Called IBM today about my missing WiFi. I was expecting the worst – sending the laptop away for them to fix it and then trying to arrange to be around for it to be delivered back.

However, I spoke with the man on the phone and he said it could well just just be a dislodged card (it turns out the WiFi is on a mini-PCI card) and that I could check that myself by removing 3 small screws (doesn’t invalidate my warranty he was quick to point out). Pointing me at the maintenance manual for the X40 he waited patiently while it downloaded and then I reviewed what needed to be done. Very patiently in fact.

Removing the panel took less than a minute and the card was indeed unseated. Removed, check and re-inserted I secured the panel back in place and booted the machine. Success!