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    Wireless card upgrade

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by Charr, Mar 28, 2009.

  1. Charr

    Charr Notebook Deity

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    I'm looking to upgrade the wireless card in my T400. I currently have the "Thinkpad BG" card in it, which is an Atheros card. I am looking to get either an Intel 5100 or 5300 card for it. However, the only thing I can find are "HP/IBM" cards on eBay. I have asked several sellers about these cards, and they really have no clue about them. They don't know the PCI ID, don't the FRU, and won't provide pictures of the actual item either. The best answer I have gotten so far is:
    My question is, do these cards really work as advertised, or am I pouring snake oil into my glass? If not, where can I get an IBM 5[1/3]00 card?
     
    Charr, Mar 28, 2009
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  2. bsodder

    bsodder Notebook Evangelist

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    No! They do not work as advertised due to Lenovo BIOS blacklisting. You MUST get the card from Lenovo, or mod the BIOS to get rid of the predatory Lenovo code. You can get them from Lenovo, and only from Lenovo, because Lenovo decided that...
     
    bsodder, Mar 28, 2009
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  3. Charr

    Charr Notebook Deity

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    I figured that. I hate how even cross generation cards don't work, and found out the hard way. I'll call up Lenovo and get one from them. Thanks for the tip.
     
    Charr, Mar 28, 2009
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  4. MastahRiz

    MastahRiz Notebook Evangelist

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    How hard is that really? I haven't ever done it myself but have heard it mentioned here enough times to spark my interest. Thought it might help me get a cheap WWAN card.
     
    MastahRiz, Mar 29, 2009
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  5. bsodder

    bsodder Notebook Evangelist

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    It is not hard to do at all - it is just like flashing a bios upgrade, which it is...The problem is finding exactly the right modded bios for your planar.
     
    bsodder, Mar 29, 2009
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  6. MastahRiz

    MastahRiz Notebook Evangelist

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    sweet.

    Thanks.
     
    MastahRiz, Mar 30, 2009
    #6