Media card reader in T60?

[msb0b]

While tooling around my T60 15.4" widescreen today, I noticed there is a little door on the front to the right of the trackpad buttons. Behind the door, there is a space that seems to be intended for an integrated media card reader. It even has the card marking and light pipe for device access light.

However, the PCB in that spot is blank. I.e., there is no circuitry etching or solder pads for mounting the media card reader device. It seems like a decision to remove the media card reader at the last minute. In comparison, the Z series' card reader is soldered on the PCB.

Has anyone tried to put a card reader in there? I think something like SanDisk MicroMate can fit there with double-sided tape and careful wiring.

[ryengineer]

Are you sure you've thinkpad T60?

[meekus]

My T60 has the same open cavity under the palm rest just to the right of the track pad.

That said, since there's no easy access to anything that resembles a free USB port or connection inside the laptop what good will be to shove SD card reader there? None.

Instead use either a conventional USB memory reader plugged into one of the three external USB ports or an ExpressCard memory reader.

[msb0b]

Are you sure you've thinkpad T60?

Yes, it is a type 8743 from the blowout sale last December.

That said, since there's no easy access to anything that resembles a free USB port or connection inside the laptop what good will be to shove SD card reader there? None.

I have the parts to either route a flexible usb extension cord to the port or solder wires to USB connection pads on the system board if I can identify them. I think I can "borrow" the USB signals on the docking connector since I am not likely to get a dock in the foreseeable future.

Instead use either a conventional USB memory reader plugged into one of the three external USB ports or an ExpressCard memory reader.

That would not be challenging, wouldn't it?