[TP770] Newbie has questions about laptop

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From: Daniel Tasch (taschda_at_dmapub.dma.org)
Date: Fri Jul 13 2001 - 14:05:50 EDT


I have just bought a used IBM Thinkpad 770 computer. 9458-30U It should
be here soon, and I could use some help from the list. This is my first
laptop and I know that there are some things different that an regular
desktop.

1. I will be running linux on this machine. I will want to partition the
drive with a small DOS partition to keep around the setup program and
other small utilities. Can I fdisk, format, and sys the drive just like
it was a normal desktop. I have heard about laptops requiring some
partition for storing the memory when suspending. Advice please.

2. I will need to buy a battery (or two). Are rebuilt batteries any
good? Anybody have experiences with pcsurplusonline.com? The have
rebuilt batteries cheap but have some negative feedback on e-bay that
makes ne nervous.

3. I understand that in order to put a second battery in the ultrabay I
will need a plastic spacer thingee. Does anyone know the part# and/or
where I can get one?

4. Are there any settings that I should write down when I get the
machine? It might pay to remember these things for later. I have heard
things about serial numbers that have to be reset with some kind of
maintenance disk if parts are changed.

5. I know that there is some kind of external floppy cable. Can the
floppy used in the ultrabay be used externally with just a cable?

Thanks in advance for your answers.

-- 
Dan Tasch                    P. O. Box 31768    937-252-7179
taschda_at_dmapub.dma.org       Dayton, OH  45437


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