T4210 Bluetooth Module

[crowbar]

I got a good deal on my T4210, but one thing that was not included was the internal bluetooth module, so i'm trying to check out how much it would cost to install it myself. I already opened it up and figured out where the bluetooth module goes. The good news is that the antenna cable is there, only the module is missing. The problem is that I don't know the part number for it and haven't been able to track it down.

So I have a request for a brave individual: If you have bluetooth in your T4210, open it up and tell me the part number and all the info written on the bluetooth module so i can try to track it down. Getting to it is not very complicated actually, but please please only do it if you're comfortable with this sort of stuff or have already done it before, it could void your warranty and I don't want to feel responsible if you break something.

If you're up to the task, here's how to get to the bluetooth module:

1. Turn your T4210 over and remove the 3 screws located right under the hinge and marked with an arrowhead.

2. Now you can pull out the small piece of plastic right under the hinge.

3. Next is the tricky part: Remove the plastic bar above the keyboard. It's a bit tricky cuz the screen gets in the way. I suggest you turn the screen out of the way and pop the ends one at a time. You need to pull it down a bit towards the keyboard and then pop the 2 clips underneath holding it in place. These are located between F2 and F3, and above NumLock. Dont use anything metallic to pop it in order not to scratch it. Once you get it loose you may need to push down the 1st row of keys to wedge it out from underneath the screen. Use nimble fingers and patience, not force. =)

4. Now you can slide the keyboard slightly upwards and lift it up. You don't need to remove the keyboard ribbon.

5. Once the keyboard is out of the way, you should be able to see the bluetooth and wireless modules. Bluetooth is the one with single white antenna cable, the one with 2 cables is the wireless module.

6. Write down everything that's written on the module and post it here.

7. Retrace the steps above to put everything back together.

8. Congratulate yourself on a job well done. I will too =).



If I get the info and find the part and decide to go ahead with it, I promise to document the procedure and post it =).

Thanks in advance

[UHar_Vinnie]

Are you sure that Bluetooth module wasn't included in the machine? I believe Bluetooth comes standard with every T4210. I had to install the drivers from one of the CDs included with the laptop before I saw anything on the computer regarding Bluetooth.

[P8RSON]

Correct....
BT does come as standard with the T4210, you just need to install the Tosh drivers.

[ShadowBlaze]

Actually, the U.S. model of T4210 does not come equipped with Bluetooth. It is an additional option added at additional cost to the customer (I believe it is $50).

[crowbar]

Are you sure that Bluetooth module wasn't included in the machine? I believe Bluetooth comes standard with every T4210. I had to install the drivers from one of the CDs included with the laptop before I saw anything on the computer regarding Bluetooth.

P8rson, Vinnie, Shadow, thanks for your replies.

Yup yup I'm sure. Like I said I got a really good deal on the T4210 (University deal). However it is not a stock model and the specs are non-configurable. Unfortunately one thing they did to bring the price down was to leave out bluetooth. Other specs are just fine tho as soon as I upgrage my RAM to 1G or more.

As ShadowBlaze pointed out the US model can be configured without BT as well:
Bluetooth option of T4210?

Anyway, here are my indicators that my unit does NOT have the bluetooth module:

1. It's not listed in the specs
2. A technician confirmed the deal does not include BT
3. It does not show up in the hardware profile
4. When I opened my T4210 up there was an empty spot where BT module should be, and the BT antenna was not connected to anything...

Convinced yet?

Chances are that the BT module is a generic one, and I could potentially find it or a compatible one somewhere for a reasonable price, having a Fuji service center install it for me would cost craploads. Now if I only could get the manufacturer name and part number... =)

[P8RSON]

Yes.... my apologies.
I was forgetting, this again is another difference between the Fujitsu and Fujitsu Siemens T4210.
The Fujitsu T4210 can be ordered with/without, whilst the FS T4210 already has it fitted as standard.

[ahamilton55]

I would almost suggest just going witht a USB dongle instead of the internal card. It'll work just as well and will be much easier to install. It'll also keep your warranty in tact.

**Personal Note**
Bluetooth is the worst connection technologies ever. It's so insecure and pretty much worthless for anything good I have no clue why so many people want to use this. I don't see why it's so hard to plug in a USB cable which will transfer data faster to a device. I'm not calling your stupid or anything like that, I just don't get it.

http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn7461
http://www.techweb.com/wire/security/164301821

If you do use it crowbar, especially on your phone, turn it off when your not using it.

[ShadowBlaze]

I would almost suggest just going witht a USB dongle instead of the internal card. It'll work just as well and will be much easier to install. It'll also keep your warranty in tact.

**Personal Note**
Bluetooth is the worst connection technologies ever. It's so insecure and pretty much worthless for anything good I have no clue why so many people want to use this. I don't see why it's so hard to plug in a USB cable which will transfer data faster to a device. I'm not calling your stupid or anything like that, I just don't get it.

http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn7461
http://www.techweb.com/wire/security/164301821

If you do use it crowbar, especially on your phone, turn it off when your not using it.

Personally, I wouldn't leave my phone synced with my computer through Bluetooth. It's just a matter of putting the two in sync before I leave the house and at times when I need to, or to up/download photos/music and whatnot. The reason why I like Bluetooth is that since it comes equipped in my computer, I don't have an extra USB taking up one of the few slots on my computer as well as having a stick coming out of the side/back. I've used several USB RF mouse before and many times I've accidentally striked the USB stick and broken it. It's just a hassle and annoyance to have a tiny fragile stick coming out of your computer.

[crowbar]

I would almost suggest just going witht a USB dongle instead of the internal card. It'll work just as well and will be much easier to install. It'll also keep your warranty in tact.

Yeah well the dongles are getting really cheap these days so obviously i'm considering that as a option as well. Having it internal is a convenience factor if I end up using it a lot. The whole purpose of this process is to figure out how much would it cost me to get the internal module and to see if it'd be worth it. If it's still way more expensive even if i install it myself, i'd just go with a dongle.

The silly thing about the T4210 is that if I understand correctly, it automatically turns both wireless and bluetooth on when the wireless switch is activated. Then unless I disable it manually, I'd have bluetooth on whenever I use wireless...

[ahamilton55]

Yeah and with this you start to loose battery life with something you're not completely using or want on. So you have to look at that as well. It's also probably going to be around $100. My company bought wirless cards at bulk for Fujitsu laptops and they were still about $75 bucks each so you'll probably find one around there or above.