Wireless switch on M17x

I've noticed that the wireless switch on the M17x enables/disables both the wireless and bluetooth transceivers. On my old M1730, you could (through a BIOS setting) select which of these transceivers the switch would control. This is useful for when you use bluetooth devices (such as a mouse or headphones) but don't want the wifi transceiver turned on (to save power, or for security).

Since on this laptop, the switch isn't physical, I assume that it's software controlled, which means it may be possible to change its settings. Does anyone know if it's possible to make it control the wifi WITHOUT controlling bluetooth?

 

There is a BIOS Setting in Advanced System Setup Options that allows you to permanently turn off either the wireless of the bluetooth, at which point the OS will not recognize the one thats turned off and the wireless on/off switch will only control the one thats on.

See Page 34.

 

So Marvie, even if I have my M17x plugged in to a wired connection, the wireless will still be active? I ask because I intend to use both at different times. However, I obviously for security reasons wouldnt want or need the wireless card to be active while im on a wired connection.

 

The touchpad button turns on both the Wireless Card and the Bluetooth. If you want to use bluetooth, but have the wireless off, you need to disable the wireless in the BIOS at which point the OS will not recognize the wireless card, and the touchpad button only controls the Bluetooth. Conversely, if you wanted to use the Wireless, but have the Bluetooth off, you would have to disable the Bluetooth in the BIOS at which point the touchpad button will only turn on/off the Wireless and not the Bluetooth.
There is no separate control to turn the wireless on/off or the bluetooth on/off separately. They're both controlled by the same button.

Also, if you want to plug into a LAN and not connect via Wireless but not have to disable the wireless in the BIOS, you can force the wireless connection to only connect when you tell it to. The downside is, your wireless will be broadcasting "hey here I am I'm looking for something to connect to." the whole time.

 

Thanks for the clarification Marvie. im trying to learn as much as I can about this system so when it arrives, ill have a firm grasp for troubleshotting etc.

 

I was afraid this would be the answer.

After getting it right with the m1730, I'm kind of surprised they'd take a step back with the M17x, but what can you do?

Thanks anyway, Marv.