Should I upgrade my 2011 MBP's bluetooth module for LE?

[alexjholland]

Hey, I'm using an early-2011 MacBook Pro i5, with:

- 1TB SSD for boot
- 1TB spinner for storing (replaced the optical drive)
- 16GB RAM

This loyal workhorse is used for writing, music/video production and editing photos as I travel and work remotely.

Given a new MBP with 2TB of onboard storage is a top-of-the-line 15", I'm in no rush to upgrade. It's only rendering videos where her age starts to show.

I'm a minimalist and always keen to own less stuff. My iPad (using TouchABLE) has already replaced all my USB controllers for Ableton Live and I just need a simple, two-octave MIDI keyboard now.

Unfortunately, all new Bluetooth MIDI keyboards use the Bluetooth LE standard, which was added to the model after mine.

I've found a few guides to adding the Bluetooth module you can buy from AliExpress.

- How difficult is this? I've already added a second hard drive in the optical bay.
- Is there much chance of things going wrong?
- Is there much chance of an OS upgrade disabling this bluetooth/WiFi module?
- Will it indeed work for Bluetooth LE MIDI keyboards (most people just mention features like continuity)?

I'm keen to enjoy the range of Bluetooth LE MIDI keyboards out there, but it's not worth bricking my MacBook for!

[Stromkraft]

MacBook Pro 15" Unibody Early 2011 AirPort/Bluetooth Board Replacement.

There's an additional plus replacing this: likely compatibility with the Waves NX head tracking system.

[siliconarc]

i did it a few months ago using this card (ali express too): ***link***

no adapter needed - it just replaces the old card.
if you've already changed the optical drive yourself, you'll have no problems with fitting this.

handoff & continuity features need to be enabled - they won't work by default. i used this handy terminal app script:
https://github.com/dokterdok/Continuity-Activation-Tool

if you've updated to high sierra, you'll need to use the beta of the app which requires disabling SIP temporarily. worked fine for me.

[alexjholland]

i did it a few months ago using this card (ali express too): ***link***

no adapter needed - it just replaces the old card.
if you've already changed the optical drive yourself, you'll have no problems with fitting this.

handoff & continuity features need to be enabled - they won't work by default. i used this handy terminal app script:
https://github.com/dokterdok/Continuity-Activation-Tool

if you've updated to high sierra, you'll need to use the beta of the app which requires disabling SIP temporarily. worked fine for me.

This is precisely the answer I wanted to hear; from a fellow musician.

So it's a pretty non-destructive modification?

Have you tested out any Bluetooth LE devices?

Cheers!

[siliconarc]

this vid shows the process: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LafF_WyRoME

i've not tried with any bluetooth midi gear yet.