Installing bluetooth on a T61 that doesn't have it?

[dogbarber]

Question is....is it possible?

I like using my bluetooth mouse on my Ideapad and not having that goofy little wireless dongle taking up a usb port.

Is it possible to install it on my 7661-E17 that currently does not have it?

If so, what would be needed?

Many thanks as always everyone.

[Cigarguy]

Yep adding/replacing a Bluetooth card is not that difficult. In the maintenance manual look in section 2030 under removing and replacing FRU. The Bluetooth module you need is on page 156 of MM.

Personally I'd PM TuuS and ask what Bluetooth module he have on hand.

[RealBlackStuff]

You'll need to remove the LCD bezel only.
At the bottom, left of the LCD cable you'll find a BT-connector.
Just pop the BT-module in, attach it with a small screw (probably in there already) and put the bezel back on.
Find the BT driver on Lenovo's website.

[farmall]

Thread necromancy but this may help someone.

Combo Bluetooth/Wifi cards exist if you want to upgrade your wifi while adding Bluetooth.

I always flash Middleton BIOS so no whitelist issues with a card upgrade. I just ordered a 2230BNHMW off Ebay for five bucks. I order by that number as there are many branded versions of that Intel card for cheep.

I didn't check native Windows support since mine is going in a Linux T61, but as usual Lenovo driver support is good:

http://support.lenovo.com/us/en/downloads/ds029588

[FryPpy]

Thread necromancy but this may help someone.

Combo Bluetooth/Wifi cards exist if you want to upgrade your wifi while adding Bluetooth.

I always flash Middleton BIOS so no whitelist issues with a card upgrade. I just ordered a 2230BNHMW off Ebay for five bucks. I order by that number as there are many branded versions of that Intel card for cheep.

http://support.lenovo.com/us/en/downloads/ds029588

Does you do this mod? And it works???

WiFi slot on T6x and X6x haven't USB lanes, and BT part of these modules commonly using USB (not PCIe) port.

[farmall]

I'll find out in a couple three days when they show up but this is as normal as it can be for PC component swapping. I chose a number used in Centrino combinations and my non-BT 6300 outperforms the stock wifi card in my X200. That had BT already.

http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/ ... -2230.html

I could get newer cards but current performance is fine for my use case. The ones I bought are at the usual Ebay range for parts just above dumpster bait.

EDIT. From multiple posts including here it appears BT is useless in that slot. I'll post results yay or nay.

[jronald]

Wonder if this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Belkin-Mini ... 46215bdd6b
and then this
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221150342014?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT
Would work. Keeps it all inside.

That said the factory modules are dirt cheap. Put it in and forget it.

Ron