Just bought T42 on ebay

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jackattack · #1 Post by **jackattack** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 10:08 pm

I just purchased a T42 2378 RRU on ebay and I feel like I didn't get what was advertised.

It is my understanding that the 2378 RRU model comes with the 9 cell Li-ION battery. It appears that I have the 6 cell. It doesn't stick out past the profile of the laptop like people say it should. It is a 4400 mAh battery also. Does that mean it's the 6 cell?

Also, it's supposed to have a WIRELESS Integrated Intel Atheros 802.11b,g wireless MPCI card but in the Device Manager, the only network adapter is listed as Intel(R) PRO/1000 MT Mobile Connection which I thought was only for CAT5. When I us Fn + F5, it says "No supported wireless adapters (802.11, WAN, or Bluetooth) are installed in this system."

Did I get ripped off?

#2 Post by **Kyocera** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 10:20 pm

Is there only one network adapter showing in device mgr. you may need to get the driver for the wireless card.

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=1689

Download the TAbook from IBM and check against your model number.

I thought the 9 cells all stuck out beyond the profile of the base, but then I don't have one either. Hope you did not get ripped, even still the t42 is a great machine.

christopher_wolf · #3 Post by **christopher_wolf** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 10:24 pm

Welcome to the Thinkpad Forums

First, you should check it against the tabook.pdf and examine everything; if you don't have a part of the battery stick out the back, then you have the 6-cell battery.

Not quite sure what you mean about the Intel being only for CAT5; although if it was advertised with an Atheros and the tabook.pdf states that it came with that and you got an Intel, then you have a valid complaint. Also, the driver problem is primarily a software issue. It can be fixed by removing the Intel Wireless drivers, then rebooting. Or a variation thereof if you have AC.

HTH

jackattack · #4 Post by **jackattack** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 10:47 pm

Would you believe me if i told you that my model number is not listed in the tabook.pdf?

T42 2378 RRU

#5 Post by **Kyocera** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 10:49 pm

Yes, because I could not find it either

are you looking on the bottom by the little sticker with the bar code?

jackattack · #6 Post by **jackattack** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 10:59 pm

Yup. RRU definitely. It does exist, there are plenty of sites that came up on a google search.

I'm still having a problem with the wireless connection though. I uninstalled all the Intel drivers and I installed the driver from the IBM site (77w36ww.exe) for the Thinkpad 802.11b/g cards. Still nothing.

smugiri · #7 Post by **smugiri** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 11:04 pm

jackattack wrote:I just purchased a T42 2378 RRU on ebay and I feel like I didn't get what was advertised.

It is my understanding that the 2378 RRU model comes with the 9 cell Li-ION battery. It appears that I have the 6 cell. It doesn't stick out past the profile of the laptop like people say it should. It is a 4400 mAh battery also. Does that mean it's the 6 cell?

Also, it's supposed to have a WIRELESS Integrated Intel Atheros 802.11b,g wireless MPCI card but in the Device Manager, the only network adapter is listed as Intel(R) PRO/1000 MT Mobile Connection which I thought was only for CAT5. When I us Fn + F5, it says "No supported wireless adapters (802.11, WAN, or Bluetooth) are installed in this system."

Did I get ripped off?

Don't know where you got the info that this Thinkpad comes with the 9 cell because that is where you got ripped off. The research was bad. You got what you paid for <-----> this Thinkpad is an express customer configured model.

It ships without RAM, HDD, Ultrabay device or Battery (which explains why it is not in tabook) for $759 new from IBM.

AND it is not a 'p' series machine.

No way it can come with the 9 cell.

And NO, it did NOT ship from IBM with a wireless card or bluetooth although the antennae are in there. You did get the SXGA though.

jackattack · #8 Post by **jackattack** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 11:12 pm

Fair enough. I'm just saying what the auction said it had. So do I have to buy a wireless card then?

laz · #9 Post by **laz** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 11:16 pm

I should have refreshed before I posted this...

jackattack · #10 Post by **jackattack** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 11:21 pm

In any case, I'm happy with this laptop. I can always get a 9 cell battery and most likely I can install a wireless card. Anybody know the model number of the wireless card I'd need? Without pulling my keyboard just yet, is there a way of knowing if I'm wired for Bluetooth?

smugiri · #11 Post by **smugiri** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 11:23 pm

jackattack wrote:Fair enough. I'm just saying what the auction said it had. So do I have to buy a wireless card then?

. . . here's a crazy thought, maybe you could post a link to the auction so that we have the info that you have . . . no way to tell if we don't know what you have . . .

jackattack · #12 Post by **jackattack** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 11:30 pm

smugiri - you're a real friendly guy, aren't ya?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... %3AIT&rd=1

smugiri · #13 Post by **smugiri** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 11:34 pm

jackattack wrote:smugiri - you're a real friendly guy, aren't ya?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... %3AIT&rd=1

Anything to keep the party jumping.

I seem to be getting an undeserved reputation for being a wiseguy ... don't take it the wrong way though, I have a weird sense of humor, is all.

Let me take a look at the auction ...

smugiri · #14 Post by **smugiri** » Thu Mar 30, 2006 11:47 pm

smugiri wrote:
jackattack wrote:smugiri - you're a real friendly guy, aren't ya?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?Vi ... %3AIT&rd=1
Anything to keep the party jumping.

I seem to be getting an undeserved reputation for being a wiseguy ... don't take it the wrong way though, I have a weird sense of humor, is all.

Let me take a look at the auction ...

Yep, the pictures definitely show a 6 cell battery and the auction DOES advertise the Atheros Card. Doesn't mention Bluetooth though.

Good news is that the IBM links seem to suggest that the antennae are in there for both the Bluetooth and the Wireless.

You mention installing the Intel drivers but these are not the correct ones, the auction lists the Atheros card which lists as the "ThinkPad 802.11bg and ThinkPad 802.11abg wireless LAN Mini PCI adapter" (which in my opinion is the better card but there are holy wars about that assessment). Try this driver and let us know if it works.

I would say that even if it is the case that you got stiffed on the wireless card and the 9 cell, you got a very good deal for the price. You know, if the wireless hardware is not in the PC, it might be a genuine mistake on the part of the seller. Have you considered sending them an email and letting them know that the laptop does seem to have the wireless card and has the wrong battery?

sparta.rising · #15 Post by **sparta.rising** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 12:16 am

The wireless card is prolly in there, just the wrong drivers. As for the battery, definately email him about it, you definately have a 6 cell battery, and he definately said you would get a 9 cell. However, like they said, you got a good deal, I wouldnt return it over that.

jackattack · #16 Post by **jackattack** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 5:52 am

I appreciate all the input. I'm definitely not returning it over this. I emailed him about the battery and he said it was an honest listing mistake. He told me he would refund me the difference in the by it now price for a 9 cell vs a 6 cell.

This seller is really good. He's quick with emails and willing to make sure I'm satisfied.

I'll try those drivers and see what happens. Worst case, I have to buy a card and in that case I can get the Bluetooth/Wireless combo card. I might have picked that up eventually anyway.

Overall, I'm happy with the computer. It's my first laptop and I did do a lot of research before I bought it. Definitely glad I went with the Thinkpad. Good forum too.

**Edit: I already tried installing those drivers with no luck. I emailed the seller about the problem with the wireless card and he immediately emailed me back saying I will have a wireless card in the mail by next week. Most likely an honest mistake. Like I said, he's good.

cmarti · #17 Post by **cmarti** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 7:01 am

My bad.

cmarti · #18 Post by **cmarti** » Fri Mar 31, 2006 7:02 am

You are doing the right thing!

When problems arise ONLY good communication fix them.

I was looking at the feedback of the seller and he sure take care of his customer.

P.D.

I HAVE NO ALLIANCE WITH THE SELLER,SANTA,VADER OR NOSFERATU.It is Just my opinion.

Just bought T42 on ebay

Just bought T42 on ebay

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