Category:W500

ThinkPad W500

Force Feeding Ubuntu

I was unable to get a clean install with a default ThinkPad W500 configuration and a 32 bit Ubuntu 8.10 downloaded ISO burned to CD. I referenced this post from the ubuntu forums which allowed me to complete the Ubuntu installation.

Go into BIOS and change your display settings to:

• Default Primary Video Device = PCI Express
• Boot Display Device = ThinPad LCD
• Graphics Device = Discrete Graphics
• OS Detection for Switchable Graphics = Disabled

The W500 has switchable graphics and Ubuntu is unable to determine which graphics card to use without these BIOS settings to point the way.

After install

• GUI: Yes
• Wireless: Yes
• Trackpad: No (Yes when I used TrackPoint under Ubuntu 8.10 using HAL)

Failures and Annoyances

• Skype: Isn't working. I believe its a microphone issue.

Standard Features

• Intel Core 2 Duo (Penryn) 2.4, , 2.6, 2.8 GHz 1066MHz FSB, 6MB L2 Cache CPU*
  • ATI FireGL V5700 (512 MB)
• One of the following displays:
  • 15.4" TFT display with 1680x1050 (WSXGA+) resolution
  • 15.4" TFT display with 1920x1200 (WUXGA) resolution
• 2 GB PC3-8500 memory standard upgradable to 8 GB
• 200 GB 7200 rpm 2.5" SATA HDD (available with encryption)
• 320 GB 5400 rpm 2.5" SATA HDD
• 64 GB 1.8" Solid State Disk
  • Full Disk Encryption (FDE) Available on some models
• Intel Gigabit Ethernet Controller
• UltraBay Slim with one of the following:
  • UltraBay Slim Super Multi-Burner Drive
• MiniPCI Express slot 1 with one of the following:
  • None (empty)
  • Intel WiFi Link 5100/5300 WLAN controller
  • Intel WiMAX/WiFi Link 5150/5350 WiFi/WiMAX controller
• MiniPCI Express slot 2 with one of the following:
  • None (empty)
  • Verizon 1xEV-DO WWAN (It seems to be a Sierra Wireless MC5720 Modem)
  • Cingular HSDPA WWAN (Sierra Wireless MC8775)
  • Intel® Turbo Memory hard drive cache up to 2GB
• 1 CardBus slot (Type 2)
• 1 Slot with one of the following:
  • ExpressCard/54 slot
  • SmartCard reader
• 4-in-1 Memory reader
• IBM Embedded Security Subsystem 2.0
• IBM Active Protection System
• Integrated Fingerprint Reader on select models
• Bluetooth on select models
• UltraNav (TrackPoint / Touchpad combo)
• IEEE1394 Firewire on select models
• Displayport
• Intel Active Management Technology (AMT) on select models
• Intel 82801I HDA (ICH9 Family) HD Audio controller