T20 integrated WI-FI

[skid]

I just stumbled onto this site while searching for information about my T20 2647-44U.
I tried using a Linksys WPC54G (PCMCIA / WI-FI), but I went back to my old Cisco Aironet 350 “B” card because it is more reliable, faster (when far from AP) and has more range than the “G” card. I would like to install internal WI-FI to improve the connection [like my T40] and be able to use other PCMCIA adaptors. Some T20’s were sold as “wireless ready” or “integrated ultra connect antenna” (meaning an antenna is installed), I had to replace my LCD so I know it does not have an antenna, I bought one off e-bay (pulled from a T20). But now I have a few Questions:

1. Why does IBM specify different part numbers for access and LCD covers for wireless and non-wireless T20 models?
2. Do these parts need to be non-metallic to allow RF signals?
3. Will the Mini-pci cards listed by IBM also work in a T20 that was not sold as “wireless ready”
[ FRU# 31P9701 and 73P4301 and 73P2801]
4. In a post about upgrading the T23 for integrated WI-FI the “upgrade” parts included hinges and an LCD cover. The existing LCD cable passes through the OEM hinge, so why cant the antenna?
Or are the hinges required for the new LCD cover which is necessary for the RF antenna?

[JHEM]

The first T series with built-in WiFi was the T23 with a SXGA+ display, so I can't understand where you're seeing WiFi ready T20s.

The only parts required to upgrade an older T series for WiFi are the antennae and the mini-PCI card. No necessity to buy new LCD surrounds, hinges, etc., etc.

You will lose wired ethernet capability by replacing the existing combo Ethernet/Modem mini-PCI card. There's no such thing as a combo Ethernet/WiFi mini-PCI card.

I upgraded an SXGA+ T21 to WiFi by replacing the display with one from a WiFi equipped T23 that already had the antennae installed.

Regards,

James

[Nolonemo]

My experience with trying to route IBM wireless antennas into the LCD cover of my T22 was that the reception was worse than either antennae routed under the palm rest, or a PC card. Someone once posted that the metal in the LCD covers shields the antennae and that the T23 wifi cover has cutouts in the metal (where the hashmarks are on the side) to allow reception by the antenna ends. I have no idea if this is true or not.

What I do know is that it is a hell of a lot easier just to get a 3Com Xjack wifi card (antenna retracts into the card when not in use) which will give you just as good reception as a jury-rigged antenna.

Trust me, been there, done that.

[skid]

I can no longer find information about wireless T20's (or anything else) on IBM's site since "Len-ohno" took over, but did find some after market replacement parts for wireless T20's here:

http://www.impactcomputers.com/ibmparts ... and-a.html

I read about the replacement cover & hinges here:
http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... t=wlan+t23

This article has alot of detailed info on wireless antennas:
http://researchweb.watson.ibm.com/journ ... 2/liu.html

[skid]

The first T series with built-in WiFi was the T23 with a SXGA+ display, so I can't understand where you're seeing WiFi ready T20s.

The only parts required to upgrade an older T series for WiFi are the antennae and the mini-PCI card. No necessity to buy new LCD surrounds, hinges, etc., etc.

You will lose wired ethernet capability by replacing the existing combo Ethernet/Modem mini-PCI card. There's no such thing as a combo Ethernet/WiFi mini-PCI card.

I upgraded an SXGA+ T21 to WiFi by replacing the display with one from a WiFi equipped T23 that already had the antennae installed.

Regards,

James

Not disagreeing with you about the first "functional WI-FI" model, but
according to the few IBM documents available for the T20 series, The “Wireless ready” feature was first offered as an option intended to simplify future implementation of WI-FI. (pre-installed antenna only, no MINI-PCI) for the reasons you mentioned.
Also, apparently the first generation of WI-FI ready antennas were only intended for use with Wireless “A” and “B”
one is listed on ebay (Item number: 6793215612) (2647-84u).

[Nolonemo]

I think that ebay listing is for a T20 and the seller is throwing in a wifi PC card. There are a lot of T2* auctions with wifi where that is the case. My 560 was "wifi-ready," because it had a PC slot....