Best option for Mobile Broadband capability

[corisin]

I'm going to be buying a T410 laptop and will need mobile broadband capability (ie. I need internet and will not be by a WiFi hotspot). My understanding is that there are three ways I can get mobile broadband: WiMAX (don't really understand that well), USB dongle, or Integrated-upgradeable vs. Integrated-with-Gobi (don't understand these well either).

I strongly prefer a setup where I do NOT have to install additional software on my computer (if possible). that is, I'd like something that the OS can manage (like how the OS natively handles WiFi without my having to install 3rd party software). With that said, can anyone recommend which of the three would be my best option? I'd also appreciate any info that will help me better understand the plus/minuses or ins/outs of each. Thanks.

[w0qj]

Get Integrated-with-Gobi mobile broadband enabled T410 (mine is 2522-RE3).
Just pop any carrier's SIM card in, and off you go. The Gobi device is not locked to any carrier.
Since your Gobi broadband device came with your T410, Gobi drivers are preinstalled.

I'm going to be buying a T410 laptop and will need mobile broadband capability (ie. I need internet and will not be by a WiFi hotspot). My understanding is that there are three ways I can get mobile broadband: WiMAX (don't really understand that well), USB dongle, or Integrated-upgradeable vs. Integrated-with-Gobi (don't understand these well either).

I strongly prefer a setup where I do NOT have to install additional software on my computer (if possible). that is, I'd like something that the OS can manage (like how the OS natively handles WiFi without my having to install 3rd party software). With that said, can anyone recommend which of the three would be my best option? I'd also appreciate any info that will help me better understand the plus/minuses or ins/outs of each. Thanks.

[corisin]

hey, thanks for this info

do you know where I can download the gobi drivers from (like if I ever reinstall the OS--sometimes I do this to keep OS running smoothly)? Does Lenovo provide them on their site?

[miketoro]

http://www-307.ibm.com/pc/support/site. ... 72938.html

Lenovo also has a program called System Update 4 that will scan your computer and keep everything up to date, much like Windows Update. It will come preloaded on your computer, but if you wipe the drive it can easily be found on the Lenovo support site.

[corisin]

w0qj, so with the integrated-gobi option the computer will come fully prepared for mobile broadband? I just pop in a card and I will be given this SIM card from Sprint (service provider I plan to use). Is there any difference between CDMA and GSM carriers in how it's accomplished?

Making sure I know what to expect. Thanks.

[w0qj]

Hi corisin,

I believe the integrated Gobi mobile broadband's antenna is built-in with the LCD module, that was what I was led to believe by telephoning Lenovo/Thinkpad support before buying my T410. The implication is that if you buy a Thinkpad WITHOUT the built-in antenna, there is no way for you to upgrade to Gobi mobile broadband.

Hence if you plan to use Gobi mobile broadband in the future, make sure that:
a) Your Thinkpad comes with the integrated Gobi mobile broadband, or
b) or if you don't get your Gobi mobile broadband now, at least make sure that it already has the built-in antenna for eventual upgrade to Gobi mobile broadband (Mobile broadband ready, or WWAN ready).

Honestly, the cost of Gobi mobile broadband option is just a small part of your total T410 purchase price

[nikki605]

b) or if you don't get your Gobi mobile broadband now, at least make sure that it already has the built-in antenna for eventual upgrade to Gobi mobile broadband (Mobile broadband ready, or WWAN ready).

How do I know, or how can I find out if my T410 has this antenna? Where can I look or what do I look for?

Thanks