Linux ThinkPad
It should be mentioned that Linux runs perfectly on a great number of IBM’s ThinkPad models of notebook. The same can be said about sub-notebook computers, all modern series included. Many mainstream distributions such as Debian, SuSe or RedHat can be installed from the box.
There are several series of ThinkPad. Each model is distinguished by gently different architecture. However, there are a number of ThinkPad models that can not be used for running Linux. The article provides some of the models that are suited for Linux.
ThinkPad 340:
This monochrome-only device is distinguished by a 486SLC processor at 50 MHz. It is supplied with disks whose capacity makes up 200-360 Mb, depending on the model. David N Turner lets us know of good set-up of Slackware 2.3.0 on a 340CSE which has 12 Mb memory and 200 Mb hard disk. However David N Turner notifies that you may come across the same floppy disk change problem as the 750 models devices.
Ps/Note E35
Jerome Kaidor notifies that he has managed to make Linux 1.2.0 work on his Ps/Note E35, which he considers is substantially a ThinkPad 350 without PCMCIA slots. He succeeded in compressing everything he required into 21 Mb, even X having installed.
ThinkPad 360
This model includes options which are aimed at the 486 DX2 at 50 MHz. The disk options vary between 340 and 810 Mb. There are also dual-scan color and active-matrix screens. Linux is perfectly suited for this model according to the words of Richard Soderberg.
ThinkPad 370
Anders Odgaard informs about successful set-up on he 370C, which is similar to the 755 model. Particularly:
“Slackware Linux 2.1.0 was used. Initial booting was done with the `bare’ bootdisk, and I used the `color144′ rootdisk. At the boot prompt one must write
mount floppy=thinkpad”.
ThinkPad 701:
This model is characterized by the attractive fold-out keyboard and by modernized TrackPoint “joystick. The screen options are based around dual-scan passive and active matrix options. The disk capacity varies from 360 to 720 Mb. The processor of this model can be either the 50 MHz Intel 486DX2 or the 75 MHz 486DX4.