This is a guide to running Linux with the IBM-Lenovo Thinkpad T40p laptop.
This guide is intended to provide you details on how well this laptop works with Linux and which modules you need to configure. For details on how to actually install and configure the required modules have a look at our guides section for distribution specific instructions.
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| Name | IBM-Lenovo Thinkpad T40p |
| Processor | Intel Pentium-M 1.6GHz |
| Screen | 14.1” SXGA+ |
| RAM | 1GB |
| HDD | 60GB |
| Optical Drive | DVD-ROM/CD-RW |
| Graphics | ATI Mobility FireGL 9000 |
| Network | 10/100/1000 Ethernet, IBM 802.11g Wireless, Bluetooth |
| Other | 2 x USB2.0 |
| Device | Compatibility | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Yes | |
| Screen | Yes | |
| HDD | Yes | |
| Optical Drive | Yes | |
| Graphics | Yes | |
| Sound | Yes | Use the snd-intel8x0 module |
| Ethernet | Yes | |
| Wireless | Yes | Use the Madwifi module |
| Bluetooth | Not Tested | |
| 56K Modem | Not Tested | |
| USB | Yes | |
| PCMCIA | Not Tested |
For the graphics chip you can use either the open source radeon module or ATI's proprietary fglrx module. For installation instructions, you can view our Configuring an ATI graphics chip guide. For 3D support, you will need the proprietary module.
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 module 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.
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.
Discussion
Hi, I did a blog post about my IBM Thinkpad T40p some time ago with detailed info about the hardware and Linux drivers etc.:
http://hermann-uwe.de/blog/using-debian-gnu-linux-on-the-ibm-lenovo-thinkpad-t40p
Hope that helps, Uwe.
I have a IBM Thinkpad T40P laptop that has a broken hinge on the screen. I would like to get this unit repaired or order a new case for it to have it rebuilt. Give me information on how I can get parts. Thanks.