Hi Martin,
... setting Advanced Power Management level to 0xfe (254) hda: drive_cmd: status=8x51 (DriveReady SekkCompleter Error) hda: drive_cmd: error=8x84 (AbortedCommand) ???. failed opcode ??: 8xef ??IO_Drive_CMD failed: Input/output error
I have this one on my T61 too. An init script tries to set some IDE settings on the DVD drive (hda). So, this is not your problem I guess.
Any idea how to solve this? Reinstall debian from another media? T61 are supported as far as I know (lots of pages describing the installation).
No problem here on my T61. Only a few minor issues (no wireless led, few splashy issues, etc).
Does the problem happen when X starts? Regards, Cyril Jaquier