Upgrading Vostro 1500 from w/o webcam to w/ webcam

The part numbers are listed in every invoice/components. It's easy for anyone to find them. It's just a matter of will.

 

I found it finally. PM027. Its a universal camera for almost all the Inspiron 1x20/Vostro 1x00 series. Its attached to a black PCB which screws into the lcd case back assembly when disassembled. The cable is part of the the LCD cable and seems to be universal, because if you don't have a camera, then you have a PCB of the same size in its place with only the microphones.

See here for a photo: http://www.parts-people.com/index.php?action=item&id=4995&prevaction=pricelist

 

60 bucks >.< + 20ish = 80$... a Logitech Qcam pro for notebooks is cheaper

Thanks for the info though

 

I don't know if the cable is so universal. It's possible that the cable doesn't have the camera plug (if I don't have the camera). Maybe a P/N of that cable from someone that has a camera would be good to know.

 

Any progress on your upgrade?
Your post came up with ggoogle search and also this UK fleabay listing. Change hxxp to http
hxxp://cgi.ebay.ie/Dell-1520-1521-1720-1721-XPS-M1730-Webcam-PM027_W0QQitemZ370089397661QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item370089397661&_trkparms=72%3A1301|39%3A1|66%3A2|65%3A12|240%3A1318&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

 

Also found this on this forum for the 1720 and part number for the camera is same as 1500. Still not sure about the cable. Will take my bezel off later.
hXXp://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=235561

 

More info found online. Here's a link the Dell Service Manual. Dis-assembly is simple. I removed the 6 screws for the Bezel. Removed 2 screws holding the microphone module, then disconnect the 'ribbon connector'. Now all I need is to source the camera at a reasonable price. (This was $25.00 Option that I overlooked when I purchased from Dell!)

hXXp://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/vos1500/en/sm/display.htm#wp1179838

change the hXXp to http

 

I don't understand: is the cable universal or not? Does a non-camera laptop have exactly the same cable as a camera laptop?

 

Just completed my camera install. Bought the camera on flea bay(Cameron Electronics) for $27.50 including shipping . (Part no. PM027) The installation was painless. Remove bezel (6 screws). Flip the cable catch to release the Ribbon cable. Remove 2 screws to remove the mic assembly replace with camera/mic assembly. Connect the Ribbon cable. Flip the cable lock. Drill hole in bezel. Install drivers. Done.

 

Should I take this as a definitely YES (the cable remains the same)? Can you post some pictures? I'm curious how the hole in the bezel looks.