Building a Mini IBM ThinkPad 701C Model Kit

[@betaalpha642]

There are some instructions in Japanese that mentioning "Please do not screw tightly in, otherwise the mechanism won't work smoothly." in paragraph 2, 3, 4 and 8.

[@Tuulos]

I hope LGR sees this and tries that.

[@laserspaceninja]

Came in the comments to suggest the same thing. Hopefully, Clint will see this soon.

[@citrusjuicebox]

Not surprised the casting quality isn't amazing. Akimitsu makes white-label promotional items (custom notepads, bottles, etc.), so high-precision molding probably isn't a big priority.

[@LGR]

Good to know! Although this was the first thing I tried before lubrication. As mentioned in the vid, I took apart and reassembled the mechanisms and casing multiple times and tried lightly screwing things in. There's a real sweet spot to find and it certainly helped a bit, but even with looser screws and some lube it still wasn't enough to get fluid motion. Several components continually rub up against each other and the left "wing" of the keyboard doesn't stay in its sliding slot correctly, which leads to sticking.

[@cringecake321]

LGR Y̳o̳u̳ ̳c̳a̳n̳ ̳l̳u̳b̳e̳ ̳m̳e̳ ̳u̳p̳ ̳t̳o̳o̳ ̳d̳a̳d̳d̳y̳

[@StevenSmyth]

It’s really a display piece, so, it were me, I’d print out a screenshot of the Windows 95 desktop or Duke Nukem 3D.

[@autumn_of_thought]

I'd print a big blue IBM slogan: "THINK".

[@CommodoreFan64]

Just because it's IBM I'd print out a screenshot of the OS/2 Warp desktop.

[@JackBandicootsBunker]

@@CommodoreFan64 This is the correct answer. That or AIX.

[@KiraSlith]

@@autumn_of_thought That might insult some non-player characters.

[@autumn_of_thought]

@@KiraSlith Not sure what you're getting at, do you mean that Duke Nukem 3D's NPC's are dumb? .. sorry I'm dumb myself lol

[@Greenagainn]

Lithium grease isn't exactly recommended for plastic parts since it is petrol based. You might be better of with some silicone lube instead. Works well ehough for speed cubes I assume it could work well here too.

[@LGR]

I'll look into that, thank you!

[@pepzi_]

@@LGR Molykote is what you want to use! Search Ebay and you'll find it in small containers (usually sold in very large quantities).

[@TheOtherBill]

@@LGR Check your local hardware store (Ace or Home Depot) for Super Lube synthetic grease. A 3 oz tube will last you forever, great stuff. USE SPARINGLY.

[@TheRealFlamingNinja]

Yep I was thinking the same thing, Silicone grease is the way to go.

[@Slash0mega]

@@LGR please post a update video if you get it working

[@braddrcrushalot3785]

Due soft low-key relaxing nature of this series, LGR is becoming this generations Bob Ross.

[@MarkTheMorose]

Let's have some happy little laptops; they live right here.

[@transfo47]

Reminds me of **Mr. Roger's Neighborhood**.

[@ramonmendoza2510]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@lelluc]

Can't wait for someone to put a raspberry pi in one of these...

[@HannuPulli]

I was thinking just the same thing. At that size, it should be a working laptop. Maybe not back then though.

[@rkan2]

You should look up 51nb X210s X2100s etc :D

[@Kara_Kay_Eschel]

Was thinking of something similar.

[@PVrtonicuni]

Bingo! I thought the same thing.

[@alanharkleroad4376]

I thought that to.

[@Beegeezy144]

Man, how cool would it be if they made one of that size that actually worked? Like the retro mini consoles that Nintendo released. I'd snatch one up right away.

[@grantrettke7932]

You might like the IBM PC110

[@Beegeezy144]

@@grantrettke7932 That is cool. Looks like some people on KZbin are retrofitting them as well, which is even cooler. I enjoyed watching the Japanese ads for it. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b5DGm6SnZb5mqbc

[@DaveF.]

@@grantrettke7932 Never even heard of that - just found a video. It's wonderful

[@KiraSlith]

@@grantrettke7932 AAAA! It's so tiny! The first review of it is still first page on google too from a student at Carnegie University in the 90s. What a throwback!

[@mikehensley78]

Stuff a RasPi in that thing! Super cool.

[@henryatkinson1479]

The TRUE butterfly keyboard. Ive got one of these models thats been sitting in a closet for years. Might have to build it now to put next to my 701CS.

[@docsnavely1010]

@Henry Atkinson, how much would you want for it?

[@henryatkinson1479]

@@docsnavely1010 Apologies, but not for sale. A quick look on eBay does show a seller in Japan with more than one in stock asing ~200 USD though... seems excessive to me when 50% more could get you a real 701C/CS.

[@docsnavely1010]

Henry Atkinson thanks for the reply. I was only halfhearted anyway. :) I have a problem buying cool stuff like this to “do later.” You should see all the model train crap I have in boxes!

[@princeplotena]

Wait until 2022... lol just kidding, just the perfectionist in me

[@dmacpher]

Oh god - this makes losing the mouse nub even scarier.

[@thescreemregular5168]

NOOO I DONT WANT TO LOSE MY NIPPLE

[@maker78]

Thanks. You made me realize mine is gone. I don't need it but I can't live like this.

[@danielwgk]

I've got an actual 701C that is not only missing the nub but is missing the entire stalk the nub sat on. You don't yet know frustration. lol

[@Teckno77]

God I miss my Think pad, I never should have sold it :( I'm a bad person! Best laptop I ever had and yeah I miss the nub though I never lost mine. I used it sometimes but I'm sure most people mostly used the mouse day to day.

[@NoobGyver]

my friend lost the mouse nub for my t61 before he sold it to me

[@jasonknight1085]

Ah, back when "Butterfly keyboard" didn't have a negative connotation.

[@Crusader1089]

I kinda wish the butterfly keyboard from apple had worked. I really enjoyed typing on them. Although I know they are polarising.

[@TheEmeraldMenOfficial]

I agree, this is the most awesome keyboard in history. I just wish I could buy a modern laptop that had a full-size version of the TrackWrite so I can look cool while doing stuff.

[@alerey4363]

blame it on apple nowadays

[@trashtrash2169]

it's literally apple's fault, fanboy.

[@jasonknight1085]

@@TheEmeraldMenOfficial Whilst I'm the nutter who wants a laptop with full travel full size bucking springs. Maybe with a battery measured in pounds instead of ounces?

[@seoulpurpose]

I love that this kit exists so much, as do I enjoy the opportunity to watch LGR build it.

[@autumn_of_thought]

You seem like a really adorable person haha

[@ToastedLater]

Celarkus Spiritlord wholesome engagement between strangers over the internet

[@autumn_of_thought]

@@ToastedLater Love and peace are needed in these strange times.

[@ritterakos8293]

1.: Will it run Crysis? 2.: On paper, yes

[@allinaxford]

Ah, model building, the sprus and slight casting defects always get you.

[@TheInfinitySystem]

We were sitting here going: You're not trimming the flash! You need to hit the moving parts with a fine wet/dry sandpaper to get the gloss off first!

[@johnnyvvlog]

This would look perfect with a BSOD.

[@neliasoares6217]

*Yes*

[@thekornreeper]

Yup

[@rickyyoung]

Agreed

[@Chaos89P]

So many applicable screens, so little space.

[@caccsbill]

It's good to say that there was a strong relationship between IBM ThinkPad project and Japanese culture that resembles a shokado bentō designs.

[@suprastevio2264]

I find that endearing 👌

[@Vienna3080]

Now LGR has to put a Raspberry Pi in it running Windows 98

[@de132]

Can you even run Win9x on ARM?

[@doggoli]

You could probably run QEMU on it and run Win 9X in a VM I guess?

[@delorean8526]

@@de132 I don't know about it running natively, but you can run DOSBox on ARM, and I think that someone has run Win 95 on DOSBox. Presumably that means 98 could work and if not, he could run Windows 3.11 on it.

[@KiraSlith]

@@delorean8526 It did have an option to ship with Windows 3.1 and DOS like it's even smaller baby brother (PC110). That would be an accurate (albeit VERY uncommon) configuration. The REAL problem is you'd need a variety of custom-fabricated parts to fit it, most difficult of which would be getting a custom made flexible display made to fit the paper thin screen frame.

[@Tejan45]

@@KiraSlith Fitting the display into the shell is 100% the least of the issues in trying to turn that model into a small form factor PC. The biggest issue is trying to get a working keyboard into the model when the piece of plastic in it already doesn't work that well, then from there it would be how to run the cabling to the display since you'd need to cut out the plastic in the already weak looking hinge that takes on a fair amount of stress to move the keyboard around.

[@retropuffer2986]

The 701C designer John Karidis was a genius!

[@lucentv]

I almost wonder if sanding down some parts might help

[@Koziolrh]

Like any other plastic model - yes!

[@soviet_idiot]

I was going to suggest that, as he pointed out the imperfections of the injection molded parts.

[@LGR]

That's definitely worth trying, thanks!

[@andrewdunbar828]

@@LGR If it's worth trying it's worth turning into an episode (-:

[@JeffBreyer]

Man I love old school IBM lappys. I really need to get a hold of one. Oldest I have is my old Toshiba Satellite A10 from college. Still boots and while the keyboard isn't as great it is still satisfying to type on.

[@jackmcslay]

Seeing the thinkpad laptop in the end makes me appreciate how we now have proper desktops the size of regular laptops back then.

[@medes24]

Man your enthusiasm for this stuff is infectious. Like I don't even really care about this laptop but the pure joy you get from it is just amazing. Thank you for sharing your interests.

[@Evgenii_Fedorovskii]

We have a saying in Russia "rest - is to change activity." So making a video about assembling a plastic model is a good way to take a breath after computers ... even if the model itself is the same computer = ) Yes, you just have to knock ... sometimes it works with computers! =D Hahah, thanks for the video !!! =)

[@docsnavely1010]

I don’t know why, but this video made me feel so happy. I remember fantasizing over these 701c’s as a kid when I discovered them in my 2 inch think PC Shopper magazine.

[@Clarissa_Star]

That's a very adorable thing, I love it! Imagine if you need to assemble your actual laptops like this, heh.

[@evarnell9290]

i'm in a bad place right now and even though the world sucks i can always depend on your videos to be entertaining and for you to at least bring a smile to my face for a couple minutes. thank you.

[@El_Bossa]

Now I'm Exited. I want one

[@MikeDancy]

I used to work for IBM in 1995 and was part of the tech support team for the 701c. I loved that machine

[@menhirmike]

If this wasn't from 2002, I would've thought that with a functioning keyboard, screen, and battery, this would make a kick-ass Raspberry Pi laptop case.

[@CameronHuff]

the keyboard was so cleaver. It would be cool to see it come back.

[@MondySpartan]

The IBM ThinkPad 701C Classic Mini

[@natesloungee]

I look forward to Fridays because of your videos! Looking forward to this one as well!

[@thomebau895]

Man, these things are incredibly-f*ing-rare 😳

[@jonathanzeivel9778]

LGR, Your videos are awesome!! The smooth jazz alone makes it worth watching. Keep it up!!!

[@Mick_92]

"I've never put together a model of a computer before" Lego: "Am I a joke to you?"

[@LGR]

Haha. I guess in my mind I separate "Lego builds" and "molded plastic model kits."

[@Mick_92]

@@LGR Guess that's a yes. JK, I get ya. Love your content BTW.

[@TheWilldrick]

**Clint: I've never been so happy seeing that the model doesn't quite work. ** Since the moment you said "NES Classic" on the video, I kept thinking *"damn this would be a GREAT idea to make a mini console 95-98 PC, shame the model is probably expensive and not really up to some tinkering and dremelling"* I'd love to see something like a Raspberry Pi zero as a "mini console" PC, with HDMI and micro USB hidden on the sliding door port behind. Bonus points for a small TFT screen connected to the Pi using the flex cable, which it was visible on most laptops of that era!

[@joshuahadams]

I think a Pi Zero could run Windows 95 through a VM at least passably too

[@PXAbstraction]

Just the keyboard portion alone is like the ultimate retro nerd Fidget Spinner alternative. :)

[@diehardtoyotafan]

Thinkpad was so amazing to me. I had one when I was younger . When my wife needed a computer for school I got her a evo Thinkpad and my kids a chrome book Thinkpad lol

[@xpusostomos]

60s: model trains 70s: model planes 80s: model cars 90s: model ships 21st century: model computers

[@gaeshows1938]

model cell phone when?

[@Reksrat]

I don't know how I ended up watching this all the way through but I'm very glad I did. This was surprisingly entertaining.

[@CptJistuce]

That is ADORABLE. I want one! Thoughts: Some stickers to add detail to the molded-in connectors would greatly improve the appearance, and I'm disappointed they didn't include a sticker sheet. A power LED under the LED panel would be nice. (Coin cell inside, or run a power brick with a small connector in where the "charger port" is molded). And a Win95 screenshot, of course.

[@element_47]

After watching this I decided to try and find myself a model, and im fairly certain that bc of you and this video, after typing just "ibm thi" the very first prediction was "IBM thinkpad 701c model kit"

[@MontieMongoose]

I can't CTRL myself after seeing that keyboard! I need one.

[@thebigk3009]

My history teacher is now on KZbin, great

[@theophilusthistler5885]

I recommend you SHIFT your perspective + DELETE your expectations.

[@MontieMongoose]

@@theophilusthistler5885 I can't ESC these puns!

[@etepeteseat7424]

You might consider lightly sanding the spots where it's rubbing together, to see if it helps alleviate enough contact to reduce the sticking.

[@SenderBudYerGood]

Mid 80's: model cars 2020: model computers

[@SupaPhly0]

well, it actually came out in 2002

[@NotTheWheel]

Models aren't my thing too tedious - but seeing you puzzle it together and enjoy doing all the steps; remarking to each piece. It made my day. Hope you have a good one LGR ;)

[@thedungeondelver]

This is totally something Techmoan would build :D Great vid, Clint!

[@KananNallainathan]

love this... im a computer geek and a model kit builder... thank you!

[@soknightsam]

You're going to have to go through each part with a fine file and sand cloth. Tedious but doable. If you want to get really adventurous give it an acetone vapor bath same as other 3d printed stuff. Thanks for the upload

[@britishredfox]

The joy you must have felt assembling this shines through in the video! And it looks fantastic too -- why don't we get miniatures of other iconic laptops?

[@sanitylogic4611]

"PS/2, wasn't that a console?" DON'T SPEAK TO ME OR MY SON EVER AGAIN.

[@toastynotes]

The sure sign you've made something legendary is when there are model kits for it

[@RuruFIN]

I'd count the Lego IBM PC and Apple II as models ;)

[@surfision]

when i just see this intro and hear this jazz music i know that is gonna be awesome

[@GuvernorDave]

the fact that the keyboard transform is the entire point of even having a "model" of this and that it doesn't even work is extremely sad

[@CattoRayTube]

Looks like a great contender for a tiny display or digital photo frame!

[@NorskTekniskMuseum]

GO LRG! Thanks for taking care of computer heritage. If you ever are in Norway, you are more than welcome to visit!

[@noahpaulette1490]

Watching this video on my w520 and the keyboard layout is still mostly the same with some extras. Best laptop keyboard of all time imo.

[@oreste6076]

WTF, who needs this? WHY? ... i want one

[@natalieng8315]

Yea who the hell needs this... searches it up on eBay, looks at price and screams

[@BenDeSwert666]

@@natalieng8315 1500 bucks for a 20 year old laptop. Yea, thanks but no thanks 😂

[@mikehydropneumatic2583]

Around the 2010s there were all kinda UMPCs. A guy from Finland had a channel and was reviewing these. Very cool stuff.

[@Arch_the_Protogen]

Just before I click a new LGR video, I always hear the smooth jazz already starting up in the back of my mind.

[@RyouConcord]

I wish keyboards like this were main stream. I do so love it.

[@brianm6337]

A screen idea: ANY scene from Duke Nukem 3D

[@S3Bayaya]

I was confused for a moment there. It's a model kit, holy cow.

[@Fortuna1]

The background was be: -BSOD -Start menu with 16 colors -Like a broken screen -W98

[@rickyyoung]

Windows 98 install screen prehaps?

[@iscander_s]

-Duke Nukem 3D

[@ricky2k3_]

Now for the next episode: Fitting in a model scale functional motherboard on the ThinkPad Mini PC.

[@Elfcheg]

This is what I got after I bought an IBM ThinkPad on AliExpress.

[@mightyb8679]

Clint you go all out, and it shows!

[@cathrinelord]

6:20: hehe, spring go SPROING!

[@bobsburgersfan4205]

The fact there is now a model kit for laptop replicas makes me excited

[@jbfarley]

Now? As in 2002 when this was made?

[@liamthoralexanderspencer4684]

THIS KEYBOARD HURTS MY BRAIN

[@diamantegerardo]

Nice IBM Thinkpad Toy Laptop model!

[@FuzzballRenakitty]

It's hot, I'm tired and it's been a stressful day at work. Time to wind down with a tasty pizza and watch some LRG~!

[@itsya_boi4135]

I've haven't watched any lgr videos in a while but that intro is really nice

[@loathfluctuation1191]

Man I first time got a notification less than a minute

[@Clarissa_Star]

Right? I got it when it was uploaded 32 seconds ago. Pretty sweet. ^^

[@loathfluctuation1191]

@@Clarissa_Star ohhh cool...

[@Catastropheshe]

He's so calm when frustrated xD

[@drahkas8526]

"I'm obviously going to be editing this." :sadface:

[@savagemadman2054]

I used to own *two* Thinkpad 701Cs, one of which was compete with dock, manuals, and official case. They went to the recyclers about 10 years ago. I did check eBay resale at the time and it was so low that I couldn't be bothered.

[@TailSpinRCSpain]

Slap a Raspberry Pi in there dude.

[@infernus6278]

Not sure if you have seen the video at all? That keyboard is not functional, so making this a functional case would take ages. Plus its a crap quality

[@TailSpinRCSpain]

@@infernus6278 Yep, I watched all the way through, but you could put a Pi Zero in and use WiFi mouse/keyboard.

[@BoujieeeBee]

I really enjoy these miniature build videos. Would have been total finally with me if these were full, unedited builds like the Apple 2 or IBM PC lego builds. Very cozy.

[@donpalmera]

It says in Japanese "Don't show this on youtube, animu fans with google Japanese skills will spam your comments with bad translations".

[@kato223]

Watching LGR build models is my new Zen! =)

[@MultiTelan]

What? No motherboard? You were cheated!

[@pshubert21]

I would like to see a kit for the Mini IBM ThinkPad but has a working Pi inside and everything working.

[@Jean-lr4hv]

Why, but also, NICE

[@mrsjamescottage]

Oh man, my little X201 can finally feel like the big guy!

[@olekson_]

first time I thought it was a case for raspberry pi

[@TheHermitHacker]

Omg this is lovely. I had no idea this thing existed.

[@cornel9472]

Stuff a raspberry pi and wire up the keyboards into a custom PCB and boom! diy 701c Linux Machine

[@ShinoSarna]

Sadly the keys don't actually press.

[@musicaldude9429]

Love it when he said IR blaster instead of IR sensor, makes it sound like a Star Trek weapon

[@jbfarley]

IR blasters and IR sensors are too different things

[@crazyivan030983]

You never put together this kind of model... I never knew that such a thing exists :) greetings from Poland :)

[@IRWPD]

How awesome is that model. Back in the day put a few cars and planes.

[@SinKillerJ]

This honestly makes alot of sense. Having been in the Japanese business world they are all about some ThinkPad action.

[@mattshuey1]

If you manage to get your hands on a 701C before Christmas you should definitely do a family photo of the ThinkPad and Son of ThinkPad in awful Christmas sweaters wishing us a merry IBMas

[@catfishkempster]

Weird model kit - but the RIGHT kind of weird. :D Watching this was almost like meditating - thank you!

[@MeMakeMemes]

Yay happy anniversary IBM!

[@timmooney7528]

I only ran into the 701 later after they were no longer current tech. I did get to handle the model 700, or at least a pre-production evaluation machine when I worked at ZDS in their service department. The 700 was a cousin or evolutionary offshoot of the ZDS Mastersport. When it came time for the next model, IBM went directly to the laptop builder overseas instead of working with ZDS.

[@pmgodfrey]

I wanted the ThinkPad 550BJ when it came out. Had a printer RIGHT INSIDE THE LAPTOP!!!

[@CodysChemistryChannel]

@LGR twice a day to keep the doctor away. Thank you for always producing quality content.

[@MegaManNeo]

As a fan of ThinkPads, I love it!

[@urbobne2254]

I have the same screwdrivers. Also, LGR is my spirit animal

[@peterfolchi1032]

I just found one of these at goodwill the other day!!