14.1" vs 15" LCD screens and mPCI & CDC replac

[chuckenheimer]

During my search for replacements for both my Intel Wireless LAN and modem adapter and the Bluetooth CDC in my aging A31p (2653-R9U), I see admonishments about making sure I get the proper adapters for either a 14.1" or 15" LCD screen.

Would anyone know that specifc FRU for the Intel 2915ABG and BMDC 200b with the 15" screen. Furthermore how does one differentiate between the true IBM mPCI adapter and the Intel and is it necessary to use the IBM?

Thanks!

[Harryc]

Generally speaking if you do not use an IBM adapter you'll get an error on boot. I'd don't see what screen size would have to do with which adapter card that you choose for WiFi and Bluetooth. Can you point to a specific reference to these 'admonishments' ?

[ajkula66]

Since A31p only came in 15", they all share parts, and they share everything but the screen/lid/bezel with their 14" cousins.

I don't believe that any newer BT card is going to work in an A31p. You may give it a try, but I really don't see that you're going to gain anything. The original one works well IMO.

As for the wireless cards, it's tough. My suggested choices would include Intel 2200BG, Broadcom b/g or a/b/g (4306/4309) and Atheros, the last one will likely give you a 01C9 error, and all of them may or may not give you a 1802 error. In my experience, this is the luck of the draw, and has little to do with the card itself. I've had cards that worked in one machine with no hack requiring hack in the next one.

Good luck.

[chuckenheimer]

Generally speaking if you do not use an IBM adapter you'll get an error on boot. I'd don't see what screen size would have to do with which adapter card that you choose for WiFi and Bluetooth. Can you point to a specific reference to these 'admonishments' ?

Saw them surfing about a week ago just before my machine let go. I'm finally back on line so I'll get you some pointers when I see them again.

But if ajkula66 is right about all 31p's having only 15" screens then I suppose it's really immaterial at this point.

[sjthinkpader]

Not all A31p has BT antenna. The factory one is mounted over one of the rear connectors. For A31p without factory antenna, a Hitachi antenna with short lead works just fine.

I have never tried a Broadcom miniPCI card in a A3x. Atheros and some intel cards should work. The Atheros cards with X suffix are a/b/g and G suffix are b/g.