This is a guide to running Linux with the IBM-Lenovo Thinkpad X60 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.
You should use a distribution which uses kernel version 2.6.15 or greater, such as Fedora Core 5 or Ubuntu Linux 6.06, for better Linux support on the X60.
Fairly trouble free and easy installation on the IBM-Lenovo Thinkpad X60. As long as you use a recent Linux distribution you shouldn't have too many problems.
Fingerprint reader, firewire and pcmcia is supported. Pcmcia out-of-the-box with ubuntu. Fingerprint reader requires Thinkfinger drivers.
kerb, Sunday 18 of November, 2007 [18:00:19]
PCLinuxOS 2k7
Was able to install PCLinuxOS 2007 (Final) on my Lenovo Thinkpad x60.
Installation was smooth and never encountered problems (make sure you dont have any other programs running when you hit “install to hard disk”. I used a bootable USB drive since this model doesnt come with a CD/DVD drive.
Wifi and USB works perfectly. Can detect inserted drives and easily detects wifi networks.
Be careful with Blue function buttons because not everything works as expected. ie Fn + Home (Increase Brightness) will blank your screen, Fn + F4 (Standby mode) will work but wont “wake up” successfully. Dont forget to enable the KMilo plugin under KDE Control Center | System Administration (Its for Thinkpad buttons)
Default video players doesnt work. Had to Install VLC to watch avi file (tv shows)
Sound doesnt work by default. Workaround: Terminate Kmixer and any other app thats uses audio and run alsaconf as root. If you restart the OS, you will have to do it again. (I'm still looking for a permanent fix)
kerb, Sunday 18 of November, 2007 [19:08:30]
Solved: Fn + Home (Increase Brightness) will blank your screen Solution: edit the /etc/modprobe.conf and add the line “alias video off” (The blacklist solution doesnt work.) Explanation: There is conflict with the ACPI video module.
kerb, Sunday 18 of November, 2007 [23:25:11]
Solved: Sound doesnt work by default. Solution: Upgrade kernel to kernel-2.6.22.10.tex1 Explanation: ALSA related bug in kernel 2.6.18.8.tex5
xman, Friday 20 of July, 2007 [21:19:48]
x60 + fedora 7
while f7 installs easily and quickly, there are a number of issues that need to be resolved. Some (as stated) are relatively simple, others not. It is an oversimplification to say “it is fairly straightforward” w/o stating that you lose functionality w/o a lot of research and action after install. That being said, F7 runs some much faster than vista on this LT (1.86, 1.5gram, 60ghd) it is crazy. Some issues so far: need to get fingerprint reader support, blue button support, LT will not wake from sleep, will not go into sleep w/o manually entering state, wireless net connection does not automatically start, unexpected behavior from “touchpad buttons”, wireless led does not work, not all FN functions work, etc. Overall experience so far is excellent, but needs a bunch of work. comments to kenfo(at)tcg-avl(dot)com
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Fingerprint reader, firewire and pcmcia is supported.
Pcmcia out-of-the-box with ubuntu. Fingerprint reader requires Thinkfinger drivers.
PCLinuxOS 2k7
Was able to install PCLinuxOS 2007 (Final) on my Lenovo Thinkpad x60.
Solved: Fn + Home (Increase Brightness) will blank your screen
Solution: edit the /etc/modprobe.conf and add the line “alias video off” (The blacklist solution doesnt work.)
Explanation: There is conflict with the ACPI video module.
Solved: Sound doesnt work by default.
Solution: Upgrade kernel to kernel-2.6.22.10.tex1
Explanation: ALSA related bug in kernel 2.6.18.8.tex5
x60 + fedora 7
while f7 installs easily and quickly, there are a number of issues that need to be resolved. Some (as stated) are relatively simple, others not. It is an oversimplification to say “it is fairly straightforward” w/o stating that you lose functionality w/o a lot of research and action after install. That being said, F7 runs some much faster than vista on this LT (1.86, 1.5gram, 60ghd) it is crazy. Some issues so far: need to get fingerprint reader support, blue button support, LT will not wake from sleep, will not go into sleep w/o manually entering state, wireless net connection does not automatically start, unexpected behavior from “touchpad buttons”, wireless led does not work, not all FN functions work, etc. Overall experience so far is excellent, but needs a bunch of work. comments to kenfo(at)tcg-avl(dot)com