Replacing wireless card P151HM

I've been a lurker for a while and now I need some help with upgrading my laptop. I bought P151HM from Malibal (which isn't all the relevant) with the stock 802.11a/b/g/n wireless card (realtek) and I want to upgrade it to the Advanced N-6230 wireless card. I was wondering if there was a wireless card better than the 6230 with bluetooth. Also if someone can point me to a tutorial on how to replace the wireless that would be greatly appreciated.

On that note, I saw 6230 being sold on amazon Amazon.com: SINGLE WHITE BOX CENTRINO ADVANCED-N 6230 WI-FI HALF MINI CARD. 802.11 A/B/G/N +: Electronics and if someone can tell me if this card will work with P151HM. Also if anyone knows a better/more reliable online store than amazon to buy the N-6230 please point it out for me. Thanks

 

Correct me if I'm wrong but the network card is a component that is very hard to replace because it is not placed on a easy to reach place

 

Nope, was simple on my NP8170 ... these are the instructions that were sent to me from Sager ...

From: Sager Techsupport [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tuesday, June 14, 2011 2:16 PM

It is simple. Hold the two ends of the LED cover between the keyboard and screen. Lift up the LED cover. Remove 5 screws on the keyboard. Flip the keyboard. The wifi card is on the left side of the computer.

 

Obligatory post to the disassembly guide: P15xHM_ESM.zip

Credit to theriko!

Also, right now, the N 6230 is probably the best wifi/bluetooth card you can get. I always suggest that card to my customers.

 

Thanks for the reply everyone. Does anyone have a particular online store that is often used for aftermarket upgrade parts? I checked newegg and amazon, and only amazon has it even though i cant fully confirm the the product as the picture is just a mother board but the customer review states that it is just the wireless card.

This forum is the best!

 

Not to double post, but since its been over 24 hours I had another question regarding wireless card replacement. On amazon, people frequently buy a WIFI-Bluetooth antanna ( Amazon.com: Tyco Wifi & Bluetooth Antenna: Everything Else. Is this even necessary for the P151HM? Also, if anyone has a reliable source for wifi card please let me know. Thanks all.

 

No, those antennas aren't needed. Even if you order a machine with the stock wireless (which uses one antenna), it should be wired with 3 antennas regardless. In laptops the antennas tend to run through the base, and depending on models, into the screen. This makes them much more effective than say, a USB stick model.

So if you were to upgrade to the 6300 which requires three antennas, your P151HM1 *should* have all three (but you should check just to make sure they are present before ordering, as some have reported those antennas missing in a few unusual cases)

 

If the wires are missing what are my options? Are the wires really easy to locate and are they color coded in any way?
Also, will there be a better wireless card with Bluetooth coming out after the 6230 in the near future?

 

I opened my laptop and looked at tlhe wireless card which was actually pretty easy. I found my stock card had 2 black wires attached on one side next to the screw holding it in place.

On that note, I have a few questions.

1) Are those 2 black wires the antennas? if yes, then what does the 3rd antenna look like?

2) If I don't see another free floating wire, am I missing an antenna? and what color should the 3rd wireless antenna be?

3) Why do I have 2 antennas attached to my stock card if it uses only 1 antenna.

4) If I were to upgrade to 6230, are those 2 antennas enough.


Thanks.

 

Ok so an update since no one knows. I just called Malibal and this is what I got from them.

1)The P151HM only comes with 2 antennas

2)same as above

3)Didn't care to ask

4)I can upgrade to 6230

So I will live knowing all is going to be well. But I have doubts on whether I will be able to upgrade to a 3 antenna 6300 in the future although Malibal #2 has made is clear I "should" have a 3rd antenna. Why am I getting this discrepancy between online and phone.