How do I load the tp_smapi kernel module on a Lenovo Easypad?

Question

I own a Lenovo EasyPad Z580 running Ubuntu and I'd like to manage more of the power management (battery). I found answers in this question about battery management on Lenovo systems: How can I limit battery charging to 80% capacity?

So, I've installed tp smapi using the following command:

sudo apt-get install tp-smapi-dkms

Aquaherd's answer seems to settle the problem for some users. In the comments however it is clear it throws the following error for other users (me included):

sudo modprobe tp_smapi
FATAL: Error inserting tp_smapi (/lib/modules/3.5.0-17-generic/updates/dkms/tp_smapi.ko):
 No such device

DKMS reports (dkms status):

tp-smapi, 0.41, 3.5.0-21-generic, x86_64: installed

I checked the following sources, but they all seem too advanced for me. Is there a way to install tp_smapi without messing too much with kernels and source code etc? If there is not, can someone explain the various steps proposed in some of these howto's

• Cannot set tp_smapi thresholds on a Thinkpad
• http://www.ubuntu-unleashed.com/2007/09/howto-extend-life-of-your-thinkpads.html
• http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1752993
• http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=1752993
• https://unix.stackexchange.com/questions/11670/how-to-load-tp-smapi-on-thinkpad-x120e

Solution

I believe you have an Ideapad Z580 rather than an Easypad (which seems not to exist).

Steps are correct

All seems to be installed and enabled well. You've installed the correct DKMS package (tp-smapi-dkms) and you're modprobe'ing correct.

tp_smapi is for real Thinkpads only

Not for Ideapads. And not even all Thinkpads are supported. See this page on Thinkwiki.org which models are supported. It doesn't even mention any Ideapad there.

From the same Thinkwiki.org page:

The ThinkPad SL series and IdeaPad series have firmware that is completely different from other ThinkPad models. Neither tp_smapi nor thinkpad-acpi support these models.

These are consumer-grade notebooks, from the original Lenovo line. The supported Thinkpads are more of the original IBM-line of machines with a completely different design in hardware. The component that's key here is the embedded hardware controller for this unique power controlling feature. As far as I know, only the business-line of Thinkpads still feature this today.

Short history: Lenovo bought IBM's Thinkpad line of machines in 2005, but even till today the machines between the Thinkpad T/X/W series can't be compared to the consumer-grade machines in terms of compatibility (and quality).

Bottom line: you can't do this on your device.