X201 and 3G modem

[Bart77]

Dear All,

I got a quick question about my laptop - as it is generally used by my wife and I have nothing to do with it. Recently I took away battery and I found something which is similar to sim card port. Does it mean that I have 3G modem inside my computer? How can I launch it - do I need some software/drivers because I could not find anything in control panel which could use 3G. I will be very grateful for your help and guidelines. Please take a look at the blow pictures:

[bill bolton]

Recently I took away battery and I found something which is similar to sim card port. Does it mean that I have 3G modem inside my computer?

It just means you have a SIM card port. What's the MTM of your X201?

Cheers,

Bill B.

[Bart77]

Sorry, but what does it mean MTM? I'm just a simple computer user

[twistero]

Machine Type - Model. It's printed on a sticker on the bottom of the laptop and says: TYPE ####-XXX.

[Bart77]

That's clear now for me. Taken from the bottom

TYPE 3626-FBG
S/N R9-7N4WE 10/09

I hope that above means something ??

[bill bolton]

3626-FBG

ThinkPad X201 (3626-FBG)
i5-520M(2.4GHz), 2GB RAM, 250GB 5400rpm HD, 12.1in 1280x800 LCD, Intel HD Graphics, Intel 802.11agn wireless, WWAN option, Bluetooth, Modem, 1Gb Ethernet, UltraNav, Secure Chip, Fingerprint reader, Camera, 6c Li-Ion, Win7 Pro 32

WWAN option means you have the SIM reader and antennas installed but no 3G card. You can add any of Lenovo sourced WWAN cards that is specified as suitable for an X201.... basically the Gobi 2000 or an Ericsson F3507g cards.

Cheers,

Bill B.

[Bart77]

Thanks for reply. However what about software for this modem - should I receive something with this Gobi unit or should I download drivers. Will it be recognised by the system ?

[EOMtp]

... what about software for this modem [Gobi 2000] ... should I download drivers ...

Lenovo's ThinkVantage Access Connections and Verizon's VZ Access Manager have drivers for the Gobi 2000 card, and both packages will recognize the card and permit you to make a GSM/HSPA connection with it. HOWEVER:

The last time I checked (which was a while back!), Lenovo's Gobi 2000 cards were SIM-locked to accept only a Verizon SIM (for use on Vodafone's service outside the U.S.). If so, then you may prefer a Lenovo-branded Ericsson F3507g card -- it is not SIM-locked.

Perhaps others can clarify if their more recent experiences with Lenovo's Gobi 2000 cards indicate that the cards are SIM locked or unlocked. [Note: If you are not going to use Verizon's CDMA/EV-DO service in the U.S., then there is no reason whatsoever to have the Gobi 2000 card. Use the Lenovo-branded Ericsson F3507g.]

[Alicatt]

It was locked before but with the latest Access Connections it seems to work fine with other SIM cards than Vodafone. I have a 2895EZG and I use an O2 sim with the Gobi 2000 and can connect to the internet with it, also send and receive SMS messages.
There is a long running thread on Lenovo's forum about Access Connections and difrent SIM cards and how to modify the program to accept diffrent SIMs in the older versions of the software.
Access Connections

[Bart77]

Thanks again for explanation. I'm operating in Poland/ Europe so maybe Ericsson F3507g card will be better? However I observed on several ebay auctions that this card is very often described as preferable solution for X200 - could it generate therefore some problems with X201?

Regards

[Alicatt]

Well my wife's X201T arrived, it is a 3113 WNE model without the 3G card, but low and behold on going to put in the battery there was a SIM slot and on examination the tablet has a Gobi2000 card in it
The only thing diffrent I asked for was an upgrade to the RAM from 2GB to 8GB. It is a bit redundant on her tablet as I don't think she will use that feature, tho she is happy at having the integrated GPS, don't know why as it hardly leaves the house.