The T520 Support Element is a specially configured ThinkPad T520. It usually serves as one of two management units in an IBM Z mainframe:

Image source: Online course “Mainframes” of the Hasso Plattner Institute

My device comes from an IBM zEnterprise 114 (IBM 2818), which was introduced in July 2011. I saved the device from being scrapped. The ThinkPad-based Support Elements are in high demand as they are generally in best condition. The notebooks lie unused in an air-conditioned cupboard for several years and therefore show hardly any signs of wear. In addition, very few enthusiasts have access to a mainframe. Such devices are therefore often collector’s finds in auction houses.

The ThinkPad-based consoles usually have a solid CPU configuration, but do not have SSDs, powerful GPUs or high-resolution screens. What’s the point? A low screen resolution is also sufficient for the initial configuration of the mainframe. The devices usually have a special mini-Linux (the configuration mentions ‘No preload’) with equally special administration software and FDE (Full Disk Encryption), which makes it difficult to transfer the hard disk. Microsoft Windows license stickers, WLAN cards, modems, Bluetooth, webcam and built-in batteries are all missing.

Technical data

Special features:

• Lack of all optional comfort technologies and interfaces
• Curious operating system

Diagnostic output

# lspci
TODO

# lsusb
TODO

# lsusb
TODO

Links

• ThinkWiki entry about the T520
• ThinkPads forum discussion about ThinkPads in mainframes
• Reddit discussion about ThinkPads in mainframes