Linux and the IBM 600X Laptop
Updated March 8, 2005This describes how well Linux runs on my ThinkPad 600X.
Version of Linux used: Fedora Core 3
Install process: Burn Fedora Core CDs, boot from first CD. Install is completely smooth; this system has Fedora Core 3 on it in a matter of 30 minutes.
Linux functionality by part:
PCMCIA | Works perfectly in Fedora Core 3 |
USB port | Works perfectly in Fedora Core 3 |
Serial port | Worked last time I tried it (RedHat 6.x) |
Parallel port | Worked last time I tried it (RedHat 9) |
Video port | Works perfectly in Fedora Core 3 |
Modem | Needs binary-only driver, then will work last time I used this (RedHat 7.x w/ 2.4.x kernel) search for ltmodem |
Sound |
Works flawlessly until the first suspend/resume. Once the system is suspended
and resumed, sound can be made to work again by removing then reinserting the
cs46xx/snd_cs46xx kernel module:
rmmod snd_cs46xx modprobe snd_cs46xx |
Floppy Drive | Works perfectly |
Trackpoint | Works perfectly (emulates a ps/2 mouse) |
Internal CD-ROM | Works perfectly |
Suspend, resume | Suspend and resume are as functional on this computer as they are in Windows 98. (It crashes once in a while) |
Hibernation | I never got this to work, but never tried either. |
Video | Serious crashing problems in XFree 3.x (old Linux distros) flawless in X.Org 6.8. Chipset auto-detected during Fedora Core three install. |
Other words of wisdom:
- The keyboard is excellent. Springy, clicky, easy to type on without being mushy.
- The screen is good but not as snappy as modern TFT standalone displays.
- There is a problem with power management that will trash batteries unless the battery is discharged once a week. Basically, with this system, the batteries go if the computer is plugged in all the time; once a week, keep the system unplugged and let the battery discharge.
echo options scsi_mod max_luns=8 >> /etc/modprobe.confReboot, and, voila, your multcard reader will work. (The reason for the necessity for this incantation is because this will cause the kernel to lock with certain devices)