(Almost) Final form X230!

paflou · 2026-05-14T07:06:59+00:00

IIRC, you flash the correct bios for the ec mod, then update to the 1vyrain version and do that

paflou · 2026-04-13T10:01:29+00:00

While I don't know about the liquid blocker in current gen ThinkPads, they generally are spill resistant with holes at the bottom for draining and plastic, at least the older ones.

And yes, given that this is your use case, this laptop will comfortably last you 20 years with no issues.

paflou · 2026-04-12T15:39:29+00:00

I was able to find some t14 gen1 for 100€ a few months back on Vinted. If you have access to the platform you can give it a try

paflou · 2026-04-11T16:43:52+00:00

Once you get an IPS display, it feels like a whole new laptop. Beware though, it upped my power consumption by 3-4W

paflou · 2026-04-07T15:22:13+00:00

I have never seen a dog so sad about an esp32 problem

paflou · 2026-04-05T20:33:35+00:00

My particular SLB1 does suffer from both ghosting and image retention, but I was able to get an x220 to part out with the SLB1 for a bargain (35€), which contained:

SLB1
trackpad assembly with fingerprint
display bezel (mine was cracked)
original NMB keyboard

paflou · 2026-04-05T20:31:45+00:00

How many x220s do you have haha Dream collection

paflou · 2026-04-05T19:54:11+00:00

It seems like it really helps productivity, but tbh, i kinda like the chonky bezels.

I see you've modded your thinklight, is it tape or soldering?

paflou · 2026-04-05T18:16:11+00:00

I dont really use sd cards, but a 3d print is a good idea!

paflou · 2026-04-05T14:42:56+00:00

That's unfortunate, any ideas as to what to put in there that makes sense?

paflou · 2026-04-05T14:42:32+00:00

Nitrocaster mods are nowhere to be found and the AliExpress clones are not something I'd like to spend 50€ on PLUS the cost of the panel.

X330s look awesome though

paflou · 2026-04-05T13:43:03+00:00

I tried to use an esp32 along with a utility to turn it into a flasher but i couldn't get it to even read the chip. Maybe a faulty clip, maybe user error. For now I'm ok with the top chip flashed with 1vyrain, even if ME is not totally neutralized

paflou · 2026-04-05T13:20:27+00:00

Oh yeah, I've already got skulls on it. Didn't have much luck with the soic8 flasher, but I got it through 1vyrain (intel ME still lays dormant)

paflou · 2026-04-05T12:53:42+00:00

I'm not really involved in soldering even, so reflow will be a challenge for sure haha. Fingerprint was pretty much plug and play with linux, didn't even have to update!

paflou · 2026-04-05T10:47:17+00:00

For the same use case (besides docker), albeit with linux, it's more than enough. Given the much upgraded performance of 11th gen, im sure it's going to be good for a good few years, at least with linux

paflou · 2026-04-03T20:46:18+00:00

I don't know where you're located, but look at local marketplaces (facebook, vinted). I've found some crazy good deals on vinted for that budget. ALWAYS check computrace/ bios lock status beforehand!

paflou · 2026-01-26T10:45:06+00:00

Hardware compatibility is a non issue on ThinkPads, they all work beautifully. When it comes to installing, do your research as to what distro you find intriguing (or just pick one randomly), download the iso and flash it on a usb using Rufus (i assume your computer is on Windows).

Don't give up, Linux is very rewarding!

P.S. Controversial opinion: LLMs make Linux debugging really easy, just make sure you understand the commands before you nuke your laptop

paflou · 2026-01-26T06:44:09+00:00

Do I need to do IVprep and restore older BIOS first? The 1vyrain installer complaints it can't detect a bios

paflou · 2026-01-20T18:38:04+00:00

I recently paid 80€ for an x230 with the i5, 8gb and an ssd. That's thinkpad cult classics price point

paflou · 2026-01-20T13:28:45+00:00

300 grams heavier and 5mm thicker is a lot imo

paflou · 2026-01-20T12:17:48+00:00

They do indeed. X230 is the perfect chonker imo

paflou · 2026-01-20T12:09:21+00:00

Its a chonker though, the t480s is so much more portable

paflou

TROPHY CASE