Buit-in Bluetooth adapter in X40 2386GCU ?

[m0sh3g]

Hi,

On my X40 I have a sticker that shows Bluetooth MAC address.
But Windows XP can't find anything and I've tried installing different drivers from IBM and microsoft without success...

Does my computer have integrated bluetooth?
Is there a way to definitely find out?

Thanks.

[Saysana13B]

Try going to Control Panel>System>Hardware Tab>Device Manager.

I believe if its there, and not working for various reasons, there will be an icon with a yellow ! (exclamation) mark on it.

That was the case with my built in wireless card when I thought I didn't have wireless until I opened it up and found a card... I went to device manager and I had an error, I d/led a driver and it works!

[sjthinkpader]

In order for the BT device to show up, you have to turn it on first. This can be done by Fn+F5 or in the AC. Some machines such as A31p has a button on the LCD bezel to turn it on.

[m0sh3g]

Saysana13B: there's no devices with missing drivers in device manager

sjthinkpader: Fn+F5 shows only 802.11 Wireless Radio

Thanks

[rkawakami]

Several things:

- 2386GCU shows as not being shipped with Bluetooth

Product: ThinkPad X40 2386-GCU
Operating system: All

Original description: P M 738 LV, 512MB RAM, 40GB 4200rpm HDD, 12.1 XGA(1024x768) TFT LCD, Intel Extreme, Intel 802.11b/g wireless(MPCI), Modem(CDC), 1Gb Ethernet(LOM), Secure Chip, X4 UltraBase + CD-RW/DVD, 8 cell Li-Ion battery, WinXP Pro

while a 2386REU shows this:

Product: ThinkPad X40 2386-REU
Operating system: All

Original description: P M 778(1.60GHz)LV, 512MB RAM, 60GB 4200rpm HD, 12.1in 1024x768 LCD, Intel Extreme, Intel 802.11bg wireless, Bluetooth/Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, Secure chip, UltraBase + CDRW/DVD, 8c Li-Ion batt, WinXP Pro

- the MAC address label could be for the WiFi card, although it should say "802.11" on it
- remove the large panel from the bottom of the system and check to see which cards are installed. Refer to page 81 of the HMM: http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-53683

[m0sh3g]

There are 3 barcode labels:
(23S) Lan MAC Address: ...
(23S) 802.11 MAC Address (pretty much wiped off)
(23S) Bluetooth MAC Addr: 00 0F B3 99 ....

So I guess it's either a mistake or it was a customized version and previous owner removed it.

In any case I'll be getting modem card with bluetooth:
http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-ThinkPad-Blueto ... 286.c0.m14

The only question left, is there any difference between different styles of BT antennae:
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/dragon_on ... iZQQ_udloZ

[rkawakami]

With all types of antennas which operate in the WiFi or Bluetooth spectrum, the placement of the antenna is the most critical. Looking at the HMM, the factory antenna is located in the lid assembly. If you can find an original IBM antenna, that would be best. If not, then whatever fits in that location should do. If you can't be bothered with disassembling the system to gain access to that location, then people generally place the antenna underneath the palmrest or keyboard. I would think that the palmrest would be the better spot since there's probably only plastic there (i.e., no metal panels). The keyboard's metal would tend to disrupt the radio signals.

To a lesser extent, the length of the antenna cable matters. Shorter the better.

[sjthinkpader]

Since you use BT mostly at close range, the Hitachi antenna with short lead will work fine. I am using two of those in a X30 for WiFi and they can be placed in any available places.