T-30 Memory Slot Prob, wireless & bluetooth upgrade

[coolofun]

This is a 3 year old laptop gifted to me by my bro and it is outta the 3 year warranty now. I am facing 3 problems here.....

1.
My memory slot seems to be damaged. I am currently using a new 512MB module in slot 0. I have 2 more 256MB modules which I'ld like to use. I tried using it in the slot 1......... but it just doesnt work. When it boots up it just recognises the 512 and not the 256. I checked the 256 in slot 0 and it worked well. So no problem with the RAM module.

2. My laptop doesnt have the inbuilt wireless (T-30 2366-41U). Is it possible to get an internal wireless card fixed so that I can discontinue using the PCMCIA network card.
Also it doen't have bluetooth. I've heard about bluetooth daughter card being fixed. Can it be fixed on my laptop model?

3. As you might know ..... my laptop has USB 1.1. I am currently using a PCMCIA card to USB 2.0 for accessing my external HDD which I use extensively. Is it possible to replace the USB 1.1 with 2.0?

And last but not the least....... I live in Forest Hills, Queens, NY. So if anyone can recommend me a good genuine repair store where I can get some of the above (if not all) fixed.

Thanks in advance.

[Kyocera]

In regards to the memory slot issue, there are many post's in this forum, there is a known issue with some motherboards, if it is out of warranty you are kind of stuck, these machines work great with 512, a faster HD is where you'll get some improvement also.

Some models 2366-41u wireless upgradeable, a mini pci card can be added. Click on the FAQ's in my sig.

PCMCIA 2.0 is about all you are going to be able to get.

[rkawakami]

My memory slot seems to be damaged.

My understanding is that this can be fixed but it involves a motherboard replacement. IBM had offered a free repair service for this issue but I think the deadline has expired. Use the Search link at the top of this page to look for more info about this.

Is it possible to get an internal wireless card fixed so that I can discontinue using the PCMCIA network card.

You may be able to install a wireless card, but if your T30 did not come with the factory wireless option, then most likely the internal antennas are not in the lid, nor are the plastic(?) covers which allow the signal to escape. Your other option is to place the internal antenna(s) under the keyboard. Again, you can use the search feature to see how others have upgraded their systems.

Is it possible to replace the USB 1.1 with 2.0?

Not as far as I know. The USB interface is built into the motherboard.

And last but not the least....... I live in Forest Hills, Queens, NY.

Can you use the Profile link at the top of this page and update your profile information so that when you post the next time, your location appears in the lefthand side column under your name.

[skitty4gzus]

I can answer a few of your questions as I just had these same things arise with my t30 that I just bought. Also about 3 years old. You should search for that topic as it almost answered all of your questions. But, I can help with a few of them. First, you are stuck with usb 1.1, unless you keep using your pcmcia card. Second, I have a 2367-81x model t30 and it had the antennas built in and all i had to do was buy the mini card. But, with that you will either have to do the no_1802 hack on the bios for a non-supported card, or you will have to buy a card that ibm supports. Your choice really and doing the hack wasn't all that bad. The memory issue you already got answered, and I cant help you much with bluetooth questions, and I live in central Michigan and so far there isnt really anybody I would take any computer related parts to. So in New York I have not a clue!