[ltp] T440p touchpad replacement failed :(

/dev/rob0 linux-thinkpad@linux-thinkpad.org
Sat, 27 Aug 2016 10:03:00 -0500


On Sat, Aug 27, 2016 at 10:24:19AM +0200, Hendrik-Jan Heins wrote:
> I experienced similar issues in replacing the touchpad on my X240.
> 
> First: make sure you have a touchpad that is for your device 
> apparently the T440 and X240 do NOT have the same touchpad and 
> connector layout! (This was my first mistake)

The device I bought claimed to be T440 compatible, and the ribbon 
connectors were similar.

> Second: if you replace the touchpad, also replace the ribbon 
> cables. They are not made to be connected and disconnected too 
> often.

Okay, I will try this.  But I don't think my problem is the cable 
itself; I think it is the connector on the motherboard.

> In my case the whole thin worked after I got the correct new 
> touchpad and a new ribbon cable.
> To get everything in place, I needed to completely disassemble the 
> machine though. I hope the T440 is a bit easier to do.

Right, it wasn't that bad.  Back panel (2 screws and slides off), 
optical drive, a whole bunch of screws holding the top bezel, the
keyboard (which really only needed to come loose, not be removed, to 
remove the top bezel), and then just the screws attaching the 
touchpad to the bezel.

I also removed the hard drive according to instruction on Youtube, 
but that was not necessary AFAICT.

> P.S. I know it is no consolation but due to this I also had a mouse 
> connected for about 4 weeks as there was no internal pointing 
> device anymore.

It's a blessing in disguise. :)  I think I am more productive when 
keeping hands on the keyboard.  Much of what I need to do is (or can 
be) console work, such as this mutt MUA I use.

I appreciate that you took the time to reply and to share your 
experience.  Technically I guess this should have been flagged as 
off-topic, because it has nothing to do with software, but I know 
that the touchpad abomination has been a common sore point among 
Linux Thinkpad users.

(Personally I expect to continue using this Thinkpad for several 
years to come, but I'm ill-inclined to consider a future Lenovo 
purchase after this experience.)
-- 
  http://rob0.nodns4.us/