I have a Verizon Wireless "National Access" card and unlimited data transfer service to provide up to 144 kbps anywhere Verizon has "1x" service. (This was previously called "ExpressNetwork"). The service is the nationwide version of the higher-speed trials (>300 kbps) in San Diego and Washington.

Verizon has several cards...two being built by Audiovox--the PC3220 (for the 144 kbps service) and the PC5220 (which adds the higher speed capability). I believe both cards would have the problem I'm describing, but I am personally using the PC3220.

The symptoms I'm seeing is that when the software (using the V1.6 Mobile Connection Manager Update) and the PC3220 card is instaled and working (in a ThinkPad T21, T23, T30, or T40), the devices (as listed in the "Safely Remove Hardware" window) are:

Lucent USB Open Host Controller
- USB Root Hub
- - USB Composite Device
- - - AirPrime CDMA Wireless Modem #2
- - - AirPrime Control Port (COM18)

When installed in a ThinkPad T41, the list is:

Lucent USB Open Host Controller
- USB Root Hub
- - Unknown Device

...and, of course, it doesn't work. The Mobile Connection Manager software used to connect to the network doesn't see that that card has been inserted.

As strange as it sounds, reseach on the web suggests that the problem is a hardware voltage problem with some Texas Instruments CardBus controllers putting out only 3.0 volts, not the spec'd 3.3 volts. This has most frequently been reported on Dell laptops, but there's at least one site that suggests it has been reported on some ThinkPads.

The PCMCIA device in the T40 (that works) is:
Texas Instruments PCI-1520 CardBus Controller

The PCMCIA device in the T41 (that doesn't work) is:
Texas Instruments PCI-4520 CardBus Controller

I found a TI spec that says the the PCI-4520 puts out 3.3volts...so I would think it should work, but I guess it really depends on what the hardware does...not necessarily what the spec says.

Can anyone confirm if I'm on track here? Is there anyone who can confirm if the voltages levels for the PCI-4520 are different from what was used in earlier ThinkPads?

Anyway, let this be a warning to anyone trying to use an Audiovox / Verizon card with newer ThinkPads.

Can't comment much on the specifics of your problems, but I have used Verizon's Express Network with an X20, X30 and A30p for a few years now and have generally had few problems. Used the Sierra 555 (I think that was the number) for a couple of years. Now I connect via my Kyocera 7035 Smartphone with good results. I'm surprised that Verizon tech support has not been able to give you specific help on this. A voltage problem seems a bit strange. These cards should be designed to work with any ThinkPad given their wide use.

Best regards,
Bill Armstrong

the Verizon website says that the High Speed Access is still only available in San Diego and Washington areas. Anyone have insight into this information disparity (from the first post)?

I have the Sierra Wireless 750 Air Card in my T41, and it works a treat. One thing I recall on installation was that I had to install the software first, restart, and then insert the card. Also, the card didn't work the first day because the remote setup was wrong. Vendor fixed. So you need to make sure all your ducks are lined up. If you have followed directions to the letter, it is time to get Verizon on the phone. ... JDHurst

The issue is related to both PC3220 and PC5220, in all laptops (not jus Thinkpads) that have Centrino technology built in. Search the forums here for "Verizon" - I posted a more detailed on this yesterday.

I spoke with IBM and they can't answer my question. Perhaps someone here will have an educated guess...?

Would PHYSICALLY removing the wireless card from the Thinkpad make it a non-Centrino laptop? Or would replacing it with an IBM a/b/g wireless card make it a non-Centrino? The second part - my educated guess is a yes... a qualified yes. Since it's not an Intel card, IBM can't use the Centrino sticker. BUT, the laptop itself still has all the power saving technologies of Centrino anyway, so we are back to square one I think.

I think you may be on the right track - the power sent to the PC card may not be sufficient. Again, IBM tech support had NO idea if there was any way to turn off any power management on the PC cards, or turn off all power management that comes with Centrino's usual requirements.

My guess - since I can get the PC5220 working on my other laptops (pre-Centrino), if there's a way to tweak the power output, it might just work.

Either that, or Sierra Wireless just released an AirCard 580, which Verizon says they do offer (though they don't sell it in stores) that "may" work. Again, they haven't tested it, they just think it might since it's a newer card.

Found this thread on Google. Not sure if it is still an issue or not.

Verizon added a bunch of new EVDO cities on February 1, 2005. They are rumored to be adding more April 1, 2005. We are keeping an eye on the latest coverage at:

http://www.EVDOinfo.com

Also, we have a fairly active forums discussing just things related to EVDO, if you still have a problem, you might want to try posting your problem over at:

http://www.EVDOForums.com

No disparity Leon, the OP is referring to the 1X 144Kbps system that Verizon offers nationwide, not the 300Kbps system that's still primarily only available in San Diego and DC.

Regards,

James

The 300K system actually gets more like 500K with many even getting 1000K downloads.

It is in a lot more cites than the 2 you listed, you can see the current list at:

http://www.evdoinfo.com/EVDO/Info/EVDO_ ... 005011127/

Also, when they list a city like Chicago, the coverage is in many of the surrounding suburbs as well.

We may have the answer posted to this problem at:

http://www.evdoforums.com/about149.html

It involves disabling the PCI Bus Power Management.

It also depends on which version of the EVDO card you are using, we have a list of laptops that have problems with Verizon. Some of these laptops require the newer (P8A) version of the PC 5220 card in order to work correctly.

Lots more info here:

Sierra Wireless PC5220 / AC580 Compatibility Issues