Replace crappy Atheros miniPCI wireless-g in Sony PCG-V505?

I have a 2004 Sony PCG-V505DC2P 12" laptop with a very unreliable "LAN Express AS-IEEE 802.11 miniPCI Adapter". I want to replace it with a new Intel 5300 if possible. My questions are:

1. Is mini-PCI-e the same as miniPCI? Also, are all miniPCI network adapters the same size? I don't want to buy the card only to find out that it can't be used in this old laptop for size or other reasons.

2. Is the replacement even possible? Is the current adapter a part of the motherboard or soldered on to it (and therefore irreplaceable)? I tried to find its location, but there is no easy way to find it unless I open up the laptop.

3. This laptop does not have bluetooth capability. Is there a solution (i.e., a wireless card) which offers both wireless-n and bluetooth capability?

If you think the Intel 5300 is not a suitable option, please recommend alternatives. Thanks in advance.

 

1. No, miniPCI and miniPCIe are not the same. Yes, all miniPCI cards are the same size. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCI_Express_Mini_Card

2. Look at the bottom of the laptop for removable panels. Take them off and look for a card with antennas attached. If you find one, it can be removed and replaced.

3. No, bluetooth is not part of any miniPCI or miniPCIe wifi card. It is a separate module. If your laptop was available with bluetooth as an option, then you might be able to find a bluetooth adapter and install it yourself.

 

The i5300 won't fit if your lappy has MiniPCI the i5300 is a MiniPCIe card
Also it will likely not work as it didn't on my Dell i9400 and D820 (with MiniPCIe)

Have a look at oxfordtec.com they have a heap of cards for MiniPCI.
I'd recommend a Ralink based one, the best one I've tested so far.

 

Adding to #2 from my above post: even if you don't have panels to check, the card might still be replaceable - you might have to disassemble the laptop. Google for your laptop model and see if anyone has posted a guide (or if there is a manual available) on how to disassemble the laptop.

 

BT and WIFI can sometimes share an LED and ofcourse on/switch or FN keys.

But shouldn't affect how they work

 

Yes, if the laptop has an option for bluetooth during the ordering process, sharing a blinking light and having the ability to enable/disable via function keys would be something configured in the BIOS.

 

I believe that you might be able to find a downloadable service manual here; there's also apparently one here, too, but you have to register for that second website.

The service manual should contain exploded diagrams and whatnot that will make it possible for you to dismantle the system to get at the NIC, and replace it.

On the other hand, you could do what I just did with my 2002 VAIO PCG-Z1A, and get an insertable adapter card to take over from a failing internal NIC.