Adding 4G to X220 (or similar) in Europe

[ansible212]

Posting here as I expect the question applies to other models with 3G.

I've been on contract with Vodafone since I purchased by X200s, initially because Access Connections was locked to Vodafone and subsequently as it continued to represent good value for money.

With the reduction in price of 4G in the UK, that is no longer the case - I can now get 5 times the data on 4G for 2GBP more than I am paying for 3G on Voda.

Details from the Lenovo website are here:

http://shop.lenovo.com/gb/en/itemdetail ... 7E1408DB24

I've already flashed the BIOS to bypass the Lenovo whitelist, drivers are available for Win 7 64 bit, and the card is supported by Access Connections.

So my question is, before I take the plunge has anyone successfully upgraded their ThinkPad with the 4G modem now being sold by Lenovo?

[Puppy]

The EM7345 uses different form factor PCI Express M.2 so it can not be used. For X220 you could use MC7710 with modified BIOS, follow this thread http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=104656 especially this post http://forum.thinkpads.com/viewtopic.ph ... 56#p691048

So my question is, before I take the plunge has anyone successfully upgraded their ThinkPad with the 4G modem now being sold by Lenovo?

X220 - no Since I am unable to use post .20 ThinkPads I bought ThinkPad 8 tablet (sale) with LTE EM7345 that I use as a hotspot when I need a mobile connection. 3G coverage is almost zero over here and will not improve (will be switched off soon). 2G or 4G are the only options so I had to make an upgrade.

[ansible212]

I just knew there had to be a catch, and thank you for pointing it out... hadn't got as far as checking the form factor etc

The MC7710 uses three antennae, so I assume that is another challenge to overcome (of course I could just upgrade and stay with 3G, which is usually plenty fast enough).

[FryPpy]

The MC7710 uses three antennae, so I assume that is another challenge to overcome.

3nd (middle with blue sign) is for GPS only - 2G, 3G and 4G works fine without it. I don't know is it possible to use GPS from AUX antenna on MC7710 (like on older modules).
I have tested MC7304 in T601(Frankenpad) and got 50MBps download speed with stok T60's antennas.
Bad thing - my module is not Lenovo branded and i used it with sierra watcher connection manager.

PS
I am from Russia so please check that your Celular Operator working on bands that are accepted by this module!!!

[GomJabbar]

I use a mobile hotspot with my X220 (in the USA). I believe this is a better way to go than using built-in cellular. Easier to change carriers and/or keep up with technology. Not only that, you can connect multiple devices to it simultaneously (if you want). Use a strong password with WPA2 for connecting to the hotspot, and you should be safe from the ner-do-wells.

Another benefit of using a hotspot is that you can place it near a window for better cellular reception, and have your laptop some feet away where it is more convenient.

[Puppy]

Easier to change carriers and/or keep up with technology.

The downside is you have just another device that needs to be charged over and over. It is also a bit awkward setup on a business meeting Another option is the external LTE USB stick (which I hate the most among available options).

Another benefit of using a hotspot is that you can place it near a window for better cellular reception, and have your laptop some feet away where it is more convenient.

It depends on LTE frequency used. 800 MHz networks provides better coverage than 2600 ones.

[Puppy]

I am from Russia so please check that your Celular Operator working on bands that are accepted by this module!!!

That's another issue. EM7345 is currently the most versatile module available for EMEA region. It supports following FDD LTE bands (according Lenovo specs):

Band 1 (2100MHz)
Band 2 (1900MHz)
Band 3 (1800MHz)
Band 4 (AWS 1700/2100 Mhz)
Band 5 (850MHz)
Band 7 U:2500 MHz - 2570 MHz D:2620 MHz - 2690 MHz
Band 8 U:880 MHz - 915 MHz D:925 MHz - 960 MHz
Band 13 (700MHz)
Band 17 (700Mhz)
Band 18 U:815 MHz - 830 MHz D:860 MHz - 875 MHz
Band 19 U:830 MHz - 845 MHz D:875 MHz - 890 MHz
Band 20 U:832 MHz - 862 MHz D:791 MHz - 821 MHz

While MC7710 supports LTE bands (PDF datasheet page 2):

2100(B1)
1800(B3)
2600(B7)
900(B8)
800(B20)

Check it with list of LTE networks in Europe.

[kawelah]

Hello All,

Might be my comments was so late. I just want to inform the good news whw I was able to install 4G data card on X220 running Win 7 64bit and so far working fine and I believe applicable to other models MC7700, MC7710, MC7750. All below shoud be carried out:

a. Update BIOS to release 1.42
b. Download BIOS 1.42 (patches) to remove BIOS whitelists
c. Install that 4G datacard
d. Download 'generic' datacard drivers from Techship.se and install

Thanks and Regards.