Wireless USB (UWB)

Question

Hello, I am having a lot of trouble getting Wireless USB on my XPS m1330. Yesterday I recieved my order for the Belkin 4-port wireless usb hub.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/products/Cables_Hubs_Adapters/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A1237466

It did not come with the UWB dongle that enables wireless usb on my laptop. I called dell tech support 4 times to try and find the part I need. The user manual that came with the hub says that I should have "Dell Wireless 400 Host Wire Adapter" installed. The Dell representatives assured me that I really need "Dell Wireless 1490 Dual Band WLAN (802.11a/b/g,54Mbps) Mini Card, VOSTRO". Are they right? Is this wifi card going to enable me to use wireless usb? Does anyone know where I can get the "Dell Wireless 400 Host Wire Adapter"?

Message Edited by MonkeyManx on 01-24-2008 01:45 PM

volcano11 · Answer

I am not familiar with this device, but according the Belkin website, your XPX M1330 has built in WUSB.   http://www.belkin.com/support/article/?lid=en&pid=F5U303&aid=9184&scid=1   Steve

MonkeyManx · Answer

The xps m1330 CAN have UWB, however I ordered mine before it was an option. I tried to install the UWB Hub and it didn't work. If you go to the M1330 configuration page:

http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&oc=DYCWTG1&s=dhs

Then click on the component that says "Bluetooth and Wireless USB" you can see how UWB is an option and you can order the M1330 with or without it. Furthermore I discovered that the UWB Module fits in WLAN slot. I found this in the m1530 manual:

Replacing the FCM or UWB NOTICE: Install the FCM or UWB in the WWAN or WPAN slot. Do not install an FCM or UWB in the WLAN card slot. Doing so may cause damage to your computer.

pjohnson008 · Answer

Can you confirm that you purchased the Dell Wireless 400 (optional) wireless USB card installed?   If you did, the card is already installed.   It must be installed in the WPAN slot which is labelled.

MonkeyManx · Answer

I do not have it already installed. After talking to 6 different dell representatives we determined that I need a Dell Wireless 400 USB mini card. Which is not listed for sale anywhere online or when I called dell parts. So I got the tech support rep to give me the part number so i can order it. When I called Dell parts they said they see the part but it is out of stock. And I cant backorder it because the part status is invalid or something. So Maybe I will call back tomorrow and bug them some more until i get my part!

pjohnson008 · Answer

You either need for them to send you the version of the Belkin Hub that comes with an external dongle, or you need the mini card.   I will be surprised if they send you the mini card since they do not sell it separately yet.

MonkeyManx · Answer

i wish they would sell it separately soon. It would be dumb to have usb dongle plugged in for wireless usb when i can just have it all built in. Maybe if i keep bugging them they will sell me the mini-card.

MonkeyManx · Answer

The Dell part number is: XK844 They said its out of stock so I couldnt order it, and they refused to let me backorder it.

DELL-Chris B · Answer

MonkeyManx: Did you get this issue resolved yet? If not, what part number did they provide for the 'Dell™ 400 Wireless USB Mini-Card'? Thanks!

DELL-Chris B · Answer

MonkeyManx:

I checked internally and I'm showing Dell part number: HW399. Apparently the part number you were provided never shipped.

From what I can see, we do have part numbers available, so give Dell Spare Parts a call.

Let me know if you run into any roadblocks.

Thanks,

markrossiter · Answer

Hi Chris,

I tried searching for part number HW399 on the 'Parts and Upgrades for your Dell' page on dell.com, but nothing is found. (Neither is XK844).

Is it only available by phone? I'm planning on buying a M1330 from Dell Outlet, but none seem to come with the UWB option, so I'd like to know for sure that the UWB upgrade is something that I can order and install myself. I also want to know what it will cost.

Thanks,

Mark

DELL-Chris B · Answer

markrossiter:

I don't believe the parts are available through Dell.com, however you should be able to purchase them through Dell Spare Parts by phone.

Dell Spare Parts Sales are available from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. CST Monday through Friday at 1-800-357-3355

Message Edited by DELL-Chris B on 02-06-2008 02:21 PM

Montythemooch · Answer

There seems to be very little information available regarding the Dell wireless 400 mini card. I already have a WLAN (Wireless 1505 Draft-n) mini card and WWAN (Sprint EVDO-A) mini card in my m1330. Does one of them need to come out in order to install the 400 card or is there another mini card slot hidden in the casing that's not as readily accessible? Any word on wht the approximate cost of the 400 card is?

:o)

DELL-Chris B · Answer

Montythemooch:

I believe the M1330 only has two mini-card slots internal, so you would need to remove one of the others for the Dell 400 mini-card.

For pricing information, contact Dell Spare Parts directly, number is listed above.

markrossiter · Answer

When I ordered my UWB mini card back in February from Dell, it was $59.99 + tax + shipping   I haven't actually installed it yet, though (I need to get my defective M1330 exchanged first)     Mark

Montythemooch · Answer

I just called the Parts line. The Dell Wireless 400 mini-card goes for $60. Once you factor in tax, tags, title and shipping you're ooking at $90.

I decided to bite the bullet and get it. More later once I get it in place and runnin. :)

Networking, Internet, & Bluetooth

Wireless USB (UWB)

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