T400 - remove the 7in1 cardreader - then use pcmcia?

[ThinkNik]

Hellow TP-supporter,
I just bought a T400 (2767-AP9) and I love this machine.

The 7in1 cardreader is just useless for me! I need a PCMCIA slot for a PCMCIA-->SCSI-card. I can't use the expresscardslot. I really need PCMCIA.

Is it possible to remove the cardreader and then use PCMCIA? (if there's a PCMCIA slot behind the reader...) would I loose i my warratny if I would this?

Greets,
ThinkNik

[Harryc]

The original options for the T400 were;
Express Card Slot & PC Card Slot
Express Card Slot & Smart Card Reader [add $10.00]
Express Card Slot & 7-1 Media Card Reader [add $10.00]

So my opinion is that it is possible to remove the Express card/Reader cage and replace it with an express card/Cardbus cage. I have never seen anyone do it or mention it here and I do not know what parts you may or may not need. You can research parts here - http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 70429.html
I see there is definitely different bezels involved ...
Here's removal procedures -
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 70069.html

Edit: After a quick look see it looks like you have to disassemble the machine down to almost nothing, replace the aforementioned cage/slot and bezel, then reassemble the entire machine. I think your greatest challenge will be getting parts cheaply. The slot assembly is FRU# 42X4992 and is orderable from Lenovo US for $464 plus tax and shipping.... Then you need a bezel. I don't even see the slot/cage assm. on Ebay. Good luck.

[Q-Ball]

You could always just get an ExpressCard to PCMCIA card, though it's rather inconvenient to do since you've got the ExpressCard in the slot, then this wire, which connects to a slot where the PC Card plugs in.

What are you using the laptop for? Is it just a workstation or does it need to be super-mobile?

[ThinkNik]

I need the laptop to scan my stuff.

I got a PCMCIA --> SCSI adapter. It works just perfect in a T43 with Windows XP.

Theres no other way to connect the scanner (Nikon LS-2000) with the laptop. I just srsly need the PCMCIA slot.

The Expresscard is allready in use . So no way for express->pcmcia adapter.

[doppelfish]

Theres no other way to connect the scanner (Nikon LS-2000) with the laptop. I just srsly need the PCMCIA slot.

There wouldn't be a USB-to-SCSI adapter that you could use?

Just guessing.

[tporter]

Is it possible to remove the cardreader and then use PCMCIA?

I actually made this procedure two times - on T61 and T500.
Yes, you need to completely disassemble your laptop. But if you'll be accurate and use HMM, all OK

First, you need PCcard/express card slot - 42W3436. It's the same for T61, T400, T500 units!
Second, correct slot bezel - for your case 42X3917. Or use dummy cards.
You can buy card slot only for $17 here for example.