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how do you turn on GPS?
Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 4:40 pm
by mattbiernat
how do you turn on the GPS in x300?
Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 7:38 pm
by Harryc
Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 7:42 pm
by mattbiernat
ok im new to x300... how do you enable mobile broad band?
Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 8:21 pm
by Harryc
Well, if you have bought the X300 with Integrated Wireless WAN: Verizon Sierra CDMA2000(or the AT&T card), then you call Verizon (or AT&T) and subscribe to the service. Last I checked it was @ $40 to $60 a month on Verizon or AT&T. With a factory preload you'd also have an icon in Thinkvantage called mobile broadband connect, where you can subscribe online.
http://b2b.vzw.com/broadband/bbabuiltin.html
If you sign up by tomorrow on Verizon you get a $100 mail in rebate.
http://b2b.vzw.com/assets/files/lenovo.pdf
Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 8:59 pm
by mattbiernat
wait, so i have to pay to use my GPS? the use of a satellite suppose to be free to everyone.
Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 9:21 pm
by Harryc
It uses Google maps, MS Live search maps, and Google Earth. How would you propose to get to them without using cellular technology out in the field? If you have purchased Microsoft Streets and Trips, then I don't think you need mobile broadband enabled. Note the last comment in the linked page; "...it’s not all that compelling, especially since it doesn’t offer assisted GPS to pinpoint your location indoors." Therefore, you need internet connectivity outdoors.
http://blog.laptopmag.com/lenovo-thinkp ... test-drive
Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 9:34 pm
by mattbiernat
so x300 doesn't really have a GPS.
my nuvi 300 does not connect to the internet, it aquires direct connection with the satellite.
Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 9:40 pm
by Harryc
No, it actually does have a built in GPS, and it works outdoors. It will display your position in degrees latitude and longitude, but in order to see that on a map to make sense of it, you need an internet connection or Microsoft Streets and Trips. So in effect you don't actually need mobile broadband to use it, but unless you have an atlas in your pocket or have purchased Microsoft Streets and Trips, the information is useless.
Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 9:43 pm
by mattbiernat
okay thank you for clarification.
Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 9:57 pm
by Harryc
No problem. By the way, Amazon has MS Streets & Trips 2009 for $34.99. I also have the GPS in my T400 and I may just purchase this package to see how it works. It's certainly inexpensive. I'd be interested in hearing anyone's experiences with MS Streets & Trips and the GPS system built into the latest Lenovo laptops. The previously linked article implies that GPS did not work on a bus, so does that also mean it does not work in a car? That would render it virtually useless for my purposes. I suppose if one were on an African Safari it might come in handy
. Much more information and testing is needed for this new Thinkpad device.
Posted: Tue Dec 30, 2008 10:54 pm
by mattbiernat
yeah $35 on a visa card is cheap but carying a huge laptop on a first date and telling your girl that you are looking for directions is priceless.