Questions about mobile broadband and the W510

[Turboqueef]

Good day,

I ordered my W510 without the mobile broadband module. I would like to purchase a module that has capability to operate with multiple carriers (example ATT or Verizon).

I found some information on this module: Lenovo Thinkpad Gobi 2000 Mobile Broadband Module but have no clue if it will do what I am looking for.

I would like to hear from anyone who can provide advice to me regarding the best option.

Thanks,

[underclocker]

The Gobi 2000 is the way to go and it will work in a W510 (assuming you have the WWAN antennas, maybe all W510's are WWAN ready?)

You can select from Sprint, AT&T or Verizon as you wish. Also, people have reported that T-Mobile works, too.

It may also be possible to add a WiMax adpater, the Intel 6250 N + WiMax.

[Turboqueef]

The Gobi 2000 is the way to go and it will work in a W510 (assuming you have the WWAN antennas, maybe all W510's are WWAN ready?)

You can select from Sprint, AT&T or Verizon as you wish. Also, people have reported that T-Mobile works, too.

It may also be possible to add a WiMax adpater, the Intel 6250 N + WiMax.

Very cool... thanks...

My understanding is this W510 is "broadband upgradeable" so I hope this means it has all connection points available inside.

Does the module work with the software provided by each carrier (example, VZAccess Manager for Verizon and what ever ATT uses?)

Thanks again,

[underclocker]

Broadband upgradeable or WWAN upgradeable does mean that the antennas are there waiting and that there is a free, appropriate slot.

You can use either the software from the carrier, like VZAccess, or Lenovo's Access Connections software. For some carriers, Access Connections may require the carrier's software, too. Put another way, software directly from the carrier should work.

Most carriers offer options from as little as one-day plans to multi-year monthly plans.

[Turboqueef]

Broadband upgradeable or WWAN upgradeable does mean that the antennas are there waiting and that there is a free, appropriate slot.

You can use either the software from the carrier, like VZAccess, or Lenovo's Access Connections software. For some carriers, Access Connections may require the carrier's software, too. Put another way, software directly from the carrier should work.

Most carriers offer options from as little as one-day plans to multi-year monthly plans.

Good info... thank you very much

Sorry but one more question... I see one seller is stating his product is "unlocked" .. his price is $40 more than others who do not report the unit is unlocked... What does the unlocked version do that others do not?

Thanks,

[deforest]

With cellular networks (phone/data), locked means that the device can only be used with the carrier that the device is paired with. So I have an att wwan card, it can only work with the att network. Unlocked is the opposite, that the device can be used with any compatible carrier (i.e. the carrier can communicate and work with the device).

[underclocker]

deforest is correct, however, I do not believe that any of the Lenovo Gobi 2000 devices are actually locked. They may come with only the Verizon or AT&T software, but any Lenovo Gobi 2000 should be able to be used with any network (perhaps even internationally), as long as you have the software (and SIM, as required) from the carrier. The software is a free download and all carriers are happy to give you a SIM, since it will lead to a nice revenue stream.

I have had both Lenovo reps. and Lenovo distributers confirm this (that Lenovo Gobi 2000's are unlocked), but I can not find anything in writing from Lenovo to confirm it.

Also, you definitely want a Gobi 2000 with a Lenovo part number, not a generic one or Dell one or HP one, etc. The BIOS will likely prevent booting with a non-Lenovo adapter.

IF A FORUM MEMBER - WITH EXPERIENCE - KNOWS THIS IS TO BE FALSE, PLEASE POST A FOLLOW UP!!!

[Turboqueef]

Good information, thank you very much..

[w0qj]

I have a T410 (2522-RE3) with the built-in Gobi 2000 mobile broadband, bought & used in Hong Kong...

I can confirm that for the HK market, the Gobi 2000 is not locked.

In fact, the Thinkpad pre-load actually had a small program that asked me if I wanted to register with Verison, which is not available in HK.
I uninstalled this small program, as it's of no use in HK market...

[Turboqueef]

Good day,

Thanks to everyone who posted to my inquiry.

I ended up purchasing: Item Title:UNLOCKED LENOVO THINKPAD GOBI 2000 3G WWAN CARD 60Y3183 off ebay. Installed it myself and it works GREAT on the Verizon system. I have accessed Sprint but decided not to sign up because they do not offer short term service (day pass).

Thanks again...