Thinkpads Forum

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

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.

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?

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.

ThinkNik wrote: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.

ThinkNik wrote: 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.