [06:03 UTC]by Bill Giannikos
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.
If you are looking to purchase this laptop you can visit Lenovo's ThinkPad T series page.
Introduction
This is a guide to running Linux with the IBM-Lenovo Thinkpad T40 laptop.Editing This Page
View our Editing GuidelinesSpecifications
| Processor | Intel Pentium-M 1.6GHz | |
| Screen | 14.1" SXGA+ | |
| RAM | 512MB | |
| HDD | 60GB | |
| Optical Drive | DVD-ROM/CD-RW | |
| Graphics | ATI Mobility Radeon 9000 | |
| Network | 10/100/1000 Ethernet, IBM 802.11g Wireless, Bluetooth | |
| Other | 2 x USB2.0 | |
Linux Compatibility
| Device | Compatibility | Comments |
| Processor | Yes | |
| Screen | Yes | |
| HDD | Yes | |
| Optical Drive | Yes | |
| Graphics | Yes | |
| Sound | Yes | Use the snd-intel8x0 driver |
| Ethernet | Yes | |
| Wireless | Yes | Use the madwifi driver |
| Bluetooth | Not Tested | |
| 56K Modem | Yes | |
| USB | Yes | |
| PCMCIA | Not Tested | |
Notes
For the graphics chip you can use either the open source radeon driver or ATI's proprietary fglrx driver. For installation instructions, you can view our Configuring an ATI graphics chip guide. For 3D support, you will need the proprietary driver.The modem works using the slmodem driver. Not all Linux distributions include this so you may need to install it manually.
Like the modem, many Linux distributions don't include the madwifi driver required for the Atheros based wireless controller found in the T40. Check our guides section for details.
Some versions of the T40 include the Intel 2100 wireless controller. This works with the ipw2100 driver.
Related Resources
Preparing your laptop for LinuxConfiguring an ATI graphics chip
Increasing battery life
Summary
There were no problems in getting this laptop working when used with an up to date Linux distribution. It is recommended to use a Linux distribution with kernel version 2.6.16 or greater, such as Fedora Core 5 or Ubuntu 6.06.Have you installed Linux on this laptop? If so how about leaving a comment about your success in the comments section below.
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