I've got a ThinkPad X24 that comes with a mini-PCI WiFi (and modem) card. The card is 802.11b (not g) and doesn't seem that sensitive, so I'd like to upgrade it.

Has anyone successfully done this?

Can you share details? What cards work?

Are the antenna connectors standard?

I found a few possible substitutes, such as this: http://www.tp-link.com/products/product_des.asp?id=43
Any idea if this is really compatible?

I've also found this page:http://www.command-tab.com/2006/02/26/unauthorized-wireless-cards/about how to hack the BIOS to accept alien cards.

I know I can use a PCMCIA wifi card, but if possible I want to replace the existing mini card and leave the PCMCIA slot free. I don't care about losing the 56k modem, I have a PCMCIA modem should I ever need that.

According to this thread:

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... x24+no1802

The X24 does not require the no-1802 hack. Therefore, any mPCI card should work with the machine. Personally, I like the Intel 2200BG, but you will find many Atheros fans on this forum.

Since the antennas are already installed, you just have to remove the keyboard and swap the old card out for the new one! (Note: You will lose the modem if the new card is not a combo adapter. I'm not sure if a modem/Wireless G combination card even exists.)

Welcome to thinkpads.com!


I've had good success with Broadcom-based cards using the BCM94306 chipset. Used in quite a few Dell and HP laptops, they are easily available on eBay and other online sellers. There are probably several such dealers in the HK area. However, with ANY wireless card you are thinking about purchasing, make sure it will work legally where you are at. Some cards may not be certified for use in your area because of frequency restrictions. I would advise that you check your local WiFi standards before buying anything.


As far as I know, the MiniPCI wireless cards all have the same antenna connection. Normally referred to as "U.FL", it is also called Hirose.

Along this same line I have a question maybe one of you can answer...I have a X22 that does NOT have the antenae built in for wireless PCI.....is it possible to get one that goes under the keyboard and how well do they work?
Does anyone here have one for sale?..meaning the wireless PCI and under keyboard antenea.
I would even consider wireless B

There have been a couple of eBay sellers with short U.FL antennas (about 8-10") perfect for locating them under the keyboard bezel. You should choose a location near the outer edges of the case and away from or not covered by any metal which would reduce your operating range. Most likely, given my experience with 600X and T23 wireless upgrades, the performance will be equal to or slightly worse than a PCMCIA wireless card. In my case, my wireless 802.11b AP is at one corner of my house and if the laptops are at the opposite corner, the signal sometimes drops (~40' with three to four walls and a microwave oven in between).

I have a group of X22s which should be arriving at home in a few minutes (UPS tracking says they're out for delivery) and I plan to upgrade at least one of them with built-in wireless. Whenever I get that project off the ground I'll put up a web site with the details.

that will be great....thanks

My X24 required the hack to use an Atheros a/b/g card.

Interesting. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Hi,

I had the same issue as Biggs, I added an Atheros abg card (IBM part FRU is 93P4264).

The problem with Atheros based cards in the x24 is not the 1802 error (card not authorized), you get an 01C9 error (multiple ethernet cards found).

Atheros seems to use Networking Device - Ethernet as device description for their WLAN cards, others use Networking Device - Other. As the x24 wired Ethernet integrated the BIOS finds two ethernet adapters. The solution is to patch the Atheros chipset to use "Other" instead of "Ethernet" and this is done with the same CD/patch as you use for the 1802 problem.

Bye,

Krimskrams

Well, finally got around to doing it.
Got an Intel 2200BG and it works beautifully.
No hacks needed, just installed the driver and it worked.
Stronger reception then the original card and of course now 802.11G as well as B, and I can use WPA.

It took you only 4 years to make up your mind? Wow!

I finally had an excuse when I got another laptop and a new wifi router, and I wanted to move everything up to WPA and 802.11g.
Annoyingly, the "new" laptop (a Dell) couldn't handle the 802.11g as-is so I got another Intel 2200 for that.