Steve writes:
Doesn't the Xandros Desktop Deluxe version have NTFS tools built-in?

Yes, but on my attempt to install Xandros on another PC with a single NTFS partition, I got an error,

"Error Code 8004 - Free Space not contiguous" or something similar.

I then got a copy of "PerfectDisk v6" from [link|http://www.raxco.com/|http://www.raxco.com/] to defrag the disk (as Norton SpeedDisk didn't defragment the free space). It's a very nice defragger (it gets faster each time it's used, etc.), but it didn't give a single block of free space either (apparently due to the way NTFS is designed it can't). I gave up on using Xandros's NTFS tools for the install before trying it after the PD defrag. Perhaps it would have worked if I had been more persistent.

Also, look at [link|http://www.terabyteunlimited.com/bootitng.html|BootIT-NG].
I've used it many times both shrinking and expanding NTFS partitions without a single hiccup.

Always defrag first :)

Thanks for the reminder. I've also been happy with BootIt-NG - I've mentioned it here too. I tried using it briefly from a boot floppy, but was flummoxed by the choices; "Install BootIt-NG" and "Cancel". It wasn't clear what I should have done, so I gave up until today. (Hitting Cancel gets you the Maintenance menu where you can do the partition work.)

So I used the latest BootIt-NG from an ISO image, booted the T41 from it, shrunk the 55 GB NTFS partition to a 40 GB partition, leaving about 10 GB for Xandros. (The rest of the disk is taken by a hidden IBM recovery partition-like area that isn't easy to manipulate. Since I got the recovery CDs from IBM I may just wipe that space (somehow) if things get tight.) The Xandros install went fine.

Initial Impressions:
0) It is running the 2.4.22-x1 kernel (I guess x1 is Xandros's customization), and KDE 3.1.4.
1) The install is very well done. I didn't have to change any IRQ settings or mess with the BIOS to get it installed this far. (I might have to later to get the wireless stuff working.)
2) The screen is running at 1024x768x16 bits and looks pretty good. It'll apparently do 1280x1024x24 bits according to the Preferences. The hardware will do 1450x1024 IIRC.
3) I got a couple of warnings that the battery was running down even though it is nearly full. I assume it's a power management issue like deSitter's talked about.
4) The trackpad and eraser-head mouse both work fine.
5) Xandros doesn't support the 802.11a/b/g wireless networking hardware on this T41 (some sort of Philips thing if I remember correctly). I'll have to look around for the proper driver or get a PCMCIA/PCCard wireless card for it.
6) So far, it looks usable out of the box and I'm happy.

I haven't installed the other CD of applications yet, nor tried running Win---s apps yet. I'm interested in seeing how easy it is to make a gradual transition from Win---s.

I have no idea whether I would have had as much success using NTFSResize. This combination works well.

Cheers,
Scott.

I appreciate all your help with this over the last few weeks.

I've updated things using the Xandros Network but don't see anything about a Thinkpad specific power management driver. All Power Management functions (which seem to be limited to ACPI) are disabled or not enabled.

I'll carefully look around before trying to enable any power management functions and fancy video stuff. Since I won't have wireless networking working for a while, it'll be running off the wall power when I'm using Xandros.

Thanks again.

Cheers,
Scott.