Add mini pci wifi card instead of the modem ? - T23

[Wiking]

Hi,
I have T23.
Wanted to know if it is possible to replace the modem with mini pci WIFI card like I did previously in my R32 ?
I opened the cover and didn't find the antenna cables (in My R32 they were there) so I guess that I need to install them too.
Can somebody confirm that I can put mini pci instead the modem (modem fru 08k4853) and also antenna and it will work without any problems ?
Which mini pci wifi card will work for sure and which cables to buy ?
I'm from Israel so my best bet is ebay but I need to be sure that it will work
Help and advice which and from who to buy will be much appreciate.
Thank you
Lior

[rkawakami]

The best way to upgrade your T23 with wireless is to replace the lid with one that has the antenna portals near the "top" corners, like this:

http://www.kawakami-ca.com/antenna_comparison/t23.jpg

This way you can use the factory antennas, which are still probably attached to the lid. The antenna leads are routed through the left hand side hinge and are threaded through a hole in the motherboard on their way to the MiniPCI area. If you still want to be able to use the modem, then your choice on wireless cards is limited to the factory 802.11b "combo" card made by Actiontec. The FRU is 12P3657. The driver is available from here:

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-41929

Otherwise, if you can live without the modem (or use one that plugs into the PCMCIA slot), then you should be able to use any MiniPCI wireless card. A popular one is the Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG (what I am using right now in this T23). I downloaded the driver directly from Intel's site. It's easy enough to find by plugging in "intel pro/wireless 2200bg drivers" into a Google search and then clicking on the "downloadcenter.intel.com" link.

[Wiking]

But lid is an expensive replacement for this in my mind. there is no place in the current lid to support the antenna cables ? can't I just put it with masking tape or something to the lid cover ?
about drivers I don't worry.
What is my best choose in wireless mini pci cards ? intel 2200 is the best or there are better ?
Any recommended ebay seller to buy from ?

[rkawakami]

I've put antennas into non-wireless lids and the result is not as good as the factory (obviously). The problem is that the lid is made of metal and it blocks the WiFi signals. My best attempt was to remove the Ultraport connector and put the antenna there. That's the series of electrical contacts underneath the rubber cover (if you still have it) in the middle of the lid between the latches. As long as you don't plan on using the UltraPort webcam, then that may be the best option.

I've also put antennas down in the base of the T23 but again, reception is limited. One place that's easy to get to is at the end of the battery bay, between the keyboard bezel and base.

If you are planning to install a non-factory antenna, then this thread may help:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=58&t=49382

[cadillacmike68]

I'm in a similar spot with this used T23 i just bought - no wireless antenna wires, and the lid does not have the necessary fittings, so I guess it's a PCMCIA WiFi on this guy... Fortunately i have a few from my T22 days.

If i wanted to 'customize' this T23, buy putting in a mini PCI wireless, I would have to buy two antennae wouldn't I? I could probably get the wires from my FUBAR'd T30. One undiscussed antenna routing option option is to drill the mini PCI cover, run the antenna wires out it and up along the outside of the top cover. That would really make it a FrankenPad wouldn't it.

The final option is to find the hard to find cover, bezel, wires, etc. for a T23 with built in wireless, but that appears to be easier said than done.

[rkawakami]

Your "final option", is of course the cleanest. There was a 2647-8NU offered on eBay recently for $35 (BIN, shipped) so they do appear from time to time.

[cadillacmike68]

Did it get bought??

Why am i even doing this??? I have T30s with the wires already built in.....

dumb question:

Will the NO-1802 utility (that i use on my T30s)correctly fix a T23 BIOS that rejects a later B/G WIFI mini card??

[rkawakami]

Yes it did get purchased but it was listed for about two weeks before somebody got it: http://cgi.ebay.com/310324120898 I should say that it was a parts/dead system but the casing looked intact. I asked the seller what the TYPE was and was told it was an 8NU. It was evident that it was a wireless system from the second white label on top of the large IBM label. But it was hard to make out the plastic antenna windows on the side of the lid from the picture.

The T23 does not have a "whitelist". I've used several different Broadcom cards over the years. I'm currently running an Intel 2200bg card in this T23 without any BIOS hacks. Although it does have a 27K9932 FRU printed on it.

[cadillacmike68]

Yes it did get purchased but it was listed for about two weeks before somebody got it: http://cgi.ebay.com/310324120898 I should say that it was a parts/dead system but the casing looked intact. I asked the seller what the TYPE was and was told it was an 8NU. It was evident that it was a wireless system from the second white label on top of the large IBM label. But it was hard to make out the plastic antenna windows on the side of the lid from the picture.

The T23 does not have a "whitelist". I've used several different Broadcom cards over the years. I'm currently running an Intel 2200bg card in this T23 without any BIOS hacks. Although it does have a 27K9932 FRU printed on it.

Roger,

I'm looking at a T23 with wireless built in at the moment (please don't tell my wife!!!)

But if i want to use a MODEM, either i get the ActionTec FRU, or perhaps keep the original modem only miniPCI card and switch it in / out as needed (say I'm in a desolate aera with modem access only)...