Got my first thinkpad

[DJL]

I would just like to say hi.

I received my first ThinkPad a few days ago and comparing it to a Dell and Compaq I’ve been using previously this thing is built like a Porsche. I was debating between a T42 and T43, from reading information on this site I decided to go with a T42 (2373K5M). Don’t think I will be buying any other brand in the future (but still waiting to see what this IBM PC section sale brings…).

I spoke to technical support choosing between models and the guy said I wasn’t able to add Bluetooth to a non Bluetooth model, has anyone else ordering their laptop been able to add Bluetooth on the spot? I’m from Australia, but have got the impression people in America have been able to. This is the only gripe I’ve had so far.

[BillMorrow]

if you wanted BT why did you not order a thinkpad WITH BT..?

ok, that question aside..

to add BT you will need the modem/BT card and the antenna..
also the indicator light panel under the display..

OR

you can add a BT USB pod or a BT PCMCIA card..

[rjm1135]

if you wanted BT why did you not order a thinkpad WITH BT..?

If he bought it directly from IBM Australia they have far fewer models on offer and sometimes it can be hard to get the exact config. you're after.

[aamsel]

Welcome to the group.
Enjoy!

Andrew
Austin, TX

I would just like to say hi.

I received my first ThinkPad a few days ago and comparing it to a Dell and Compaq I’ve been using previously this thing is built like a Porsche. I was debating between a T42 and T43, from reading information on this site I decided to go with a T42 (2373K5M). Don’t think I will be buying any other brand in the future (but still waiting to see what this IBM PC section sale brings…).

I spoke to technical support choosing between models and the guy said I wasn’t able to add Bluetooth to a non Bluetooth model, has anyone else ordering their laptop been able to add Bluetooth on the spot? I’m from Australia, but have got the impression people in America have been able to. This is the only gripe I’ve had so far.

[Bajo]

Well you know you could have ordered from Bill.

I am also in Australia, and the reason i ordered my thinkpad from Bill was there is a far greater range in the US than here in Aus. Plus it works out to be slightly cheaper than buying the equivlent Aus model.

EDIT: Just read the thread more throughly, i think i need some sleep.

[dfumento]

To install the Bluetooth mini-PCI, you must have the Bluetooth antenna installed. Check the Hardware Maintenance Manual (link in FAQ in my signature) for models which have it built in. Then you need to order the Bluetooth modem and a plastic plate for the indicators.

[DJL]

Thanks for the info guys,

Yes it was a little difficult selecting a model I needed which included Bluetooth, so I gave up on that idea at the time of ordering.

I've checked the hardware compatibility guide and it says my model has the Bluetooth antenna! woohoo

Just one more question, it appears there is a second version of Bluetooth out and I think this is on the t43 model. Is there any possibility of using this on my T42?

[BillMorrow]

hard to say if you can use the newer BT on the T42..

get the hardware maint. manual for each and start reading..

[DJL]

Thinkpad is still going strong and was considering ordering a new one just because of the general three year rule but with the current economic outlook I’m going to stay with my trusty T42.

I finally took the keyboard off my T42 2373K5M and I believe I’ve found the Bluetooth white cable that was tucked into a little capsule under the modem card.

Looking at the maintenance manual I think I will need part number 91P7319 for the Bluetooth/modem card) but am not sure about the clear led plate to display the Bluetooth led in the screen (pretty sure this doesn't matter but I thought I would add it so everything is complete). Because I think the Bluetooth antenna is built in then I guess the LED is already there, but just hidden. Does anyone have these parts or should I go straight to IBM? And… does the indicator light show through the opposite side of the screen as well (there are a limited number visible when the lid is closed)

Some experiences over my T42’s lifespan:

The only issue I’ve had was after upgrading to Windows Vista my screen started to flicker. At the time I didn't know how to fix this so I left it for a few weeks and apparently my video card died. This was fixed under warranty and upon installing vista again had the same problem but resolved using a utility that I can't remember the name of that forced the refresh rate to 50Hz instead of the 60Hz that was showing in the display properties after right clicking the desktop.

The only hardware I’ve upgraded was the hard disk to a 7200RPM model, added 1GB RAM and this was noticeable performance improvement. I was thinking that since I was going to keep the laptop for awhile longer that it might be worth upgrading the CPU or maybe GPU to get a little more performance out of the machine because running Vista aero does slow screen opening/closing noticeably. My CPU is 1.7 Ghz and GPU is Readon 9600 64MB.

[Harryc]

Mod Edit - Broke the img tags in the post above. Inline pics not allowed without a warning in the subject line.

[sjthinkpader]

hard to say if you can use the newer BT on the T42..

get the hardware maint. manual for each and start reading..

I've used the BMDC200 and BMDC200B cards. Seems the difference is source of the modem chips. The original is an Agere part (exLucent) and the new one use the Conexant modem. The BT portion should be the same, a Broadcom/Widcom chip.

I have a BMDC200B in my T42 now. I haven't tried a BMDC300 yet.