Adding wifi to T23 (2647-4MG)

[ansible212]

I'm sure this question has been asked before, but 'wifi' and 'wireless' aren't accepted as search terms.

I've just been given a nearly pristine T23 which I intend to use around the house to surf the web.

I therefore need to add wifi to it. Whilst it would be nice to add an internal Mini PCI card, I'd then have to find some way of fitting the antennas. I've read threads where this has been done by placing them under the keyboard etc, but I don't really want to strip the whole machine to fit them in the lid.

The alternative would be to fit either a Cardbus or USB adapter. The USB adapter looks like it will be cheapest, and I have an original IBM USB 2.0 Cardbus adapter so I won't run into any speed issues (I assume USB 1.1 can impact 802.11g/n speed).

So, my question is (finally) would the first scenario (using a Mini PCI card with the antennas under the keyboard give me a decent connection, or am I better going for the second scenario (Cardbus or preferably USB)?

[RealBlackStuff]

The cardbus/PCMCIA wifi cards usually give a better connection than USB yokes.
These USB thingies are very small, and thus have a smaller antenna than the PCMCIA ones.
However, if you have a USB one to try it out, and you are happy with that, stay with it, if it works on USB1.1.
If it needs USB2.0, having a USB card sticking out, and then another USB wifi yoke sticking out of that? An exotic solution.
Use a PCMCIA card instead.
$14.- incl. shipping from USA: http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Notebook-Wi-Fi- ... 0469589900

[rkawakami]

Easiest way would be to use a PCMCIA (PC Card) wireless adapter. The pros and cons:

- PRO: as said, it's easy to implement; just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions about installing the driver/utility program (some require the card to be inserted prior to the software being loaded; others are just the opposite)
- PRO: no disassembly of the system is required
- PRO: compared to a USB wireless solution, this is the least obtrusive
- PRO: considering that the USB ports on the T23 are in the back, if you wanted to mount the system in a port replicator/dock then you would need to disconnect a USB adapter
- CON: the PCMCIA card will stick out from the side of the laptop, but not as much as a USB wireless adapter would
- CON: you may have to remove the card in order for the laptop to fit inside a case

Going with a MiniPCI / embedded antenna solution does require some work with a screwdriver. The easiest, 'tho not cheapest solution, would be to obtain a T23 wireless lid assembly and swap it out with your existing one. The antennas are pre-wired into either side of the lid and the cables are routed through the left hinge down into the motherboard. This will provide the best reception/transmission. Retrofitting the antennas into a non-WiFi system by installing them under the keyboard will limit the range of the wireless system. Based on my past experience with doing such an upgrade, my guess is that the best you would see would be about 2/3 the distance as compared with the factory antenna setup.

If you go with the MiniPCI card setup, then you need to decide if the built-in modem capability is something you really need. I say that because the factory wireless card is actually a combo card; it also has the modem built into it. However, the factory wireless/modem card is only 802.11b capable. If you want/need the higher "g" or "n" speeds, then you will have to sacrifice the modem (I know of no other combo cards using the 802.11g/n system).

Finally, you can sometimes search the archives here a lot better by using Google. Plug in the following string to any Google search box:

<list of keywords> site:forum.thinkpads.com

[Harryc]

T23 wireless - http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&neww ... =&safe=off

T23 WiFi - http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&neww ... =&safe=off

Google Advanced Search for this forum - bookmark it - http://www.google.com/advanced_search?q ... as_qdr=all

[ansible212]

Thx for the replies, and to Harryc for the Google link.

The plan was to use the USB adapter via the Cardbus USB 2.0 adapter. I've used the latter for years with my A30, so quite used to having the flying lead dangling beside the laptop and a memory stick plugged in, which is why I considered going down that route.

However, I reckon a Cardbus wifi adapter is the way to go. My only reservation really with that was that I'll have to give up the Firewire Cardbus adapter. I don't really use Firewire that much so can easily live without that, and can always swap out the USB 2.0 adapter if I need to use it.

Whilst neater by far, the Mini PCI option is too much grief for a laptop which will only get casual use.

[moronoxyd]

However, I reckon a Cardbus wifi adapter is the way to go. My only reservation really with that was that I'll have to give up the Firewire Cardbus adapter. I don't really use Firewire that much so can easily live without that, and can always swap out the USB 2.0 adapter if I need to use it.

Why?
The T23 has two Type II PC-Card slots.
You can still use the Firewire card in the upper one, you just have to find a WiFi adapter with an antenna that's as slim as the rest of the card. Those exist, I used one of them together with an USB 2 adapter in my T23 for years.

3com cards with X-Jack antenna would fit very nicely, as do less expensive cards like this one (just an example).

[ansible212]

It should be evident from earlier my post that I am currently using both Cardbus slots: the Firewire card occupies one and the USB 2.0 card the other. One of these will have to be removed to accommodate the wifi adapter.

[RealBlackStuff]

I'd happily sell you a T23 with built-in wifi.
PM me if interested.

[ansible212]

Thx for the offer, but the T23 didn't cost me anything. Furthermore, I've bought a Belkin N1 wifi Cardbus adapter for it which is working a treat.

Thx to everyone else for their advice.

(I'll take some photos and post them online somewhere as it really is in remarkable condition given the age.)