Tip: Thinkpad 600 laptops work with dynamic mics.

[K3AN]

I am now on my 4th IBM Thinkpad laptop for the hamshack. I use them because they have proven to be impervious to RF (100 W HF operation at home and at Field Day), they're RFI-quiet, and they have a great keyboard (for a laptop). None of the prior Thinkpads failed on me; I simply upgraded as newer models became available on the used market at reasonable prices.

All the prior Thinkpads (755CX, 760EL, 390E) required an electret-type mic. My "new" 600E, on the other hand, won't take an electret unless it is self-powered. Instead, this Thinkpad wants a dynamic mic. It works great with the Heil HC-4 element in my boom-mic headset. The laptop even accepts the 2-conductor, 1/8 inch plug which is standard when you use brand-specific mic adapter cable sets. So now it's a breeze to create "voice keyer" CQ and exchange messages as WAV files (I use a freeware program called Audacity). And when I send the other station's callsign in my own voice, the same mic will be used.

Good working Thinkpad 600's and 600E's are now widely available for $200 or less on Ebay. They may need a new battery, but those are also available at reasonable prices. All the original documentation, drivers and updates are available on the IBM web site, too.

[KE4DRN]

Hi Bill,

I agree, the thinkpad 600E is a great value.

Look for the 2645-CBH model, it has a dvd/cd rom drive.

The thinkpad I purchased used included the port replicator, wifi card, ethernet card and external floppy drive in addition to the DVD drive and a case for $ 220. The reseller did advertise the battery as marginal and a new one was needed so I could update the bios from ibm site.

Here is the link to IBM pc support for anyone that has not seen it.

You can d/l the repair manuals.

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site.wss/pageRedirect.do