IBM A21E laptop

[bthom70]

Has anyone been able to get the integrated lan port to work on thier IBM A21E laptop? The integrated port came with a black plastic sticker covering the port as if tghey were trying to hide it or make it seem there wasnt one.

My company was give 1 (we're a non-profit) from United Way an IBM A21E laptop model 2628J1U.
We usually buy IBM's with integrated lan ports, but beggers can't be choosey when things are given to you.

Anyway, Im not able to find any info on IBM's website about the integrated lan port, but they do list info on an intel and 3com combo lan/modem card.
Im assuming its a pci plug in card. But why would they have OEM drivers for a combo card if theres a 56k modem port integrated. I supppose stranger things have happened.

If anyone has any info, I'ld appreciated it.


bthom70

 

[oneye]

more than likely the covered port is not an active/nor upgradable rj45 port. IBM will use the same laptop case for multiple models, with the units like yours having a plug or sticker covering the un-usable port. You will need to obtain a pcmcia ethernet adapter for network access. I prefer the Xircom integrated type cards, a bit pricy but way less breakage factor with no dongles.

.-)

 

[rootaxs]

As oneye mentioned if it's covered that means it's inactive you have the option of either purchasing a pcmcia/pccard version or getting the Mini-PCI version which will replace your built-in modem as well. I would suggest the Mini-PCI as it's user installable and will free up your PC Card slots.

The version for the A21 is approx. $175 @ IBM's site.

 

[bthom70]

Thanks for the assist.
I knew about those options and have some Xircom cards hanging around for the other 1/2 of my fleet that does not have integrated lan.
It just sucks that IBM would tempt the buyer with the port but chose not to include it. I mean how much more did they spend by warehousing 2 seperate mini-pc combos and modem options. And how much more did they spend on paying some to cover the port with a sticker. Not to mention the expense of advertising putting on the web site all the available options and passing the buck to other vendors to stock and advertise 2 options.
Capitalism at its best. I tell you PC manf are getting away with murder. Give us the right stuff the 1st time and you'll make us happy.

bthom70