Installing Linux Mint 12 on Lenovo ThinkPad T420s Laptop

Last updated: January 18th, 2012

General Hardware Specifications of Lenovo ThinkPad T420s:

Hardware Components	Status under Linux	Notes
Intel Core i5 Dual Core 2.60Ghz	Works	No special procedure required during installation.
14" HD+ anti-glare LED-backlit (max 1600x900)	Works	No special procedure required during installation.
Intel® HD Graphics 3000	Works	No special procedure required during installation.
4GB, DDR3, 2DIMM, 1333 Mhz	Works	No special procedure required during installation.
250 GB Seagate SATA @ 5400 rpm	Works	No special procedure required during installation.
No Floppy Drive	N/A	N/A
Integrated Network Card	Works	No special procedure required during installation.
No Modem	N/A	N/A
CD/DVD Drive	CD/DVD Read Works	CD/DVD Burning Untested
Intel Centrino Advanced-N 6205	Works	No special procedure required during installation.
6 Cell Lithium-Ion Battery	Works	No special procedure required during installation.
On Board Sound	Works	No special procedure required during installation.
4-in-1 Multimedia Card Reader	Works	No special procedure required during installation.

This laptop is operating under Kernel version 3.0.0-12-generic

Basic Installation of Linux Mint 12:

Why to use Linut Mint 12: I used Linux Mint 12 for many reasons, but most importantly are the broad multimedia support lacking in the base installation of many Linux distributions, and the Gnome 3 desktop,which has been customized to still give a familiar Gnome 2 feel, while not limiting the ability to use new features.
Obtaining Linux Mint 12: www.linuxmint.com
Installation:

I used the DVD ISO download on a USB thumb drive, formatted with Unetbootin however; there are a few different ISO files that are tailored to most situations (CD, DVD, USB and Net-Install). Just burn, or create a USB, and boot from it. To change the boot order when powering on, remember to press the blue ThinkVantage button, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Post-Install modifications/tweaks:

Besides ensuring that you allow the updates to download, I found no required steps that need to be taken once the OS is installed.

Contact Information:

billinja(at)billingham(dot)ca

Links:

www.linuxmint.com

http://shop.lenovo.com/us/laptops/thinkpad/t-series/t420s

www.linux-on-laptops.com