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Bluetooth in Tecra 8100

post #1 of 4
5/24/08 at 11:24pm
Thread Starter 
Hi. A couple of years ago, I was upgrading my Tecra 8100's CPU, and I noticed a cable socket inside it labeled "BLUE TOOTH". I tried researching it then, to no avail. Well, I happened to be inside it again, and noticed it again. Then, as now, I can find nothing on a internal bluetooth module for the 8100. I've tried contacting Toshiba directly, through multiple departments and a third-party parts supplier that they referred me to. Things like this burn me up until I figure them out.. I would be eternally grateful if someone could help me find out about this socket. It looks nothing like the thin-cable connectors I've seen on other toshiba internal wireless modules. I took several pictures:

http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...n/HPIM2590.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...n/HPIM2591.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...n/HPIM2593.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...n/HPIM2594.jpg
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post #2 of 4
5/25/08 at 7:44am
Found this article, but they were talking about a Tecra9000 but suppose it could apply to later 8100's too.http://www.geek.com/toshiba-notebook...nd-sd-support/
(Note this article is dated 2001)
September 19, 2001 1:54 pm




Toshiba will be launching two notebooks this week that will be the first to feature both 802.11b and Bluetooth antennas built into them. Both antennas are built directly into the lid of the notebook. The 802.11b support is aimed at long-range wireless communications of up to 150 meters, and Bluetooth is designed to handle communications up to 10 meters, which has made it popular for use in PDAs.

In addition, Toshiba's new Portege 4000 and Tecra 9000 notebooks will also feature FireWire connections, a Secure Digital Media flash memory card port, and built-in Ethernet support. The notebooks will use Cisco's Aironet 350 or Agere Wi-Fi 802.11b hardware for their long-range wireless, which can handle 128-bit encryption.

The Tecra 9000 will use Intel's Pentium III-M processor at 1.13GHz, 256 MB of memory, 14″ TFT screen, and be priced from US$2,500-$3,000. The Portege 4000 will use a 1GHz PIII-M with 128 MB of memory, a 12″ TFT screen, and go for $2,000-$2,500.

Although both notebooks can support Bluetooth and 802.11b wireless networking, you have to purchase separate modules to make them work. The Bluetooth module will go for $100, while the Cisco Aironet costs $150.


By the look of things, with the antenna already there, it would be just a matter of finding a Bluetooth module and hooking it up
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post #3 of 4
5/25/08 at 1:12pm
The Bluetooth spec has been updated since the 8100's Bluetooth module was designed and released, meaning that said Bluetooth module won't meet the latest Bluetooth specs and won't be able to transmit/receive data as fast, as far, or as securely as a new, lower priced, much easy easier to find and incredibly easy to install USB Bluetooth dongle.

Don't worry, my Satellite 5205 also had an option for an internal Bluetooth module as well, and considering it's a 2003 model year laptop, it was *much* easier and cheaper and better to just buy and plug in a USB Bluetooth dongle.
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post #4 of 4
5/25/08 at 7:14pm
Thread Starter 
Well, i agree it is MUCH cheaper to get a USB dongle (I have one), but the 8100 has 1(ONE) USB port... VERY limiting. a hub is helpful here, but not so much while on the go, which is where I would need the bluetooth capability. I'm looking to get the most out of this laptop..

Also, there is NO antennas in the Tecra 8100, period. I've completely disassembled this thing twice.
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