Thinkpads Forum

So, I just got my W510 a few days ago and it's amazing so far. However, I got the (almost) cheapest model possible due to money issues, and I would like to upgrade some things on it when the time comes. So my questions are:
1. Is it possible to later get the color sensor or smart card reader? I have the palmrest with only the FP reader and in the service manual, it appears that there are different FRU numbers for palmrests with the color sensor and smart card reader. Can you just buy a different palmrest and put it on to get the extra features?
2. Is there something wrong with the second miniPCIe slot? I think it only does the USB signals, not the PCIe signals. I tried plugging in a miniPCIe wireless card, and it was not recognized at all, not even an 1802 error. The stock wireless card didn't work in the second slot either. However, when I put the 3rd party WLAN card in the primary slot (albeit at an odd angle since the slot is half-height), I got the 1802 error, which brings me to my next question:
3. Is there an 1802 workaround for this machine?
4. And is there a cheaper WWAN card that is compatible?
5. Is there a compatible Ultrabay Battery?
6. Is it possible to replace the CPU with a dual-core i7 to get higher non-turbo clock speeds? Would a dual core increase battery life at all?
7. Is it possible to replace the HD+ screen with an FHD or FHD MT FRU to get a better screen later on?

Also, one more thing: If I am looking to get better quality audio, what should I do? The only expresscard sound cards I have found seem to have fairly bad reviews, so would an Expresscard to PCIe adapter and a PCIe soundcard do the trick?

I tried to change it to dell 1510 wireless card tonight ,got 1802 bios error ,not support ,how can I fix it ,thanks.

You can't add any wireless card unless it's one supported by Lenovo. You will get that 1802 bios error.

The only work around is to hack your bios or in the past it was something to do with changing 1 bit in the cmos.

No easy solution, far as I know. This is probably the biggest problem with IBM/Lenovo.

As to other questions, everything for the W510 at least is changeable to an extent, the problem is getting access to parts. If you can buy the part by itself then it can be replaced.

1) As for the color sensor I don't care for mine, since I always use an external monitor at home I'd need a seperate color calibration for it along with software, kind of annoying. I was surprised they wouldn't make the sensor be used to calibrate an external monitor by placing it in front of the screen or something. I haven't plugged my old spyder 2 to use it w/ my ext monitor yet.

2) need to hack your bios so no solution, can only use Lenovo brand, or some hacked device that registers as one of Lenovo's supported pcie cards.

Battery life on these notebooks are always going to be bad, but in theory going with a dual core should reduce the it to some extent. Since max tdp is 35watts compared to 45watts for the quad cores, 55watts for extreme cores. But I don't see you benefiting much from doing so. Especially if you're going to be gaming much.

Edit:
Just realized the 620M have intel integrated graphics, so if it's switchable graphics then perhaps you could gain some significant battery life. Should be like the new MacBook Pro in specs except a slightly lower graphics card.