Internal 802.11G on T40

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benplaut · #1 Post by **benplaut** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 1:28 pm

well, my beloved T40 2373 unfortunately does not have built in wireless

I bought a Motorola WN825G cardbus adaptor, but am getting a bit fed up with it (can't make an ad-hoc network, no linux support, cover is on the edge of breaking...)

I thought that, since i'll be switching to linux in the next few weeks, it would be the perfect time to upgrade to built in wireless.

1. Do i have an antenna already, if not, how hard is it to install one?

2. What is the CHEAPEST 802.11G card that i can get that will safely work with a thinkpad?

3. Does a 3rd party card (such as a Intel card), usually not supported by TPs, work with linux? or is it in the bios... (i will be using SuSE 9.2)

4. Is it worth it?

5. Anything else i should know beforehand?

Thankee very kindly!

EDIT

6. I am seeing tons of Intel cards on ebay for around the range of $30. I am going to try and keep this all under $40, so is it worth doing the 1802 hack and getting a 3rd party card?

stgreek · #2 Post by **stgreek** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 2:20 pm

bplaut wrote: 1. Do i have an antenna already, if not, how hard is it to install one?

Post the complete model (eg 23xx-xxx) and we'll tell you if you do. If not, it is not too much work but does require disassembly of parts.

2. What is the CHEAPEST 802.11G card that i can get that will safely work with a thinkpad?

Cheapest is the Intel 2200B/G. It is still not as good as the IBM ones but a big improvement over the 2100

3. Does a 3rd party card (such as a Intel card), usually not supported by TPs, work with linux? or is it in the bios... (i will be using SuSE 9.2)

I think that Linux supports all the chipsets that the IBM BIOS allows (atheros,intel,cisco), so there should not be a problem.

4. Is it worth it?

If the antennas exist, of course it is. If not, it depends on whether you are willing to open up your monitor or not.

5. Anything else i should know beforehand?
Thankee very kindly!

No. Have fun, and you are welcome

JHEM · #3 Post by **JHEM** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 2:25 pm

stgreek wrote:
bplaut wrote: 1. Do i have an antenna already, if not, how hard is it to install one?
Post the complete model (eg 23xx-xxx) and we'll tell you if you do. If not, it is not too much work but does require disassembly of parts.

ALL T4X machines come from the factory with the antennae already installed, whether or not they have Wifi cards installed.

Regards,

James

benplaut · #4 Post by **benplaut** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 2:25 pm

stgreek wrote:
bplaut wrote: 1. Do i have an antenna already, if not, how hard is it to install one?
Post the complete model (eg 23xx-xxx) and we'll tell you if you do. If not, it is not too much work but does require disassembly of parts.

where could i find that out? i looked on the bottom of the TP, and all i could find was 2373

EDIT

thanks, JHEM

EDIT 2

oh, and added another one to the list

JHEM · #5 Post by **JHEM** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 2:30 pm

In the configuration utility or in the BIOS the next time you restart the machine.

Look at the bottom of the machine again, should have a label that says "Type 2373-XXX S/N XX-XXXXX followed by a date in month/year. We're looking for the three letters/digits after 2373.

Regards,

James

benplaut · #6 Post by **benplaut** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 2:37 pm

JHEM wrote:In the configuration utility or in the BIOS the next time you restart the machine.

Look at the bottom of the machine again, should have a label that says "Type 2373-XXX S/N XX-XXXXX followed by a date in month/year. We're looking for the three letters/digits after 2373.

Regards,

James

ooooooh...

it's a 2373-7CU

stgreek · #7 Post by **stgreek** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 2:38 pm

JHEM wrote: ALL T4X machines come from the factory with the antennae already installed, whether or not they have Wifi cards installed.

Regards,

James

You can always learn new things I guess!

JHEM · #8 Post by **JHEM** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 2:48 pm

Mahalo bra,

bplaut wrote:ooooooh...

it's a 2373-7CU

Nice piece of kit. I'm typing this on it's "brother", an upgraded 2373-8CU.

1.5GB RAM, 7K60 HD, IBM a/b/g card and an UltraBay Slim 24X Combo II drive.

Regards,

James

benplaut · #9 Post by **benplaut** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 2:53 pm

JHEM wrote:Mahalo bra,
bplaut wrote:ooooooh...

it's a 2373-7CU
Nice piece of kit. I'm typing this on it's "brother", an upgraded 2373-8CU.

1.5GB RAM, 7K60 HD, IBM a/b/g card and an UltraBay Slim 24X Combo II drive.

Regards,

James

hehehe... nice pidgen

i haven't upgraded mine much... 40gb HDD, 768mb RAM, DVDROM/CDRW, (cardbus wireless...)

JHEM · #10 Post by **JHEM** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 3:03 pm

bplaut wrote:hehehe... nice pidgen

Come by it honestly, got "family" that's Director of Athletics at UH Hilo.

Regards,

James

benplaut · #11 Post by **benplaut** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 3:05 pm

JHEM wrote:
bplaut wrote:hehehe... nice pidgen
Come by it honestly, got "family" that's Director of Athletics at UH Hilo.

Regards,

James

nice!

was never much a fan of the rainy side, however

JHEM · #12 Post by **JHEM** » Fri Mar 18, 2005 7:14 pm

bplaut wrote:was never much a fan of the rainy side, however

She and the family moved there from Erie, PA in the middle of winter.

I feel safe in saying she'll never complain about a little rain!

Regards,

James

benplaut · #13 Post by **benplaut** » Sat Mar 19, 2005 1:18 pm

OK... back on topic

i decided on the basic IBM Atheros A/B/G card... it costs more (come out to be within a few cents of $70 with S&H and tax), but i have some assurance that it will work... and that i can return it.

Any last remarks before i order?

Leon · #14 Post by **Leon** » Sat Mar 19, 2005 1:35 pm

It's a great card.

Internal 802.11G on T40

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