2.1 upgrade problems with Thinkpad T41 and XP SP2
It appears that the USB ports of the T41 operate as if they are 1.1 versions after the service pack. YOu will need to either buy a Cardbus (PCMCIA) USB device or move to another computer with real functioning USB 2 ports if you want to convert the iBrick back into an iPhone.
Never had a problem with Itunes and the iPhone until Saturday morning, when I naively clicked "Yes" to update my 3G phone while in my hotel room in Buenos Aires. After spending a couple of days trying every step posted for these problems (when the phone displays the "connect to iTunes" logo while the update process spins uselessly), I had to fly to Sao Paulo where fortunately I would have access to other computers. A friend with a T60 allowed me to connect today at lunchtime, where I was able to get the 2.1 update to work smoothly.
Lessons learned:
1) The USB 2.0 requirement is serious, even if it has not been an impediment in the past
2) Machines such as the T41 may have USB 2.0 listed on the specifications, but MS hotfixes and SPs can downgrade the functionality of the driver to 1.1 level. Need to verify.
3) Only accept updates when you are in a location and at a time when you can handle the repercussions of a misfire. Had I been home, I could have driven to the nearest Apple store and had this cleared up. In remote countries, on a weekend, my options were degraded. Had I not had a friend nearby, I might have had to wait another week until I landed in NY before I could have restored my phone.
Never had a problem with Itunes and the iPhone until Saturday morning, when I naively clicked "Yes" to update my 3G phone while in my hotel room in Buenos Aires. After spending a couple of days trying every step posted for these problems (when the phone displays the "connect to iTunes" logo while the update process spins uselessly), I had to fly to Sao Paulo where fortunately I would have access to other computers. A friend with a T60 allowed me to connect today at lunchtime, where I was able to get the 2.1 update to work smoothly.
Lessons learned:
1) The USB 2.0 requirement is serious, even if it has not been an impediment in the past
2) Machines such as the T41 may have USB 2.0 listed on the specifications, but MS hotfixes and SPs can downgrade the functionality of the driver to 1.1 level. Need to verify.
3) Only accept updates when you are in a location and at a time when you can handle the repercussions of a misfire. Had I been home, I could have driven to the nearest Apple store and had this cleared up. In remote countries, on a weekend, my options were degraded. Had I not had a friend nearby, I might have had to wait another week until I landed in NY before I could have restored my phone.
Thinkpad T41, Windows XP, SP2