Acer TM4xxx tweaking

It would make sense to go for bluetooth upgrade..but i am bit relectant about the port replicator even after all the hardwork ..we have to shell out around $150 to get the replicator...
one thing i did was swap my intel 2200 with an Atheros a/b/g mini pci..Since A gives much better throughtput in real life than G..

eXoR aka Robert...
Thx for the picture (I thought the second DIMM was under the keyboard like the 2020 series afaik). Hence the "PCI riser" style you told me yesterday.
I've also seen ur drawing of the back DIMM/WNIC plate and the statement that the screws won't come off due to a ring at the end (and also secured by some plastic ears). We have to use a flat head screwdriver to pop the plate off it seems...

802.11a may have some real output, but there aren't many places with it. In my University (and most Universities in Portugal) we have 802.11b/g (though cisco APs - 1100/1200 and even 1300). These can receive any radio though.

@ eXoR:

Here's the procedure to install Bluetooth on the 2012:

http://notebookforums.com/showthread.php?t=38437&page=1

The P/N is not the same, but if u look closely on the *.pdf I have given you, the Bluetooth P/N says that it has Antennas... I reckon it is just putting it in it's place, holding it with two screws (or so) and connecting a cable that is already there!!! Can you find one under the WNIC? If so, there's the place for the BT module
On the 2012, its place is under a plactic cover that lies under the battery compartment. I've searched on the 4000, but the nothing under the battery... (yeah, different layouts)

Regards,
maia

Since 802.11A operates in 5Ghz its not widely used in most coutries for personal use.But its always plus to have a/b/g . Given the choice of both A and G belive me you will never use G

geejo,
maybe u had poor g equipment? most reviews of standard g equiment have actual throughput very similar to A (18-24mb/s), yes in "real world" throughput. if you get greater than 24mb/s on any A network congrats, it's rare unless u have turbo capable gear (same goes for G tech). if u r referring to A equipment w/ turbo mode, please specify this. if so u need to take into consideration G turbo equipment where it doesn't just match but exceed A throughput. G turbo picks up where A turbo leaves off. the highest A turbo #s i've seen are ~36mb/s, while G-turbo starts on the low end of ~32mb/s up thru 48mb/s.

while i know it's talked about i've never experienced a loss of connection, using both discrete b and b/g equipment, due to microwaves or 2.4Ghz phone use. i've been pretty deliberate about testing this. i.e.-holding a 2.4Ghz phone, turned on and during a conversation, next to a laptop on the receiving end while conducting a 700mb network file transfer w/ no fluctuation in data levels being transferred (D-link equipment). 11a equipment is not immune from the possibility of interference either however, as needless to say 5Ghz phones are the next "must-have" phone technology.

what kind of networks are u referring to for your experience? personal or public? the only way your comment makes sense is if you're on a mixed b/g network where yes it's known that G takes a hit, though some equipment still puts through at the 18mb/s range. most public hotspots are still just B networks, newer ones are more likely to be G setups. (hmm, i know of websites that list hotspots nationwide, it'd be cool if they indicated a/b/g availability too eh?)

it is rare that A networks, if any, are used publicly unless they are a/b or a/b/g networks. it would be a financial waste to just get A equipment while the general public uses b/g stuff. business use is typically where A is likely to be most used, that and personal use in the home. personal home use is most likely where ppl will be using 5Ghz phones, so go figure. u could make the argument that personal use CURRENTLY allows for less interference at the personal use level bc ppl in houses/apartments around u have 11b/g stuff, but w/ 11a/b/g chips about to be standard in laptops that theory is likely to be shortlived.

in any case, not trying to flame here, just trying to keep things at an informed level.

exor,
if there's a connector for a BT module then yes it should be plug and play easy. from the pic u have i can't see one however. gl w/ the PR however, though i'm assuming that if u are willing to attempt soldering, that u have some skill at it. =) geez man r u a power user or what? what u need all those ports for on a decently equipped machine like the 4000? some just go w/ a powered USB hub u know if the BT works then the issue of needing a PR might be moot. i.e.-BT keyboard and mouse. i'd give the functionality of the BT a go b4 u whip out the soldering iron. don't want to worry about batteries? get a usb->ps2 dongle, gives u KB and mouse on one USB port. i have one for my ibook (2 USB ports) and it works great! a USB hub and KB/Mouse dongle (both more portable than a PR) sounds a lot cheaper than buying the PR parts, or is it cheap?

anyways, hope this helps

Also, aren't the antennas either 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz or both? I mean, TM4000s ship with an Intel WNIC 2200BG (2.4Ghz). If you put an ABG PCI WNIC, how will the A Radio work on the 2.4Ghz antennas?!

Since you took some time (cared to type) i am not saying any thing against u, what i have said is from my personal exp .. not from any review or third party source ..but from exp testing of wireless products ..again not personal but professional testing

geejo,
thanks for the reply. understood. what kind of numbers do u typically get w/ the equipment u test? also, what do u feel makes it better? is it a sharper response time as well as high data through put?

exor,
yeh that link u gave, despite the pics that made my eyes watery, looks pretty cut and dry. hopefully it will be as easy for you.

@exor: Has you managed to get bluetooth to work? I have an Acer TM 4000 and I'm also interested in bluetooth.

Hey exor,

Just wondering if you've done the mods to the 4001 yet? If so, could you update a little on it? I'm interested in doing the mod too.

just wondering where can i get this PDF with all the part numbers on it or even all the technical data ??

I got the 4001WLMI

Tx

Here: http://www.mk-electronic.de/PDFDokum..._4000_4500.pdf

tx

It looks like the bluetooth is part 35 doesn't it?

thtde, have you tried installing it yet?

you guys think adding a SD/MMC card reader in the laptop will work ?? Though I dont think there is a place to do it.

No, not yet. I have problems to open the notebook.