The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    where to get Atheros b/g card for X40?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by pipspeak, Jun 22, 2009.

  1. pipspeak

    pipspeak Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    94
    Messages:
    1,041
    Likes Received:
    55
    Trophy Points:
    66
    I'm upgrading an old Intel 2100b wireless card in an X40 and wanted to find the compatible Atheros b/g card (FRU 91P7416) but they seem to be non-existent, even on ebay. Anyone know where to find one?

    The alternative is an Intel 2200b/g/ card, which are everywhere but not all are compatible with Thinkpads. If it doesn't specifically say it's for a Lenovo then how do I determine if a 2200 card is the correct revision? Or do all 3B versions work?

    Thanks.
     
    pipspeak, Jun 22, 2009
    #1
  2. LoneWolf15

    LoneWolf15 The Chairman

    Reputations:
    976
    Messages:
    1,537
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    55
    Use this link to search:

    Link

    Just a simple eBay search, but one that should ensure whatever card you're searching for is for a ThinkPad X40. The only two models I've seen are Philips and the Intel 2200bg. I'd be really leery of anything made by Philips, I've had too much bad luck.

    P.S. I did find one auction for the FRU you listed. However, the vendor (who seems to be knowledgable) says the card is not X40-compatible, and that you will need a 2200BG card instead. With that in mind, I wouldn't trust the Atheros card to be compatible with your rig. A 2200BG card however, will be leaps and bounds above your 2100 card, so it's worth the couple bucks.

    EDIT: I should mention, I recently upgraded half a dozen Dell Latitudes from 2100A cards to 2200BG cards. The 2100A cards were buggy and flaky (plus limited by older security and 802.11b only). The 2200BGs made a huge difference.
     
    LoneWolf15, Jun 22, 2009
    #2
  3. pipspeak

    pipspeak Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    94
    Messages:
    1,041
    Likes Received:
    55
    Trophy Points:
    66
    Thanks Lonewolf. The Atheros FRU I listed actually came from Lenovo's parts list for the X40 ( link), so I'm surprised to hear someone thinks it's not compatible. I guess I'll stick with Intel... cheap and plentiful.

    This is for my GF's laptop... I'm charged with trying to breathe life back into her X40 but I'm actually trying to convince her to buy a refurbed X60 or X61 from Lenovo instead :)
     
    pipspeak, Jun 23, 2009
    #3