Is there a list of WWAN ready laptops?

jalr · EVDO User Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Posts: 30

I have a novatel u720 and i want to use the mini pci card inside and install into a laptop. My gateway does not have support for such so I was wondering if there is a list somewhere of wwan ready laptops. I am aware that current dells have the option but do the units come prewired if you don't buy the card installed? does having the option to add a card mean that the laptop will come prewired?

Torrey · Site Admin Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 230 Location: USA

You would need a laptop with an available PCI Express Mini Card slot in your laptop (inside your laptop on the motherboard). I DO NOT recommend doing this as it will void the warranty for your U720 & laptop.

See this article for more info:

http://www.evdoinfo.com/content/view/1985/63/

The embedded cards are not included with your laptop if you didn't select the option during purchase. I wouldn't really suggest getting an embedded card either as there are too many reasons not to get an embedded card.

jalr · EVDO User Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Posts: 30

i'm looking at a dell inspiron 1525. according to the website, it has 3 mini pci slots. embedded evdo is an option when you customize it so is it safe to assume that one of the pci slots is prewired for wwan including antennas?

Torrey · Site Admin Joined: 09 May 2007 Posts: 230 Location: USA

jalr · EVDO User Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Posts: 30

i am going to have to go to a dell kiosk and see if they can open up a bay for me to look at. i've seen pictures of other laptops that are configured for wwan including the antennas but the customer opted out of the factory installed card.

jalr · EVDO User Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Posts: 30

well, i just ordered a 1525. after poking and prying, i have sufficent information that yes, certain dells, including the 1525 indeed have 3 mini-pci slots and one is wired for wwan and no, opening the bay and installing a card does not void the warranty of the laptop. of course, yes, it does for the u720 but i got it used anyhow so not an issue. i have to assume that since they sell sprint cards as an option, everything should be good to go including the bios. should be simple as installing connection manager, confirming that it works then installing the card internally.

sstackho · EVDO User Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Posts: 32

Dell's M1530 also has 3 mini-PCI slots, prewired with antennas. One for WWAN (mobile broadband), one for WLAN and one for Bluetooth.

The card from the U720 should work as embedded in your 1525, I would think.

jalr · EVDO User Joined: 01 Jul 2007 Posts: 30

well, after a bunch of delays, I finally got my Dell 1525.

i installed the connection manager and verified everything worked.
I opened the access panel and there were 3 ports with one labled as wwan. 2 antenna wires, white is main, black is aux.
i installed the card and booted up the laptop and everything worked. didn't have to do anything. horray!

there is a list of dell and other embedded products at sprint
http://www.nextel.com/en/solutions/embedded_solutions/mobile_computing.shtml