Upgrades Possible for R50E/R51E

I'm replacing my A30P this month and after becoming seriously addicted to the keyboard and trackpoint on that model, it looks like the R50E or R51E are what would work for me. Don't watch a touchpad; don't like the form factor of the T series.

But I do recognize the hardware limitations on these models so I was hoping to upgrade some of the components myself. Can anyone give me some counsel on whether these upgrades are feasible with these models?

1) Replace hard drive with 7200 rpm models, either 60GB or new 100GB models.

2) Replace Intel B/G wireless card with newest Atheros ABG MiniPCI. The tabook spec says these models have MiniPCI and then says "not user upgradeable." But then I can find an upgrade video on the Lenovo website.

3) Change out the cd-rw drive for a Pioneer DVR-K05 Slim 8X Dual Layer DVD Drive. Specs list the drives as both 12.7mm, but am not sure about mounting or compatability with either 50e or 51e.

(I am also planning on upgrading memory, but assume no issue here.)

Really hope I can get all this to work with the r51e for the ATI 200m integrated graphics, because while I wont be doing any modern gaming, I do like to play a bit of BG2 or Diablo 2 from time to time! Maybe even Neverwinter Nights....

Thanks for your help!

 

1. Very easy.
2. Pop the keyboard. IIRC, it's under there. Make sure you get an IBM card, or you'll get the 1802 error.
3. Should be doable. You'll have to transfer the rails and back adaptor to the Pioneer drive (I've heard that's 5 screws), and cut a notch out of the tray on the Pioneer drive.

 

Thanks!

Wasn't too worried about the hard drive, did that on my A30P already.

If I get an IBM Atheros card, how is that different than the regular Atheros ABG Super G cards I've see?

That Pioneer Drive is slot loading (something I very much desire). What did you mean by taking a notch out of the tray?

 

On the IBM Atheros card, it WILL be different. The IBM Atheros cards have special fimware, among other things, so that they work with the ThinkPad WiFi management (the WiFi light, Access Connections, and the Fn-F5 to turn WiFi off), and don't give an 1802 error on boot.

As for the Pioneer drive needing a notch cut out... Here's an UltraBay Enhanced drive to look at: http://www.cfousa1.com/shop/images/13N6771.jpg

See where there's a notch? You'll have to cut a notch of the same size out of your Pioneer drive.

 

I'd take the Pioneer over Panasonics offered by IBM. Sometimes master/slave is an issue. I think NECs are the best laptop burners, but no slot load drives.