Installing WWAN modem to HP EliteBook 840 G5

[asaeles]

I have an HP EliteBook 840 G5 laptop, with a SIM card slot but W/O a WWAN modem, I was thinking of buying something like this https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32893320999.html and attempt installing it myself, what do you think?

Also how to know whether I have antennas installed or no? Does the SIM card slot suggest that the antennas are there just waiting for the modem to be installed?

[banhien · Accepted solution]

@asaeles 

Please use compatible cards on page 4 of the following manual

            http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c05922740.pdf

Antennas come with screen/display assembly (same part #) therefore they (2 of them) should be there already.

But on page 11 of the manual which says WWAN antennas come with select products only therefore you have to find out part # for your screen or open the screen assembly to be able to work out. Note: there are dozens of models/products called HP EliteBook 840 G5 notebooks.

Regards.

[asaeles]

Then one thing remains to figure out which is the antennas, so the question is: how to know the screen part# (I have the touch screen btw)?

There are several codes on the bottom of the laptop but I don't think it's useful.

Also I saw something in the manual that might give you a clue, the manual says regarding the SIM card slot:

"NOTE: All models have a SIM card slot and icon, but models
that do not have the HP Mobile Broadband Module, a wireless
wide area network (WWAN) device, installed at the factory are
shipped with a non-removable plug inserted into the slot."

But on my laptop there is a SIM card opening and I can even see copper contacts inside, so does this suggest I also have the antennas in my screen?

[banhien]

@asaeles 

My 840 G5 is in front of me right now. It does not have WWAN but the SIM slot is available . I don't want to open it to check antennas just to answer your question . My machine is 3RS36PA#ABG. The following list shows many available options including WWAN. I believe it does have antennas.

          http://partsurfer.hp.com/Search.aspx?searchText=3RS36PA

Please check your model/product to see. Worse case, just install WWAN and find out antennas later. I don't need SIM on my machine, I always use my phone as hot spot. I used to get a phone from my employer for communications and wifi connection. But now as a retiree, I try to avoid my computers when not at home.

Regards.