Thinkpads Forum

I'm guessing this might have been answered previously, but near the RAM slot on my x61s I noticed you can add a SIM card for 3G usage. I've been advised that not all x60 and x61s support 3G even through the SIM slot is built into the board as standard.

Just wanted to know if there is a 3G mondem daughter card that can been added to utilise this function or is 3G support actually based on the model and built in the mother board?

- Rich -

For WWAN 3G you need an antenna, a card, and a SIM slot. You probably already have the antenna and SIM slot, but you need to purchase a card. What is the machine type/model # from the sticker on the bottom of the laptop? It will be a (7) digit alpha-numeric like 7347-3CU.

The model / type of the x61s is 7666-AG7

Product: ThinkPad X61s 7666-AG7 [change]
Operating system: All [change]

Original description: Based on 7666-34U: L7500(1.6GHz), 2GB RAM, 100GB 7200rpm HD, 12.1in 1024x768 LCD, Intel X3100, Intel 802.11agn, Bluetooth, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, Secure chip, Fingerprint reader, 8c Li-Ion, WinXP Pro

It doesn't say if that model is WWAN ready, but it certainly did not come with WWAN out of the factory. You'd have to open it up to check for a WWAN antenna.

richramo wrote:... is 3G support actually based on the model and built in the mother board?

All X61s motherboards can accept a WWAN card since they have the 2nd mini-PCIe slot on the motherboard. For a GSM card, one also needs the SIM holder, which you state you have. The primary WWAN antenna is the extendable antenna on the right side of the LCD enclosure. Do you have that?

If yes, then install a modified BIOS, which will permit you to install any 3G card, and then install whatever 3G card you wish.

If you do not wish to install a modified BIOS, then you must use a Lenovo-branded Sierra Wireless MC5775. See link below for card and antenna(s):
http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=X61*+% ... m270.l1313

Note: If you use an MC8775, then you do not need the secondary WWAN antenna (installs under the palm rest front right side), since the MC8775 has only one antenna connector, i.e., you need only the primary antenna on the outside right side of the LCD case.

Thanks for your help.

richramo wrote:I've been advised that not all x60 and x61s support 3G even through the SIM slot is built into the board as standard.

The physical "slot" in the body moulding is present on all models as far as I'm aware, but that does not in itself does not indicate that there is a SIM card reader installed on the planar board.

See here for an X61 7676-3PM which has the slot in the body but no reader installed on the planar.... http://i.rwpic.com/images/dubloboy/x61m ... slot27.jpg

Similarly, configurations without SIM readers wont have WWAN antennas installed.

Cheers,

Bill B.