IBM ThinkPad T43p - ArchWiki

# IBM ThinkPad T43p

The Thinkpad laptops are known for their durability and build quality. However, one must tweak a bit his linux to unleash the real potential of this square box hardware. This one will not be a guide to get a fancy eyecandy-full machine, but fast (considering the hardware) geeky machine, which does the job efficiently.

## System specs

- Intel Pentium M (Dothan) 2.13GHz CPU
- ATI Mobility FireGL V3200 with 128MB
- 14.1" TFT display with 1400x1050 resolution
- 2GB PC2-4200 RAM
- 80GB 7.2k rpm HDD

- Broadcom Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000)
- MiniPCI slot with Intel PRO/Wireless 2915ABG Mini-PCI Adapter
- IBM Integrated Bluetooth IV with 56K Modem (BMDC-3)

- Intel AC'97 Audio with a AD1981B codec
- UltraBay Slim with DVD±RW
- CardBus slot (Type 2)
- ExpressCard/54 slot
- IBM Embedded Security Subsystem 2.0
- IBM Active Protection System
- Integrated Fingerprint Reader on select systems
- UltraNav (TrackPoint / Touchpad combo)

## The installation

Well the basic installation can be found in the Beginners' guide. However, there was done a lot of customization to suit my need and here I will try to list them.

Basically what I did was to do several optimizations shown in HDAPS article as well as in tp_smapi article. What is more hdd spindown tweaks were applied in order to solve the problem of hd failures due to numerous times when it might get spined down.

### Config Files (found int /etc/ dir)

The contents of /etc/rc.local can be found here.

## Powersaving and ACPI

My handler.sh can be found here.

## Wireless

Follow the `ipw2200`-specific instructions on Wireless_network_configuration#ipw2100_and_ipw2200.

## Programs that ease CLI life

The list of programs which I usually use for my everyday life:

- VTE - urxvt{c,d}
- Shell - zsh
- Editor - vim (used together with latexsuite)
- RSS Reader - canto-daemon, canto-curses
- MPD Client - ncmpcpp
- Versioning system - git
- File Manager - ranger
- Network Manager - wicd-curses
- IRC client - weechat

## X.org and friends

### Desktop Manager

In the beginning I have been using SLiM, but the switch to CDM. The latter is simpler, faster and far more stable. What is more it might be the case that is more customizable as well.

### awesomewm and desktop interaction stuff

Category:

- IBM