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    Thinkpad T400s - ATT Gobi vs Verizon Gobi WWAN?

    Discussion in 'Lenovo' started by nisjoker, Sep 7, 2009.

  1. nisjoker

    nisjoker Notebook Guru

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    Looks like 2 new WWAN options are now showing up for the T400s -
    a. Integrated AT&T Mobile Broadband (Gobi 1000 3G with GPS)
    b. Integrated Verizon Mobile Broadband (Gobi 1000 3G with GPS)

    Does anyone know what's the actual difference between both these options? They seem like the same. But why is there a price difference, if the physical part is the same?

    If I buy the one for ATT, will I be able to use for Verizon? or vice versa?

    Thanks in advance.
     
    nisjoker, Sep 7, 2009
    #1
  2. wilse

    wilse Notebook Evangelist

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    I think it is fairly obvious that if you are on the Verizon network, you need to buy the Verizon card.
     
    wilse, Sep 7, 2009
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  3. k3davis

    k3davis Notebook Consultant

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    They use different, incompatible networks - so you'd have to buy the one that matches the provider of your data plan. Why Verizon's is always more, I don't know... but no, they are not interchangeable.
     
    k3davis, Sep 7, 2009
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  4. nisjoker

    nisjoker Notebook Guru

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    Clarification - Gobi WWAN chips support all networks (EV-DO, Rev A, UMTS/HSDPA, Edge/GSM) unlike other WWAN modules. So, this is not a question on hardware limitation. The module itself can support both ATT and Verizon networks.

    http://gobianywhere.com/files/gobi1000_overview.pdf

    My question was more around the Lenovo restrictions. Does anyone know if I buy the ATT option, does it not allow me to use it on Verizon (some hardware or software lock) or vice versa?
     
    nisjoker, Sep 7, 2009
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  5. MastahRiz

    MastahRiz Notebook Evangelist

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    Gobi WWAN. Am I the only one that finds that hilarious? Star wars fans?

    nisjoker,

    as far as I know there are always BIOS limitations on these things, however USB or PCI cards serving the same function will be supported.

    Even though you're talking about Gobi WWAN, the BIOS is already set to lock out any other WWAN module that is not offered by Lenovo themselves. I believe there are only 2 options on their site, and it's a safe bet that the Gobi WWAN will fall under the locked list.
     
    MastahRiz, Sep 7, 2009
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  6. nisjoker

    nisjoker Notebook Guru

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    Please check out the Lenovo site. They have just started to offer the Gobi module too (one verizon option under basic configuration and both ATT & Verizon options under elite configuration).


     
    nisjoker, Sep 7, 2009
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  7. jonlumpkin

    jonlumpkin NBR Transmogrifier

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    The Gobi card should work with both Verizon and AT&T as that is the express purpose of a Gobi card. However, you may need to get the card unlocked for it work with another carrier.
     
    jonlumpkin, Sep 7, 2009
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  8. nisjoker

    nisjoker Notebook Guru

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    Now we are making some sense. What will be the process of getting the card unlocked?

     
    nisjoker, Sep 7, 2009
    #8
  9. MastahRiz

    MastahRiz Notebook Evangelist

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    basically hacking it, which prob isn't allowed to be discussed openly here.
     
    MastahRiz, Sep 9, 2009
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