Success switching from Spint to Verizon EVDO on Sony Vaio Z

invicto · EVDO Newbie Joined: 24 Nov 2008 Posts: 2

New to the forum and wanted to give back.

I used this site to research options to replace the existing embedded Sprint EVDO Rev A. modem in my new Z Series Sony Vaio - VGN-Z530N/B.

Here is what I did.
1. Determined existing was a Novatel Expedite E725 Mini-PCI card using modem query under modem properties diagnostic.

2. Sourced an Expedite E720 Mini-PCI card by buying a Verizon USB720.

3. Removed the E725 Drivers and got the modem working while using it as a USB with accompanying VZW Access Manager S/W and Drivers. I then broke open the external packaging and removed the Mini-PCI card within.

4. Opened my 3 day old laptop (only minor trepidation) Rolling Eyes

to swap out the card - the Z Series Mini-PCI slot is buried under the keyboard, top chassis frame and DVD drive - no easy external access plate. Mad

Be careful with the 2 antenna leads.

5. Put it all back together.

6. Initialized the modem using the Sony SmartWi program and watched it register to the Sprint Network and then closed SmartWi.

7. Turned off the Wireless hardware switch on the laptop.

8. Opened VZW Access Manager S/W

9. Turned on the h/w switch and watched VZW access manager detect the card and register to Verizon.

10. Logged on and then ran speedtest and got 81ms latency 2400 Kbps down and 725 Kbps up sitting in the Dulles Hilton in Virginia.

Hope others find this useful.

Next Steps – Downloaded NovaCore SDK from Novatel and bought MS Visual Studio 2008 and will write a short API to use the embedded GPS. Just to geek out and prove to myself that I could do it.

nickjacket · Posted: Tue Nov 25, 2008 8:21 am Post subject: numb3rs cruncher

I've got a Vaio SZ750 with embedded 725 card too.
I had removed the embedded card drivers then installed a U727 usb card/drivers.
Didn't remove internal card, just turned it off.

With external U727, it can run with usb extension cable with vaio (antenna in a window) or plugged into a router for filters, wi-fi access and multi-pc usage.

SignalSeeker · EVDO User Joined: 28 May 2008 Posts: 83

bmzero · EVDO Newbie Joined: 17 Dec 2008 Posts: 1

I'm very interested in this swap. I have a Sony Z series laptop arriving this coming Friday and already have an existing Verizon USB modem (UM175). Does anyone know if this USB card will work in this swap? It's a pain in the butt keeping up with the USB modem and I'm always concerned it's going to get broken while it's in the USB port.

Thanks for the detailed first post.

rvehock · EVDO Newbie Joined: 18 Jan 2009 Posts: 2

I have just picked up a nice used Vaio VGN-TXN27N which has a Sprint EVDO Wan module installed. I also have a Dell D620 with a Verizon EVDO Wan card. Here is my questions:

1. Can I swap the cards between these laptops?
2. Do I need the little rubber antenna for the Vaio to be able to use the Wan card?

I would appreciate any help with this as I will be traveling with my Vaio and I prefer to use Verizon as my carrier.

rvehock · EVDO Newbie Joined: 18 Jan 2009 Posts: 2

anybody??