X31 Wireless upgrade - invalidates warranty??

[dmccart]

I'm looking to buy an X31 probably similar to the 1.4ghz model TK1C8SX or better.

If I want to get an ibm approved a/b/g wireless card and install it into the base model x31 should the dealer do this for me or if I have to do it myself in which case is it even possible.

I know that it has an intel pro wireless integrated but don't know if its on chip or whether that is in the mini pci slot inside. Is it simply a matter of disabling the intel wireless and installing the ibm a/b/g card? If so how easy is this to do? I've no problems opening pcs but I'd be a bit more wary of opening a brand new laptop.

I also have seen several models that cost far more that are marked as wireless upgradeable. Does this mean the base model isn't?

I've even looked at purchasing in the US where you can configure online and getting it shipped over but the IBM warranty doesn't cover damage in transit (if you're not there) which seems fair enough I suppose so it would mean me taking a chance on having an expensive doorstop.

I have asked in a few places but most of the places I've been so far have been fairly clueless in relation to this. Any help would be appreciated.

[csv96]

Which country are you in?

There are many X31 models. The vast majority of them have integrated wireless which means they have a wireless mini PCI card pre-installed. These cards are user-replacable/upgradable and opening the computer to install or switch mini PCI cards will not affect the warranty. For the X31, most come with either the Intel PRO/Wireless 2100 adapter (these are the ones marked "Centrino") or the IBM 802.11abg adapter. It's probably less expensive to buy a unit with the wireless already installed rather than buy a wireless-ready unit.

[dmccart]

I'm buying in switzerland. The wireless upgradeable or a/b/g models are 500 francs or so dearer ($400) (think its to do with centrino marketing or something). I'd prefer to have a/b/g so it looks like I'd be better off buying the base model and the ibm card which is 200 francs ($150) instead.

Then I'd just have to pull out the intel card and slot in the ibm card.

Have you done this yourself? I remember years ago battling with serrated metal edges when installing something on an amiga 1200 and slicing my finger open so it kinda put me off for a bit. I presume that its a bit more straightforward these days with todays laptops. Are the antenna cables fragile?

[dmccart]

Just to clarify I know the amiga 1200 isn't a laptop but its a custom case so its the closest comparision I have.

I found something on the install on the ibm site. Looks ok so I'll try it when I get the laptop.

Just one thing I'd like to know is how easy is it to snap the cables and if you snap them can you get a replacement or are they soldered on?

[G-Man]

Here is a movie on installing the wireless Mini PCI: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-51398

...and detailed instructions: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-44205

Regards,
G-Man