Celebrated tinkerer Karl Buchka unveiled a modern laptop built around the IBM ThinkPad 701C, a design first released in 1995, as reported by a respected technology portal. (PC World)
The IBM ThinkPad 701C itself was distinctive in its era due to a two-piece folding keyboard, setting it apart from many contemporaries. It shipped with either Intel DX2 or DX4 processors, 4 to 40 MB of RAM, roughly 720 MB of storage, and a compact 10.4-inch display with a 640 by 480 pixel resolution. This combination made the 701C a memorable example of early mobile ingenuity, a piece of laptop history that collectors and enthusiasts still discuss today. (PC World)
Driven by a passion for retro hardware, Buchka undertook a bold hardware upgrade to bring the machine into the present. He replaced the original motherboard and swapped the processor for an Intel Core i7-1165G7, accompanied by 16 GB of RAM and a 500 GB solid-state drive. In a striking modernization, the display was upgraded to an iPad 7 panel with a high resolution of 2160 by 1620 pixels, yielding a sharp, contemporary viewing experience. (Tech enthusiasts and maker communities)
Following these upgrades, the updated ThinkPad 701C runs Ubuntu instead of the former Windows 3.11 system, embodying a shift from vintage operating environments to a modern, open-source platform. The project also added practical hardware features, including two USB Type-C and Type-A ports, an Ethernet connection, and a 3.5 mm audio output, expanding compatibility with today’s peripherals. (Maker blogs and project showcases)
In addition to the substantial internal changes, Buchka redesigned the keyboard glyphs by printing a replacement set on a 3D printer. The core folding mechanism of the original keyboard remains operational, preserving the distinctive flip-down style while enabling easy access to a modern interior. (3D printing communities)
The creator has signaled that, upon finalization, he intends to publish the project files and instructions on GitHub, inviting other IBM ThinkPad 701C fans to replicate the experiment. The goal is to empower a broader maker community to explore vintage hardware through contemporary technology, promoting hands-on learning and experimentation. (Open source and hardware hobbyists)
In related news from technology outlets, other enthusiasts have claimed record-breaking builds in the past, including attempts to assemble the world’s largest laptop featuring a 43-inch display, underscoring the enduring appeal of oversized, attention-grabbing laptop projects. (Tech journalism aggregates)