bios update and model number?

[llama_thumper]

hi,

does anyone have a clue why (in the bios update programme) there's the option to change the model number? whats the official purpose/idea behind that?

i myself was thinking of changing my 'Machine type-Model' (it's 2373-G3G), because i bought a laptop in austria. the keyboard is german, etc, but i'd just like to change the model number to the US/UK equivalent, so that when it's identified online the right (english, not german) updates are selected. does anyone therefore know what IBM's system is on the model codes?
ie if i change 'G3G' to 'G3U', will that designate it as an american model?

sorry for the confused post, hope anyone can help...