Thinkpad T420 smart card reader - hardware installation

[sreckoo]

Hi

I bought a T420 (type 4178) which comes without integrated smart card reader device. However additionally I bought smart card reader (FRU 04W1638) and a cable for the reader (FRU 04W1639) which I installed and it works perfectly.
The issue what I have I cannot get a proper hard drive cover. Originally it comes with cover that covers slot for smart card reader (FRU 04W1637 - http://www.studentbuyingguide.com/wp-co ... -04831.jpg) but now I need such hdd cover (http://blog.laptopmag.com/wpress/wp-con ... T420-5.jpg) with a slot that allows smart card to be inserted.

According to Lenovo T420 System service parts web site on http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-76686 there's only one type of hard drive cover (without SC reader slot).

Does anyone knows what would be the FRU number of part I'm searching for? If anyone of you has smart card reader originally built in the laptop FRU is written inside of the hdd cover and if you're not affraid to take off the cover I would really appreciate if you could provide me with FRU info.

Please note T420s has different cover.

Thank you in advance for your help,
Srecko

[Harryc]

There's something in the Misc parts (System miscellaneous parts:) list called a Plastic support for smart card. I wonder what that is?

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 76713.html

[sreckoo]

There's something in the Misc parts (System miscellaneous parts:) list called a Plastic support for smart card. I wonder what that is?

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 76713.html

Hi Harry

I beleive that's the plastic support that was taking place where smart card reader took place after I installed it. Therefore just to support "the hole".
Check the photos:
http://s1.postimage.org/kfe0fssb8/01072011334.jpg
http://s1.postimage.org/rim453o6c/01072011335.jpg
http://s1.postimage.org/ylu2vsimk/01072011336.jpg

[Harryc]

Yeah OK. I can't find a reference to that slotted HD cover anywhere. I broke your PIC img tags because we don't allow inline pics without a warning in the subject line, and even then only one small pic is allowed.

[icecream123]

OP, where did you buy the smart card reader and cable from?
my t420 doesn't have it as well but i want to get it...

[sreckoo]

OP, where did you buy the smart card reader and cable from?
my t420 doesn't have it as well but i want to get it...

Sorry for a late response. I bought a smart card reader and the cable from Lenovo reseller. Also at the end I managed to get plastic cover which came in the set of two pieces (one with SC slot and normal one which was originally with the laptop. In service parts information it's not clear that FRU contains both covers). Everything together came about 35 EUR. I believe anyone who has service for Lenovo can get this parts.

Here's the list of FRU's that reseller ordered from Lenovo:
04W1639 - SmartCard Reader FPC cable
04W1638 - SmartCard Reader
04W1637 - HDD cover

Hope that helps you. I was also in pain when I realized such business laptop doesn't comes with smart card reader as this was the only configuration available.

[icecream123]

Thanks.

I'll find some reseller because if i order directly the hdd cover alone is $19.50 !!

[alitahriki]

Hi Harry

I beleive that's the plastic support that was taking place where smart card reader took place after I installed it. Therefore just to support "the hole".
Check the photos:
http://s1.postimage.org/kfe0fssb8/01072011334.jpg
http://s1.postimage.org/rim453o6c/01072011335.jpg
http://s1.postimage.org/ylu2vsimk/01072011336.jpg

its not relevant but this images like a terminator, tank or something giant. i love thinkpad