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    smartcard > express possible?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by stevensol, Aug 28, 2007.

  1. stevensol

    stevensol Notebook Consultant

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    Well I have a T61 with a smartcard reader and a pc card slot. I know that the smart card reader takes up the spot where an express card slot could/would go. For whatever reason my system shipped with it and I have absolutely no use for it since it is my computer for college. I could make much more use out of an expresscard slot since these cards are more modern and have higher bandwidth transfer. Is it at all possible to have someone switch or switch it yourself to an express card slot? Or is the hardware entirely different for the two options? Am I stuck with the useless smartcard reader?
     
    stevensol, Aug 28, 2007
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  2. vespoli

    vespoli 402 NBR Reviewer

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    If the spot is open on our motherboard and you can find a spare part, you should be able to switch. However, I don't know if this is true. Please let me know, as I am curious myself. :)
     
    vespoli, Aug 28, 2007
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  3. desperado

    desperado Notebook Consultant

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    I have the same question to ask....Help Please!...
     
    desperado, Aug 29, 2007
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  4. stevensol

    stevensol Notebook Consultant

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    bumping the thread for the good of some people, including me. anyone know?
     
    stevensol, Sep 13, 2007
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  5. hwongdynasty

    hwongdynasty Newbie

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    Bump to this dying thread...

    I just bought an outlet T61p for a steal, and it arrived today with a smart card reader... d'oh!

    -HD
     
    hwongdynasty, Oct 1, 2007
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  6. hwongdynasty

    hwongdynasty Newbie

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    hwongdynasty, Oct 1, 2007
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  7. hwongdynasty

    hwongdynasty Newbie

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    Well, I dug into the Hardware Maintenance Manual, and it looks like replacement of the Smart Card slot with an Express Card slot requires near complete disassembly of the notebook base, all the way down to the mainboard. You then are able to separate the express card assembly from the mainboard...

    Has anyone done this before? How hard is it too get all the way down to the mainboard? It looks like a voided warranty if I ever saw one... not sure if this is something I'd attempt until I *really* needed the Express Card. I'm pretty sure that will be... never.

    HD
     
    hwongdynasty, Oct 2, 2007
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