A31 Wireless Card.

[thinkpadgeek91]

I just saved a beautiful A31 from going to ewaste at my work. It boots up and runs great I just need a wireless card for it. The model number is 2652-P3U. If anyone can point me to the right one I would appreciate it. Thanks.

[Neil]

If you want an OEM part like the ones that came with an A31 when new, PM me. I think I have a few extras.

If you want to upgrade to a 802.11 a/b/g/n Wireless N card, then this is likely to be the best bet:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/200787686133?_t ... EBIDX%3AIT

[rkawakami]

I'm assuming that you are looking for a newer wireless card than what was originally available with the A31. The factory option was an 802.11b card, mated with a modem (i.e., a combo card). You should be able to install any MiniPCI wireless card that has drivers for whatever OS you plan on using. In the past, I've used an 802.11b/g card made by Broadcom (BCM94306) in place of the factory 'b' cards in A3x and T23 systems. Of course, now that wireless systems have expanded to 'a' and 'n' varieties, you could go that route.

However, in order to fully use a wireless card, you should have the factory antennas in place. From looking up your system, I don't believe that it already has the two antenna leads installed in the lid. To double check, take a look at the left and right edges of the lid up near the latches. If there's a ribbed/stripped area near the corners, then the antennas are there. You could also remove the panel covering the MiniPCI bay on the bottom of the system and see if you can find the black and white antenna leads. If they are not there, then you have a couple of options: swap the lid with one that has the antennas, install the antennas yourself or stuff the antenna(s) inside the base of the A31 somewhere.

[thinkpadgeek91]

From looking at my machine I don;t have the antenna's in my lid. Should I go with a PCI slot based wireless card?

[Neil]

If you don't mind the card sticking out, then yes, a PCMCIA card will be the easiest to install and likely give a stronger signal than an internal card without the proper antenna.

[ganon11000]

I sorta just threw router antenna's in the slot :p http://imgur.com/a/f4yhy Still works to this day with my WPA modification!
But seriously, you could get some laptop WiFi antennas (E.G.http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TOSHIBA-SATEL ... 2c8ecd5a28) and cover then in electrical non-conductive tape and put them any ware!