Thinkpads Forum

Hi everyone, has anyone in the UK used the X60 / X60s version with Vodafone 3G support (I imagine similar the the Verizon USA model)?

- Does it have a user installable SIM?
- If so, where?
- Does it have an aerial bump?
- Does it support GPRS as well?

Thanks

Yes, the sim slot is located under the memeory door, comes with the vodafone sim already installed.

the aerial bump is at the top left side of the screen - looks the best out of all the models with the bump IMHO.

It does support GPRS.

Make sure you have deep pockets though as vodafone won't offer a pay as you go service for these ones so its a minimum of £25 a month and £8.75 per MB!!! when travelling abroad.

Thanks for the message, how do you enable the service, phone voda or something?

Can I put my own voda sim in it? Even better can i put a t-mobile web and walk sim in?

Thanks

snife wrote:Yes, the sim slot is located under the memeory door, comes with the vodafone sim already installed.

the aerial bump is at the top left side of the screen - looks the best out of all the models with the bump IMHO.

It does support GPRS.

Make sure you have deep pockets though as vodafone won't offer a pay as you go service for these ones so its a minimum of £25 a month and £8.75 per MB!!! when travelling abroad.

Hi,

I have been running at X60s with Voda for about 8 weeks now. I am impressed with the coverage but I had a total nightmare setting it up and still have issues connecting it (see my other post), I have to go through a sim password ritual each time I want to connect using WWLAN. the support from Voda is non existant therefore your pretty much on your own. I would say that if you can get yourself set up easily then your good to go otherwise you may get a little tired of "holding" at Voda phone.

from a cost perpestive I would always go for the no limits package as once you've started using it the Mb's rack up real quick and it does become a little addicative

david25,
you might want to read up on this thread-

http://forum.thinkpads.com/posting.php? ... 7dcc76f392

GomJabbar
Moderator
PostPosted: Sun Jul 15, 2007 10:02 am
.......................................

This entry explains more about some solutions for managing the WWAN stuff. In the US, ATT (previously Cingular) is nearly identical as they also use GSM as does Vodaphone just on a different frequency. (Verizon uses CDMA/EVDO instead).

He mentioned some additional software (3G watcher) produced by the Sierra Wireless people who make the WWAN card for GSM HSDPA for managing the connection.

I've had an x60s for a couple of months. (UK based)

The GSM module is a Sierra mini-PCI card. It does GPRS & 3G and GSM text, but not GSM fax.

The laptop comes with the Vodafone Mobile Connect software which is the standard thing that Voda have been shipping for years, with their various M/C PCMCIA cards.

The SIM card is installed underneath a cover on the bottom - you need a #0 (small) pozi screwdriver. The aerial is the bump to the top RH of the screen.

The Voda software can be set up (in the Profiles setup) to choose

3G only (NOT advisable due to lousy coverage)
3G preferred, GPRS fallback (the best option)
GPRS only (no point)

It works well. I am using it with a Voda PAYG SIM card.

Things to watch:

Cost. Voda is the most expensive network, but technically the best. They don't block any ports and support VPN incl. windoze PPTP VPN. PAYG data is now £2/MB non-roaming and £10/MB roaming, unless you pick up one of the old special offer SIM cards (just about available on Ebay, with Voda-badged Sierra 750 cards) which are £3/£7.50 respectively. Voda do special data contracts, and for £95/month you can get more or less unlimited data...

Support. None really. Voda support is the absolute pits. The only way to get anything is to write to their chief exec Arun Sarin. Then it gets dealt with by a special team. They focus on large corporate users who get their own support teams.

You don't need the Sierra watcher software for this module; the Voda software is enough.

But remember it doesn't do fax. If you want fax then you need to either use email2fax, or buy a Sierra 750 PCMCIA card from Ebay (and use the Sierra watcher software with it).

I have not yet seen a data module (built in or PCMCIA) that is actually locked to the service provider - despite claims. I have used a Vodacom (South African Vodafone) SIM card in the x60s and it worked fine - until Vodacom cut off the service after a few months.

I think it also worked with a Virgin SIM card; Virgin are much better organised than the idiots at Voda, much better cust service, the web topup feature works well, the cost is £5/MB for both roaming and non-roaming, and if you set up the direct debit option (this is still PAYG) then the geographical coverage expands to more or less what you get on any contract SIM.

Email me if you need more info: peter at peter2000 co uk