PortablePwnage Part 2: Hardware upgrades/extensions for the eeePC 901 (updated)

Now, let's not start modding my Eee PC 901 just yet. Let's have a look at some 'normal' upgrades. I'm not sure I'll do all upgrades but this is a list of points on how to improve my umpc.

1. Memory upgrade: Kingston ValueRam 2 GB DDR2-667 (Alternate.be) @ 35 Euro
2. Bootdevice extension: Some SD(HC) cards for alternate OS booting (from geheugen-online.com):
   1x G074949: TRANSCEND, 16GB SDHC CARD, EUR 43,90
   1x G075118: TRANSCEND, 4GB SD CARD (133X), EUR 11,00
   
3. Bootdevice extension: Some USB Thumbdrives for various purposes (including making an USB multi-purpose keychain) (from geheugen-online.com):
   1x G140520: KINGSTON DIGITAL MEDIA, DT101C/8GB, EUR 22,90
   2x G140522: KINGSTON DIGITAL MEDIA, DT101N/4GB, EUR 11,70
4. WLAN replacement: A mini-PCI Express Atheros WLAN card (to replace the RTlan card) from OxfordTec.com for 19 pounds:
   1 x GIGABYTE WI01GT miniPCI EXPRESS Wireless card - Atheros
5. Battery upgrade: a 10400MAH battery for 82€ to increase the battery life to 10+ hours. (from laptoppen.nl). I have to verify if this shop' s offer is really compatible with my 901. This one is not compatible with the 901. Batteries from the 7xx series and the 900 cannot be used for the Eee PC 901 or 1000. I'm still looking where to buy these.
   

I checked the hardware support of the madwifi drivers before ordering the WLAN card and it seems fine. The card is easily replaced through the same panel as where the RAM module resides. Only 2 screws (I checked) and no soldering required. I will post pictures of the process in a future post.

There are a lot of other upgrades or modding possibilities like a backlight keyboard or adding a 3G card. Here are some of the interesting resources with more info:

• Disassembly of the Eee PC 901 (bit-tech.net)
• EeePC School: add a keyboard backlight for under 15$ (popsci.com)
• Eee PC Internal Upgrades Wiki (beta.ivancover.com): an enourmous wiki about upgrading/installing an USB hub, GPS with antenna, Bluetooth, Card reader, Flash drives, , Wifi cards, FM transmitters, Modems, ....

More to come when I get all of my parts.

Previous posts:

• How to Enable Multi-Touch PAD in Eee PC 901
• PortablePwnage Part 1: Choosing an UMPC. (updated x2)

(Photo under creative commons from tnkgrl's photostream)