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    T400 GPS capabilities

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by JamesTBrewer, Aug 26, 2008.

  1. AznRacerNSX

    AznRacerNSX Notebook Evangelist

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    that's so expensive............
     
    AznRacerNSX, Sep 10, 2008
    #51
  2. qazwsxedcrfv43

    qazwsxedcrfv43 Notebook Geek

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    I certainly agree - That's why they wanted you to buy everything at the point of purchase - Maybe ask a Lenovo rep and see what they can do for you?
     
    qazwsxedcrfv43, Sep 10, 2008
    #52
  3. shinew

    shinew Notebook Geek

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    great find! since they added t400/t500 to the support, this should work. I tried it few days ago and it wouldn't let me install because "there is no GPS device found". Even the lenovo technical support couldn't find it after putting me on hold for 10min.

    I have been using Sony Ericsson connection manager for my att module. It's not designed for it but since it uses the same ericsson 3G chip with one of their 3G express card, it works just fine, including GPS.
     
    shinew, Sep 10, 2008
    #53
  4. shinew

    shinew Notebook Geek

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    lenovo sells it at a very reasonable price when you customize the laptop, i think it was around $60(while dell sells it without GPS function for $130). so it was a no brainier when I ordered.
     
    shinew, Sep 10, 2008
    #54
  5. qazwsxedcrfv43

    qazwsxedcrfv43 Notebook Geek

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    Exactly! :D
     
    qazwsxedcrfv43, Sep 10, 2008
    #55
  6. JamesTBrewer

    JamesTBrewer Notebook Guru

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    Whats the name of the third party software that you used?

    The factory card options are internal. For AT&T it need the SIM card inserterd to work. The SIM does not need to be activated. The system actually came with an unactivated SIM so that it will run.

    Here is a list of some WWAN cards. Im sure theyre expensive and I dont know which ones are locked to thier provider or unlocked or what frequencies they use. Some are GSM, some are CDMA and some wont even work in the US
     
    JamesTBrewer, Sep 10, 2008
    #56
  7. shinew

    shinew Notebook Geek

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    It's Sony Ericsson Wireless Manager 5, you can download it here -> http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/support/mobilebroadband/ec400g?cc=us&lc=en

    Although I can confirm that the GPS software from Lenovo can be downloaded & installed, I still don't know how you could activate the module without the Sony Ericsson wireless manager, the wireless manager works great though, so no complains :).
     
    shinew, Sep 10, 2008
    #57
  8. qazwsxedcrfv43

    qazwsxedcrfv43 Notebook Geek

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    "Activate the module?"
     
    qazwsxedcrfv43, Sep 10, 2008
    #58
  9. AznRacerNSX

    AznRacerNSX Notebook Evangelist

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    Ya.............. i know.... but here's the thing... you ready...

    I live in CANADA =( and the tears start dropping...

    Do you guys know where i can order some random WWAN card just to enable the GPS. It can be Used.. I just want to get the GPS to work.. i don't care about WWAN.
     
    AznRacerNSX, Sep 10, 2008
    #59
  10. qazwsxedcrfv43

    qazwsxedcrfv43 Notebook Geek

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    Have you tried contacting Lenovo or something?
     
    qazwsxedcrfv43, Sep 10, 2008
    #60
  11. AznRacerNSX

    AznRacerNSX Notebook Evangelist

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    ya they say they don't offer it yet.. still testing.. which is understandable because in canada i think we use wwan cards from telus and some other random providers...

    I was really looking forward to programming something related to GPS as my final project for my last year in CompSci at Univ.
     
    AznRacerNSX, Sep 10, 2008
    #61
  12. JamesTBrewer

    JamesTBrewer Notebook Guru

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    The GPS function is a part of the specific WWAN card. Not all WWAN cards have GPS built in. The Sony Ericsson card that is used in the ATT version is model number F3507g, which has the GPS chip as opposed to model F3507 which does not have GPS capabilities.

    Honestly, if youre only going to be using it for GPS, it would be better to pick up a USB or bluetooth GPS reciever. Even if you want WWAN, you could pick up a USB GPS reciever and an unlocked USB or ExpressCard WWAN modem and still save a few hundred bucks. Yeah, its nice to have it built in, but after the fact you might just have to take it as a compromise.

    I've seen MS Streets and Trips 08 bundled with a wired GPS reciever often for around $50, sometimes much less. The previous version always drops a lot when the new one comes out.
     
    JamesTBrewer, Sep 11, 2008
    #62
  13. AznRacerNSX

    AznRacerNSX Notebook Evangelist

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    hm... i guess i'll see... if i can't find a used one with the gps chip inside the wwan card then i'll just scrap the whole thing... i wouldn't buy a usb / bluetooth one....

    I wonder where's a good place to get a descent priced GPS Mini PCI-Express module...
     
    AznRacerNSX, Sep 11, 2008
    #63
  14. JamesTBrewer

    JamesTBrewer Notebook Guru

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    Ive never personally seen a mini PCI-E GPS card, only Mini PCI Type III
     
    JamesTBrewer, Sep 12, 2008
    #64
  15. hexproject

    hexproject Newbie

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    shinew:

    For the Sony Ericsson 5 wireless manager...
    did you use the AT&T sim?
    anyone put a different Sim card in and worked?
     
    hexproject, Sep 19, 2008
    #65
  16. shinew

    shinew Notebook Geek

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    any sim will work for the GPS function.
     
    shinew, Sep 20, 2008
    #66
  17. mikec

    mikec Notebook Evangelist

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    The gps works with any SIM.
    If you want GPS built-in, absolutely get the AT&T card (Sony Ericsson).

    Think of it as built-in gps for $50, and 3G ability thrown in for free. Much better than an external usb or bluetooth gps receiver.
     
    mikec, Sep 20, 2008
    #67
  18. Parijat

    Parijat Notebook Consultant

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    I already have my T400 and I wasn't aware gps chip is only installed if you have ATT or other wwan with your order.
    Is it possible to add the gps capability now if I send my notebook to lenovo ?
     
    Parijat, Sep 21, 2008
    #68
  19. mikec

    mikec Notebook Evangelist

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    I think you are SOL. Probably quicker and cheaper to return and reorder, and try to dodge the restocking fee. I dont know how Lenovo is with pre-done antenna hook-ups, but I know HP only provide connections based on what you initially buy, making many upgrades impossible/impractical.
     
    mikec, Sep 21, 2008
    #69
  20. Vol@nd

    Vol@nd Notebook Enthusiast

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    The initial otions on the website are:
    Integrated Wireless Wide Area Network upgradable
    Integrated AT&T Mobile Broadband (3G) [add $80.00 $60.00]
    Integrated Verizon Mobile Broadband (3G) [add $150.00 $75.00]
    so I guess you should be able to install it somehow
     
    Vol@nd, Sep 21, 2008
    #70
  21. Parijat

    Parijat Notebook Consultant

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    thanks for the replies guys, called tech support and they said they don't know how to upgrade it, but they said I can buy wwan card from ATT and use in pc card slot...
    Guess I have to live without it.. :(
    do you know if Lenovo offers live chat support like hp does?
     
    Parijat, Sep 21, 2008
    #71
  22. JamesTBrewer

    JamesTBrewer Notebook Guru

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    From what I hear, the antenna config is specific to the config you order. If you order a laptop without any wireless options you arent getting an antenna. If you get one that requires only one antenna youre only getting one antenna. Thats why I ordered mine with a 5300, because those are supposed to come with 3 antennas and should be compatable with the wimax spec.
     
    JamesTBrewer, Sep 23, 2008
    #72
  23. shinew

    shinew Notebook Geek

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    If you're OK with DIY, this doesn't look too complicated -> http://mydellmini.com/forum/integrated-gps-on-my-mini-9-t167.html
     
    shinew, Oct 10, 2008
    #73
  24. Parijat

    Parijat Notebook Consultant

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    I would have done it if my laptop was out of warranty... :D
    thanks for the reply though :)
     
    Parijat, Oct 10, 2008
    #74
  25. 2hand

    2hand Newbie

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    [​IMG] [​IMG]

    I believe this is the slot where you put the GPS chip. It costs $150 via CPP if you buy it seperated. I should have ordered it when I config my T400
     
    2hand, Oct 15, 2008
    #75
  26. qazwsxedcrfv43

    qazwsxedcrfv43 Notebook Geek

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    How good of a sensitivity is people getting with the AT&T chip?
    Currently it is taking forever for the GPS to fix inside a vehicle - sometimes like 15-20 minutes is typical for my card.
    Also, my cards does not seem to acquire a fix even though there are more than 3 satellites, despite that they have adequate signal (a dedicated GPS acquired a fix within 15 secs) - It takes the AT&T card about 6-7 satellites before it can acquire a weak fix.
    Anyone getting anything better? If so, do you leave your WWAN turned on even if it's not being used? Thanks!
     
    qazwsxedcrfv43, Oct 16, 2008
    #76
  27. s0me0ne

    s0me0ne Notebook Guru

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    [​IMG]

    There's a new tiny bluetooth GPS receiver on the market
    this thing is small enough to fit in your hand
     
    s0me0ne, Oct 16, 2008
    #77
  28. mikec

    mikec Notebook Evangelist

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    If I am outdoors, I get a fix pretty quickly with just 3 satellites.
     
    mikec, Oct 16, 2008
    #78
  29. qazwsxedcrfv43

    qazwsxedcrfv43 Notebook Geek

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    What about in a vehicle?
     
    qazwsxedcrfv43, Oct 16, 2008
    #79
  30. mikec

    mikec Notebook Evangelist

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    I've done limited car testing, but similar; if I place it on the dash with a view of the sky, I get a fix when 3 (or more) satellites lock in.
     
    mikec, Oct 17, 2008
    #80
  31. pcharouz

    pcharouz Notebook Evangelist

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    pcharouz, Oct 18, 2008
    #81
  32. fredz

    fredz Notebook Enthusiast

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    Can anyone tell me where on the machine, the GPS sensor(s) are located, physically? There must be some kind of antenna, no?
     
    fredz, Nov 3, 2008
    #82
  33. mikec

    mikec Notebook Evangelist

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    The antenna are on the top and left side of the screen.
     
    mikec, Nov 3, 2008
    #83
  34. KrunoM

    KrunoM Newbie

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    Hi..

    I was just wondering does the integrated GPS in lenovo works with Gardmin application? And what is the best applications to use for navigation (that supports builtin chip)

    ty
     
    KrunoM, Nov 8, 2008
    #84
  35. mikec

    mikec Notebook Evangelist

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    If you mean Garmin (Garmin Mobile PC), there's no reason is should not work perfectly.
     
    mikec, Nov 8, 2008
    #85
  36. KrunoM

    KrunoM Newbie

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    Yes Garmin, i write it wrong.

    Thanks
     
    KrunoM, Nov 9, 2008
    #86
  37. KrunoM

    KrunoM Newbie

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    It's not working. Garmin mobile PC just wont find GPS receiver. If someone has some solution, i would be glad to hear it.

    btw. ThinkVantage GPS application works fine, and laptop finds satellites.
     
    KrunoM, Nov 9, 2008
    #87
  38. mikec

    mikec Notebook Evangelist

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    It should work, as long as you are using only the Garmin mobile software, not the bundled pack.

    From their site:

    Question: Can I use my own GPS receiver with the Garmin Mobile PC software?
    Answer:
    You can if you purchased the Garmin Mobile PC software only. If you purchased the bundle (software and 20x receiver) you will have to use the 20x receiver because the software is specifically designed to work only with the 20x receiver when purchased together.
     
    mikec, Nov 9, 2008
    #88
  39. KrunoM

    KrunoM Newbie

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    It is working now, thank you for your help. I was trying with bundeled software.
     
    KrunoM, Nov 9, 2008
    #89
  40. mikec

    mikec Notebook Evangelist

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    No prob...glad it's working. Can I get a rep?
     
    mikec, Nov 9, 2008
    #90
  41. zerosource

    zerosource Notebook Deity

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    T400 have GPS?
     
    zerosource, Nov 23, 2008
    #91
  42. firegun9

    firegun9 Newbie

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    I sill don't get it.
    How do you receive GPS signals without AT&T service??
     
    firegun9, Nov 24, 2008
    #92
  43. zerosource

    zerosource Notebook Deity

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    :confused: :confused: :confused:
     
    zerosource, Nov 24, 2008
    #93
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