Studio 14z Bluetooth

Guys,

Looking for a little expertise....Dell's support SUCKS. I tried using the search function to find what I'm looking for, but either I'm no good at searching or it isn't there. If I'm not good, apologies in advance.

Here's my question...backstory will follow:

Is it possible to add internal bluetooth to the 14z after the fact? If so, what is the part needed to do this? While we're at it, what about wireless N?

Backstory - Ordered my laptop early December, took delivery mid December. I'm thrilled with the product except for the fact that it doesn't have bluetooth. I thought I had chosen that option, but upon looking at my invoice it appears I didn't. I went back through the customize engine on Dell's website and interestingly enough, I don't see anywhere you can choose bluetooth. Searched their parts website with no luck. Searched Google with no luck. So I tried to email Dell customer service. 3 weeks later, they finally told me to email/call tech support. So I called tech support yesterday. They told me that the wireless and bluetooth internal options are integrated onto the motherboard and have to be specified at the time of order. The only solution she could give me was to return the laptop and re-order it. The problem I voiced with that was that there isn't any way to specify bluetooth (or wireless N for that matter) on the customize page on Dell's website. Of course, she said she couldn't help with that and I needed to go back to customer service. Obviously, I was pretty irate (no cussing though! I kept my cool, but made it obvious I was upset) and she gave me a line that CS's lines were down and I needed to call them back in an hour.

So before I call CS, I'd like to try to get some more information. If you guys can help, I'd really appreciate it. Otherwise, I'm about ready to tell them to send a call tag send this thing back simply based on how terrible their after the sale service has been.

Thanks in advance for any help.


Nick

 

I'll let you know about the bluetooth... I was disappointed when I realized that my new fancy laptop wasn't going to have it included.

I order it off of ebay, New Dell Bluetooth 365 w/ screws... (for $30)
Also, I found the online service manuals, it doesn't look to terrible. Basically it just snaps onto the motherboard.

I ordered my laptop on 12/30, I am still waiting for it to come in though. (Est: 1/19, hoping its earlier)

Also as for the N-Wireless, I would think you could just replace the mini-pci express card

Let me know what you do.

Here is the part I bought, I am hoping it is the right one: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160391445750
If you build the studio 14z on the Small Business site, you can select the dell 365 as the internal bluetooth option.


Good luck,
Rich

 

I saw the little 365 card as well, but was concerned because Dell doesn't list the Studio 14z under compatibility for it (they list the Inspiron 14z, but not the Studio 14z). Are you sure it works with the Studio 14z?

 

What a flippin joke. It definitely appears that the 365 mini-card is the part. Its amazing to me that Dell's website gives you different options dependent on whether you get to the laptop through the Home site or the Small Business site. Thanks for the help!!

 

Yea, I called to complain about that too, and wanted to modify my order... they gave me some bs about it costing to much to change the order...

But they would wave the restocking cost if I returned it and ordered a new one with bt...

I am not waiting over a month for this nonsense, I will just add the bt myself...

-Rich

 

richp582 - Did you order through the home portal or the small biz portal?

I just got off a VERY heated call with Dell...they ended up sending me a USB bt mini-dongle According to them, the laptop gets populated with a different motherboard depending on if you order it through Home or Small Biz. The Home motherboard doesn't have the capability to accept the BT card, the Small Biz one does. Doesn't make any sense to me...I'm tempted to take this thing apart to see for myself if it has the place to plug the 365 card in. Can you point me to where you got the online service manual?

 

Sure, the service man is at:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/studio1440/en/sm/index.htm

I order from the home portal... I call BS on the different motherboard thing... but I seriously hope I am not wrong!

If you do open it up, let me know please, I am anxious to know what you find.

Thanks,
Rich

 

I'll probably dink with it this weekend or monday morning. I'll post back what I find. I too think the different MB thing is BS...doesn't make ANY sense from a business perspective...you'd be increasing the COGM by having two different BOMs for the same model. We'll see I suppose...

 

Cool,

Thanks alot, I already bough the 365 card and screw, lol so hopefully I can add it.

Hey if you got a cam, can you document the disassembly? Cause I will be doing the same thing to add the bt card.

Thanks,
Rich