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20375
March 12th, 2008 15:00
Bluetooth on Latitude X300?
Where can I find out if/how I can add Bluetooth connectivity to my Latitude X300?
There are several EBay listings for Dell 350 cards that advertise compatibility with the Latitude X300. It appears though, that the card is not installed in the customer accessible hatch but somewhere else. Is this a an end-user job? Is disassembling my machine to get to the Bluetooth connector something I can tackle or should it be left to a technician?
Also, I notice that the auctions do not normally include a cable. Is there a cable in the machine already or would I have to purchase one separately?
Note: I do have a Bluetooth dongle that came with my presenter mouse but if possible, I would prefer an internal adapter.
Art
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1.5K Posts
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March 13th, 2008 03:00
Select "Manuals" and then enter your Service Tag and you will be able to view your Service Manual.
You can also check your 'download driver' from there to see what True Mobile 3xx version was original, TM300 & TM350's do use the same connector cable, don't know about 355 & 360.
This will show you how and where the Bluetooth is installed and you will be able to check for your cable. (usually included if Bluetooth had been an option.)
Art
athenian
81 Posts
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March 13th, 2008 14:00
I did review the service manual. My key concern though is whether or not this is an end-user job. It seems that one is required to disassemble the unit entirely in order to get to the bluetooth placement module. I want to know wheher it is reasonable for me to do this myself.
I would also appreciate a more definititve answer as to whether or not the cable is there. I really don't want to have to disassemble the unit twice.
Art
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1.5K Posts
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March 13th, 2008 16:00
Well, you would need to get the first part of your answer from someone who has a X300 And has accessed the Bluetooth Module AND knows your abilities.
Even with that knowledge, I would not accept the fact that their X300 did or did not have the cable as definative proof of what was actually in my X300. So I don't really see any way to avoid twice.
You could look at the first as a way to find out that this would be the "end-user" job for you and while you are in there, clean all the dust-bunnies that have accumilated around your Cooling Fan and Cooling Fin area.
Take your time, make sure you have screwdrivers that fit, don't force anything and from your local hardware store, get a little (6ml) tube of "Blue Threadlocker" (Devcon) to dab a bit on returning the screws. Any screw that is 'over-locked' on removal, a SLIGHT Heating of screwdriver tip will help.
For most users, this would fall into the DIY catagory with Hard Drive or RAM replacement.
If your cable is not seen, you can order one for less than $10, usually from the same place as the TM350 module.
Art
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edit:
Since your Service Manual does not list exactly what has to be removed FIRST, I will try ti add from what I see on what they do show Link here to> "... System Components and you will see #10 Bluetooth shown<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed from this post by Dell>.
What is not clear is that it would lie above the #11 System Board and that will not be removed.
You must (after reading the Before... etc.) first remove your Keyboard and then your Palm Rest. (I would also remove the Fan for cleaning, but that has nothing to do with Bluetooth.)
(From Palm Rest Page) "7. Lift the ZIF connector, and disconnect the palm-rest flex cable from its ZIF connector on the system board. ..." it Should Not be necessary to disconnect this for your access.
[ BTW; My Dells require removing entire Display Panel and Lid to remove Palm Rest... :)