T61 WWAN/3G confusion

[Zilch]

Can someone help me out here?

I'm wanting to get 3G (HPDSA?) wireless broadband on my T61 using the "Three" $15/month deal here in Australia.

Before I rock out and buy one of the ugly sticky-out PC Express/PCMCIA card for AU$199, I'm wondering if there is a more elegant solution.

I have seen some T61s advertised here with built in WWAN support (but can't remember if they are locked to a particular network or not).

I can't tell from the product info (or searching the forum) if there is an integrated WWAN cards in all the T61s and you just need to add the SIM module, or if it's more complicated than that. If it is, is it a case of adding (or replacing the exiting) PCI Express card? The service manual shows how to replace the SIM module under the battery, but mine seems to just be a plastic baffle. (As others have mentioned on the forums)

Obviously the main advantage to having an integrated WWAN is no aerial sticking out to break (I plan to use it on cramped trains) and hopefully better reception using the build in aerials.

I don't want to lose any functionality such as WiFi/Bluetooth.

The Thinkpad is a work machine, so I didn't really have any say in the model, or the OS. If it makes any difference, the specs for my system are a Lenovo T61 Widescreen (7659-AB8) running Windows XP.

Any hints if this is possible? If so, how would I find the IBM part numbers/FRUs for what I need to order?

Or am I stuck in ugly PC Express/PCMCIA-ville?

Thanks,
Zilch.

[Peak2Peak]

An embedded WWAN UNLOCKED module made by Sierra Wireless (MC8775) is available from Lenovo - FRU: 42T0901.

If there is no existing Sim card slot, then this would be required - FRU: 42W2498.

Again if there is no Wireless WAN antenna cable(s) existing you will need FRU: 93P4558 for 14.1" WS LCD models.

Installation instructions for these FRU's can be found in Hardware Maintenance Manual - 14.1" WS - as well as confirmation of the FRU's above.

If you do not want to get involved with the installation of the above FRU's you could opt for a PCMCIA card made by Option Wireless Technology which does not protrude to far from the PCMCIA slot. There are two models available GlobeTrotter GT MAX HSUPA GX301 & 302, each is enhanced for particular global regions.

Hope this helps a little

[Zilch]

Thanks Peak2Peak. That helps a lot! I'll have a look for the parts on the online catalogue

Two additional questions though:

- It sounds like the 3G hardware isn't already onboard waiting to be "enabled" as such. Does this MC8775 module have it's own empty slot already, or do I need to remove something to make space? It there is an empty slot there, is it proprietory, or a miniPCI or some such?

- How do I check to see if there is a Wireless WAN antenna cable? Is this in the hardware maintenance manual?

Edit: Found the section on antenna parts. This looks like the most complicated by far. Here's hoping that there is one there already. (And I can figure out how to order the parts)

[bill bolton]

It sounds like the 3G hardware isn't already onboard waiting to be "enabled" as such.

In general, if the ThinkPad wasn't ordered as kitted for WWAN, it often won't have any specific WWAN "extras" installed. This may change over time (and its seems the X300s are WWAN ready, within some limits).

Does this MC8775 module have it's own empty slot already, or do I need to remove something to make space?

If you don't have Wireless USB on your T61, then you should have an empty mini-PCI-E slot available internally.

Here's hoping that there is one there already.

That's highly unlikely for an Australian sourced T61 (and only slightly less unlikely for a US sourced T61).

In any case have you checked that "3"s coverage and network capacity provisioning is workable for your needs? There are a lot of less-than-gruntled users around for the Optus/Virgin, Voda and "3" 3G data networks at the moment and I don't expect that to change any time soon.

Cheers,

Bill B.

[Zilch]

Hmm...if I can find the parts I might have to convince a Techo at work to pull the thing apart.

Re coverage/speed. I'm still umming and arring between 3s $15 1GB plan and Optus' $20 1GB plan. From what I read I thought that the coverage and speeds from 3 were better. Our corporate plan and my mobile is with Optus though.

Any recommendations between the two?

This is only for use while commuting anyway. I have a good ADSL2+ connection at home and a good connection at work.

[AIX]

PC Express/PCMCIA cards from Vodafone are not that ugly - they are red like the trackpoint is. Yes, I have one of them..

[Zilch]

Haha

It's not so much the colour I'm worried about, but how far it sticks out the side (and gets broken).

Also, what slot does that card go in? Mine has a wider (PCMCIA width) top slot (that is currently filled with a plastic baffle) and the one below it seems to fit SD cards.

How is yours fitted?

[AIX]

I have only 2x PCMCIA slots and no expresscard slot on my T41.
I use a PCMCIA card from Vodafone - it sticks out ~3-4cm; when I put the laptop in my bag I take out the PCMCIA card, otherwise it will probably get broken.

I think it's not ugly but an embedded WWAN module it is more comfortable plus it is integrated with Access Connections.

In Germany I have configured T61 and X61s for use with T-Mobile and Access Connections and have not had to unlock the modules. I have checked which ThinkPads were configured and they have the module FRU 42T0931, option 43R1821, the same as that used in the X300

http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?t=60765