X300 and MC8780 working

[bombsquad]

This is just for information. Not sure how many people have come up against the dreaded BIOS whitelist for expansion cards that Lenovo/IBM permit them to use, but the modded BIOS solution is enough to make many shy away in fear of bricking their posh new machine.

Just for the record, I've used Zender's modded BIOS 1.02a for the X300 and it flashed perfectly. Upon reboot, I can now use my Sierra AirCard MC8780 that I got off eBay for a [censored] sight less than Lenovo want for their (possibly locked) official WWAN card.

If you follow the instructions, flashing works well and could solve your expansion woes.

Nice work Zender.

[perfecblue]

I agree, installed a MC8780 on my X300 as well and worked perfectly. Much better reception than the single-antenna MC8775 in my opinion.

[dmauger]

What BIOS version was on your machine when you flashed it? I have a brand new x300 with BIOS version 1.07 and you're right, I am very afraid of bricking it. Especially since it's a company machine. I currently use a Sierra 881 usb and it seems like a crime to have that thing hanging off the x300 (looks like an asthma inhaler sticking out the side). Someone started a thread back in April that the MC8781 card from the 881 modem worked with the Zender 1.02a BIOS. Anyone done it with a newer 1.07 machine?

This is just for information. Not sure how many people have come up against the dreaded BIOS whitelist for expansion cards that Lenovo/IBM permit them to use, but the modded BIOS solution is enough to make many shy away in fear of bricking their posh new machine.

Just for the record, I've used Zender's modded BIOS 1.02a for the X300 and it flashed perfectly. Upon reboot, I can now use my Sierra AirCard MC8780 that I got off eBay for a *****Expletives removed by Moderator***** sight less than Lenovo want for their (possibly locked) official WWAN card.

If you follow the instructions, flashing works well and could solve your expansion woes.

Nice work Zender.

[cmsj]

What BIOS version was on your machine when you flashed it? I have a brand new x300 with BIOS version 1.07

1.07? the latest on lenovo.com is 1.05b

[akao]

My X300 came back from the repair depot with BIOS 1.07.

[dmauger]

yup, built end of July.

What BIOS version was on your machine when you flashed it? I have a brand new x300 with BIOS version 1.07

1.07? the latest on lenovo.com is 1.05b

[Supermans]

This is just for information. Not sure how many people have come up against the dreaded BIOS whitelist for expansion cards that Lenovo/IBM permit them to use, but the modded BIOS solution is enough to make many shy away in fear of bricking their posh new machine.

Just for the record, I've used Zender's modded BIOS 1.02a for the X300 and it flashed perfectly. Upon reboot, I can now use my Sierra AirCard MC8780 that I got off eBay for a *****Expletives removed by Moderator***** sight less than Lenovo want for their (possibly locked) official WWAN card.

If you follow the instructions, flashing works well and could solve your expansion woes.

Nice work Zender.

Can you point me to Zender's thread and see if he can do the same for the X200??? I definitely want to ask him to see if he can make one for it..

[neukrisz]

Hi All,

I'd like to ask you help...

I have an X300 with v1.08 bios, and I just bought now a generic Sierra Wireless MC8780 card and I'd like to use it.

What can I do? (modded bios maybe...if so, how? what?)

Thanks for your help in advance!

>>>>>>

Solved!