can i install aftermarket bluetooth adapter into T400?

[joncnca]

when i bought my t400 late last year, i didn't think i'd need bluetooth so i didn't get it with my thinkpad. i've since realized that it's pretty convenient to have, and want to use some bluetooth earphones.

is it possible to just install a bluetooth adapater into my laptop to get bluetooth functionality? would something like this part work?

http://cgi.ebay.ca/NEW-IBM-thinkpad-Blu ... 911.c0.m14

is there somewhere i can get a lenovo genuine bluetooth adapter, or is it integrated into the motherboard or something?

thanks!

[BillMorrow]

go to the lenovo support website for your particular thinkpad and follow the links to publications and the hardware maintenance manual..


start here:
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... eLenovo.do

it will give you the info you need on correct part and FRU numbers as well as component placement..

you will most likely need the daughter card and antenna (if it is not already built in)..

[deforest]

If you have a spare usb port, you can just get a bluetooth usb dongle. Some of them are pretty small and barely stick out, or there are other ones that have 100m range on them.

[joncnca]

thanks for the link! i will look through it to find some instructions

is it possible to actually add bluetooth like a plug in play module, or is it actually integrated into the motherboard or something?


i've seen dongles, but i'd rather not have it occupying one of my usb ports. thanks for the suggestion!

[Harryc]

It is a separate pluggable card, usually located under the LCD bezel at the bottom left on newer Thinkpads. The question would be if your T400 is bluetooth upgradeable. In other words, does it have a connector/cable in place already to plug the card into .... I don't know the answer to that question for non-bluetooth T400's. The card itself is #9 as pictured in the parts diagram at this link;
http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-70425

Edit: In looking at the parts list, all of the T400 LCD cables have bluetooth, so you might be in luck with just ordering the card. It can be ordered from Lenovo parts;

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... MIGR-63637

Here you go. It costs $16 plus tax and shipping in the US -
https://www-304.ibm.com/shop/americas/w ... otectLogon

For Canada call - Phone#: 1-800-263-2769 (8:30 AM to 5:00 PM E.S.T Mon. to Fri.) Ask for FRU# 42T0969