can wireless be added to the v2000z?

I have a very frustrating problem, I just received the v2000z that I ordered from HP, and it did not come with the wireless that I wanted. I wanted it and checked my config several times before I submitted the order, but I must have missed it that last time somehow. Anyway, I called them and I have two choices: Have them build me a new one and wait 3 more weeks (not an option), or install a PC card, which would be a disappointing horror on a brand new modern laptop.

My question is this : Is there a source for me to buy the internal part? I asked HP, they will not sell this to me. I am an experienced tech that has done several CPU, MB and screen replacements on laptops, so the work is not an issue. Is there a source for this part? If I had to have a wireless card sticking out of my new laptop I would hate my new toy for it's entire life. Thanks in advance.

 

Even if you can buy the wifi mini-pci card, there's no guarantee that antenna, that runs from the mini-pci slot to the back of the LCD panel, are there.

If you can get the wifi card and the antenna and okay with voiding the warranty, then yes, it's possible to do it.

I suggest that you just return the laptop and configure a new one....

 

You probably still have the mini-pci slot available, so my guess would be that you actually can add a wireless module.

My biggest concern would be, do they have internal antennas even if it did not ship with the card ?

Findind those antennas might proove difficult.

For the sake of simplicity, I would ship back the notebook to them and have them install the wireless lan modue

EDIT: Burnt by less than 1 min

 

You could find one of those BroadCom mini-PCI wireless cards on eBay pretty cheap( $25). About the antenna, I think most likely it is already there, just not connected. Best way is to open the Mini-PCI slot cover and check if you have those leads in the vicinity. Without antenna also you may be able to use it, but you will get less range.

 

Even if there are antenna connectors, last I knew HP still had their whitelist in the BIOS that only lets you use two or three "approved" miniPCI wireless cards.

 

That is the reason I mentioned BroadCom ones as we know those should work.

 

Arrgh, what a frustration. I can't send it back, I will have to get an external PC card.

Thanks for the replies.

 

It's not just a matter of finding a Broadcom card, it's finding the approved Broadcom cards. The BIOS checks the PCI ID.

I don't think anyone's verified that the whitelist is there in the current models though.

 

I bought a v2000z 5 months ago w/o wireless. I did open the case but found no preinstalled antenna. Since I bought it cheap about $450 after rebate so I didn't return it. I also tempted to buy a BroadCom mini-PCI wireless cards on eBay but chose not to take the chance. I hate to say this but my next notebook will definitely not HP because of the whitelist **** unless I can get a very good deal

So if you decide not to return your laptop, then getting an external pc card is pretty much the only less dramatic option left.

 

Yeah, which sucks, because after tax and shipping I have a brand new $950 laptop with a stupid wireless PC card sticking out of the side. Which fugging sucks.

 

return it while you can. wait is worth than being annoyed by pci card hangnig on side for aslong as you keep it. I had my wireless card didn't work - looked like wasn't compatible so I just sent it back, I had usb and pci wireless card but it was just annoying since brand new laptop and built in wireless card didn't work.

 

PCMCIA cards do not stick out of the case... a lot. I would choose this option

 

Unlike Dell that has the wireless antenna installed even without wireless interface, HP usually leaves it out if you do not choose the wireless option. There is a big advantage with the internal antenna as it has a much large loop behind the LCD display. Those PC-Card and USB adapters are usually weaker in connection. It is actually easy to find out. See V2000Z service guide page 5-14 to 5-15.
Please noted that the HP part number for compatible wireless interfaces are also listed in that section.

 

You know, I am just noticing some other things about this notebook, not good.
I chose not to have the expansion port, I knew that would be missing, but also the memory card reader, firewire, and one USB port are also not on this model, did not notice these as choices that I left out. The one that I own that I purchased at Best Buy has all of these things and cost less. Althought the wireless thing is my fault, these other things on top of it leave me feeling like I paid way too much for a stripped model.

 

The expansion ports, extra USB, firewire, memory card reader, etc. are in just one option called productivity ports. If you removed or didn't choose the productivity ports, then you won't have all those extras.

 

Ugh...I thought that was just the Expansion Port 2...I wish things had been clearer. I will accept some blame but...things could have been better. Thanks for the input.

 

maybe it will better if you return it and wait for a new one. It will come before the 3 weeks are over

 

My parents just ordered me one of these for college. I do admit that waiting for it sucks but I think I would wait 3 more week to if ment geting the internal wireless card. The laptop I have right now has a external card wich gets really annoying sometimes.
I also overlooked the productivity ports which really sucks because I didn't notice that there are only 2 USB ports without the extra one.
The other thing is that their is only one pci card slot.

However dispite the minor flaws I am pleased with the specs of this laptop and I can't wait until it gets here.

 

No offense, but I don't see how you can blame anyone but yourself. HP's includes links that specifically say, "Help me decide". If you didn't take the time to read this then why is this HP's fault?

 

This is probably just wishful thinking but would it be possible to install extra USB ports where the productivity ports would have been? 2 USB ports would be ok for my current needs but I would like to have more without having to use a pci card if it is possible.

 

I think it would be difficult if not impossible. The circuit boards are not quite the same between the computer with productivity ports and the one without. You can check the manuel to verify it.

I think it's better to return the computer if you still have time.

 

I tried to install my Mini_pci Wireless G (broadcom chip) from my Acer Aspire 3000 to my V2000Z which I got at Compusa which came without wireless.

There was no pre-installed attenna in my V2000Z and it would not boot with a message telling me to remove the non-approved device and reboot.

I now have a $12 Wireless G PC-CARD from Fry's doing the job. Here's something to think of. When the next greatest Wireless technology hits the streets you will still need to use a PC-Card or USB adapter to keep up so really no loss that you haven't prepaid for future obsolete wireless tech that can't be upgraded through a new mini-pci.

I agree that HP/Compaqs locked bios anti-upgrade tactics suck

 

Finally, I got rid of my USB WiFi Dongle

Last week I went to ebay, bought a Broadcom wifi mini-pci card, and installed it in my V2000Z. It worked fine and no whitelist problem.

I’ve just installed a couple of internal antennas and it’s working fine too… The job was time consuming but it’s worth it. I bought the wrong type of antennas, instead of the rectangular type, I got the square type. Anyway, it took a little bit more time to get it to work.

Here’s the info I think may be helpful for someone who is in a similar situation.

Computer: V2000Z
Date of purchase: end of 2005
BIOS: F11

HP Broadcom 54g MaxPerformance IEEE 802.11b-g Wireless Internal Mini PCI Card
SPS #: 373047-001
(I bought this card from ebay for about $19 including shipping)

Driver Provider: Broadcom
Driver version 3.70.22.0
Driver date: 10/20/24
(I downloaded this driver from HP)

 

I believe there is a away for you to have a wireless access, you will need to buy a wireless mini pci car. unscrew the middle panel under your laptop and insert the card there. The only thing i think you cant do is have the ability to use the button to turn on and off the wireless adapter. I would guess it will be on consistently unless you disable it in network connections.

 

Just the info I was looking for, my broadcom card just died and was look'n for a replacement. Odd how things break soon after the warranty expires ehh?