ThinkPad X41 Tablet users may notice slow system performance. The slow performance may be associated with any of the following: - slow boot-up
- slow operation after the user is logged in
- a gradual degradation of system performance the longer the system is left powered on
Note: There are many reasons that a system may experience slow performance. It can range from application errors, Microsoft Windows service problems, improperly loaded drivers, and many other miscellaneous issues. This document addresses the most common problems associated with slow performance on the ThinkPad X41 Tablet.
Any ThinkPad X41 Tablet system running Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition 2005.
Microsoft has identified a performance impact when the virtual keyboard is enabled to automatically pop-up when a text input field is detected. Visit the following URL for more information:
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;839389
Note: You will now have to click on the keyboard icon in the taskbar to open the virtual keyboard input panel once this is disabled. - Open the virtual keyboard (link on taskbar).
- Open the options configurator by clicking the gear icon on the right side of the keyboard.
- Click Options.
- On the General tab, remove the check from the box for Show Input Panel ... when possible.
When using the X41 Tablet in tablet mode some users have found that the system response time is very slow. This may be caused by the hard drive Active Protection System halting hard drive function. This protects the drive, but it also prevents applications and the operating system from accessing the drive. For users which have a problem using the system with Active Protection System default settings, the utility can be customized to allow for more rigorous motion to halt the drive.
Note: It is never recommended to disable the Active Protection system, as it protects your hard drive from damage. - Click Start and then click Control Panel.
- Double-click IBM Active Protection System or ThinkVantage Active Protection System.
- On the Configuration tab, slide the Shock detection sensitivity slider to Low
- Click OK to accept changes
These changes should be considered completely optional, and at the discretion of each user. If current settings are preferred over these changes, then forego these recommendations. These changes are simply for people looking to gain additional minor improvement.
If you use Access Connections to manage your wired and wireless network connections, you can make a few changes in your profile settings which can also help with performance. - Create separate profiles for each wired and wireless connection, individually. For example, "work wired", and "work wireless" instead of one "work" profile containing both adapters.
- Disable automatic profile switching
- Open Access Connections, and select Location Switching from the title menu
- Click Switch Ethernet and Wireless Location Profiles automatically...
- On both the wired (Ethernet) and wireless tabs, remove the check from the option for Switch Location Profiles Automatically
Note: After applying this change, you must click the Access Connections icon ( ) in the systray and then select the specific profile you want to connect to.
All applications loaded when the system first starts will slow down boot-up time, and slow overall system performance if they remain resident in memory. You can review applications in your Add or Remove Programs and remove unused components. - Click Start and then click Control Panel.
- Click Add or Remove Programs. A of all installed applications is displayed.
- Select unused applications and click remove. For example, you may choose to uninstall:
- IBM / ThinkVantage Message Center
- IBM Update Connector
Note: The above applications are not installed on all Lenovo preloads. If you cannot find one or more of these applications listed in your Add or Remove programs list then the application is not installed.
Install and run Software Installer to ensure all of your drivers are up to date. This tool will automatically find, download, and install updates with minimal user interaction. Visit the following URL for more information and to obtain the update tool.
http://www.lenovo.com/think/support/site.wss/document.do?sitestyle=lenovo&lndocid=SOFT-UPDATE
Note: Drivers missing from custom images is one of the biggest factors causing slow performance. Two example drivers are:
- Some applications inherently cause a greater strain on system resources. For example, a virus scanner set to perform real-time scanning of any file opened on the computer means that the system must not only spend processor time to open the file, but also run a virus scan on the file.
- Programs with built in real-time monitoring can lag the system, so they should be chosen with care.
- Virus scanners and Microsoft's Anti-Spyware application can add excessive overhead to system operation.
- Configure the settings of these applications to disable some of the unneeded real-time functions.
- Be careful not to disable your AntiVirus, Firewall, Anti-Spyware or other protective software completely.
- If you have installed the Battery Maximizer utility or use the Microsoft Power Options in control panel to configure power schemes for your computer, you may have noticed that some power schemes have names like, "Always On", and "Maximum Performance". Using these schemes will not provide a significant performance improvement over the "Portable / Laptop" or the "ThinkPad Default" schemes.
- The portable schemes allow for Intel power management to throttle the processor down when the system does not need the full system resources. However, when there is a need for the extra processor power the system will throttle the system up to it's full speed.
- The true performance difference between a "Maximum Performance" scheme versus the "Portable / Laptop" scheme is marginal, and in truth is so small that most users will not be able to notice a measurable difference.
- If you do choose to run in "Always On" or "Maximum Performance" it will have two immediate negative effects on your system:
- A processor running at maximum speed also runs at very high temperatures. If the processor is forced to always run at maximum speed then it will drive the internal temperature up, and thereby drive the system's external temperature higher. If the processor is allowed to throttle down, it can vent much of that heat.
- A processor running at maximum speed requires more power. If the processor is forced high then it draws much more power. If you are running on battery you will notice a 30-50% decrease (or more) in the battery life of your system. (Likewise, if you use a "Maximum Battery Life" scheme while on battery, you can increase your battery life significantly, at the sacrifice of some performance).
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