What the heck? Bluetooth and Acer 3002 WTMI

So I just got a Acer 3002 WTMI (with the dvd writer instead of cd)

There are two buttons located on the front of the laptop. Wireless on/off and Bluetooth on/off. But there is no internal bluetooth on this laptop!! Why is there a button if it did not come included with bluetooth functionality. Also, is it possible for me to take apart the case and insert an internal bluetooth? Would this void my warranty?

I bought this laptop in Hong Kong btw.

Thank you!

 

Acer has different configurations for each model line (all preconfigured of course) - some models have different features. It is cheaper for Acer to produce a uniform notebook chassis across the board, rather than remove the bluetooth button for one particular configuration that lacks it.

I'd assume it would be possible to add bluetooth, although I'm not sure if that would void your warranty.

 

Thanks for the reply --

Is there a specific Bluetooth module I need for this Acer Travelmate? I'm assuming I can't buy any old dongle and try and put it inside the machine. I don't want an external USB Dongle because I am going to be working in cramped spaces..
I saw some info in other threads about Acer models like the 2002, and how the owners manually put in BT modules.. but I would like to know if anyone has done it on the 3002.

Thanks!

 

acer has been doing this for quite a while now. still including the bluetooth button regardless if the machine is confugured with bluetooth or not. i also have the button on my 3 year old acer aspire 2001.

in the case of the aceraspire 2001, you just needed to add a small bluetooth circuit under the batterybay in order to have bluetooth. but this circuit was not available from acer. the acer 2001 already had a bluetooth antena inside. the circuit was ordered from another company. and/or i hear it it was also available from HP since they had a the same manufacturer for the compaqx1000 and acer aspire 2000 series.

i do not know if this is still the case of the newer folio acers though.

 

It is possible to use that circuit from HP in a 1691wmli?

 

i cannot say because i do not know who acer contracts to manufactur the 1691 and if HP has an equivalent.

here is an old discussion regarding the chip/circuit.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=2745

 

derekf... are you going to write a review for teh travelmate 3002? This notebook has been under my want list for a while now...

 

Yes, once I figure out this Bluetooth problem I will write a review on these boards.