Thinkpads Forum

as the title says,

I have a T61 (14" wide, Nvidia graphics) with smartcard reader under the PCMCIA slot...

is it possible to replace the smartcard reader with an express card slot as other models have? (obviously without having to change the whole motherboard )

Yes you can replace it with a PC Card/ExpressCard PCMCIA cage, P/N 42X3827.
See e.g. here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lenovo-ThinkPad ... 0966996134
Just in case: cages from T60 and T61 models are different!

great, Thx

And another question.
The door for PCMCI/ExpressCard is different than for SmartCard/PCMCI. And the door is a part of lower thinkpad case. Is there any ways to swap this doors? I understand that some plastic to be cut (in SmartCard/PCMCI). But i don't know how to disassemble door from PCMCI/ExpressCard case.

Another option:
42X4761 - ExpressCard/SmartCard cage that can be fitted instead SmartCard/PCMCI cage to get ExpressCard and not cut thinkpad case.

It is tested that cages from T(W)500 are working on T61.

FryPpy wrote:But i don't know how to disassemble door from PCMCI/ExpressCard case.

Here is the link for the T61 14.1" widescreen HMM (Hardware Maintenance Manual).

Not sure if you already have this file but if not I provided a link anyway.

Save the file as it is very good for future reference. Good luck

The 'doors' can be exchanged as well (if you can find them).
Be careful not to break anything.

RealBlackStuff wrote:The 'doors' can be exchanged as well (if you can find them).
Be careful not to break anything.

Thanks. I did it.
I have old T60 15" 4:3 bottom cover in bad shape (corner plastic have broken). I can take door from it.
To do it door (T60) must be fully opened and slightly bended upwards |_/-----\_|.
T61 door (with smart card reader). I have pulled it inside. It is secured by two strips of double-sided adhesive tape at the bottom and 2 small snaps.