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ThinkPads - loved my first one, but now I think they're too proprietary

post #1 of 7
5/7/05 at 2:16am
Thread Starter 
Sigh...

I bought a used IBM (ThinkPad 600x) as my first laptop a while ago and have since sold it. I REALLY liked this notebook. Those plastic toys in FutureShop/BestBuy/Staples/etc just don't compare to ThinkPads. As far as I could tell, the ThinkPad I had was very flexible in terms of hardware upgradability. I upgraded the RAM with no problem, swapped the hard drive, etc.

While I really like that ThinkPads have retained their legendary quality and design, I fear that they have become too proprietary in their feature set. Specifically, I am concerned about features such as the Active Protection System, RapidRestore, Embedded Security Subsystem, and the like. Why am I concerned about this? I want to be able to upgrade most of the primary components (mainly RAM and hard drive) without any hassle or extra trouble. I don't think that RAM will be a problem, but the ability to upgrade/swap the hard drive is an absolute must as well.

So, the ultimate questions are:
  • Do the proprietary features listed above get in the way of any such upgrades?
  • How easy is it to get a standard/no-frills/no-junkware/etc out of the default ThinkPad installation? Can I do this or do I need to buy a completely separate OEM or retail operating system disc and license?
  • From what I read in the ThinkPad manuals, they'll basically "allow" you to upgrade just about anything, as long as any potential damage claimed on warranty is not related to an upgrade you performed. Is this correct?

Also, I'm curious: what the blue "Access IBM" button does when RapidRestore is disabled and/or whatever panel it's supposed to launch isn't installed? Is it configurable?
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post #2 of 7
5/7/05 at 9:38am
To replace the hard drive in a Thinkpad takes all of 5 minutes. IBM's "proprietary" software is teriffic, it makes reformating or fixing a software problem a piece of cake and it's a pleasure to use.
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post #3 of 7
5/7/05 at 11:30am
Thread Starter 
Yeah, but you'll get back all of the IBM bloatware when you use that tool, won't you? I have my OWN backup solution which will not be replaced by some other method that IBM thinks I should use.
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post #4 of 7
5/8/05 at 2:10am
Hi epp_b,

so just format your hard drive and perform a fresh install of windows. Be sure to backup your "drivers" folder on C:\. Get the IBM software installer from here:

IBM Software Installer

Put the "drivers" folder back onto C:\, run software installer and choose, what you need to be installed.

regards,

mad_medic77
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post #5 of 7
5/9/05 at 2:42am
Thread Starter 
OK...thanks for the responses

I still want to know, though: does APS rely on a proprietary hard drive or does it work on any 2.5" hard drive that fits in a ThinkPad? And does EBS get in the way of upgrading a hard drive?
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post #6 of 7
5/13/05 at 8:43pm
APS is just software. It works on any hard drive as far as I know.

Check out http://forum.thinkpads.com/index.php

Awesome Thinkpad forum. Many of the people there are brilliant, and have been using thinkpads forever. Very helpful.

And in my opinion, Thinkpads are one of the least proprietary notebooks. They'll let you replace anything. Keyboard, RAM, HD, etc. It's easy, and there are many videos on the IBM website showing you exactly how to take apart your computer and mess with it.
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post #7 of 7
5/13/05 at 8:48pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Plinkerton
APS is just software. It works on any hard drive as far as I know.
That's what I thought, but I was just making sure. The heads can be parked on any hard drive, right?

Quote:
Check out http://forum.thinkpads.com/index.php

Awesome Thinkpad forum. Many of the people there are brilliant, and have been using thinkpads forever. Very helpful.

And in my opinion, Thinkpads are one of the least proprietary notebooks. They'll let you replace anything. Keyboard, RAM, HD, etc. It's easy, and there are many videos on the IBM website showing you exactly how to take apart your computer and mess with it.
Really! Now there's something you don't see from most manufacturers. Thanks, Plinkerton.
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