What is the WWAN option?

I have been specing t61s for several weeks now in preparation for a purchase and I just noticed the addition of an internal WWAN option. Is this worth getting? I wasn't planning on getting the turbo memory anyway. I also don't plan on subscribing to a WWAN service anytime soon. Does getting the antenna change the case at all? Will I have to buy anything else to convert it to whatever carrier I may eventually end up subscribing to? What is the advantage to getting the internal antenna anyway - the order form still lists a provider card for Verizon or ATT. Do these cards not stick out like the old ones since there is now an internal antenna? Do they still go in the express card slot?

Thanks,
Mark

 

It's free with the T series. Last time I checked it was anyways.

If you plan on having the service through a cell phone company you will probalby save some money.

If not you will not need it.


If you don't have it you can usually add a pc express card type to get it.

It's new technology that will work off of the WiMAXX.

All the new Centrino 2 mobile platforms will have it integrated.

 

actually it won't work on wimaxx... and it's not integrated, it's an option

it EVDO for internet access on a cell network

verizon, sprint, and att have them

more info here
http://www.evdoinfo.com

i use verizon evdo.. it's pretty nice

 

Maby that is why Lenovo is giving it away for free. It's on the verge of being outdated.

 

The cell carriers probably paid for that part anyways hoping that they would get some customers through that. If not then its just a $5 antenna?

 

it's only free when you sign up for the service... which is $80/month for 1 year or $60 for two years

and verizon activates new EVDO areas for 4,000 people a day... so it's now where near the verge of being outdated

wimaxx is at least a year away... and 3 or so for it to be mainstream

 

By all means get it. I paid about $330 after market for it.

I use it. It means internet availablity everywhere. You do have to buy a contract. Verizon wants $60.00 month or you can get a plan where you pay $15 a day. This is very much more than a $5,00 antenna.

Btw, adding the antennas after market is one of the most arduous things you can do to your machine.

 

But right now they are offering the antenna for free with the option of getting the internal card or not. So if you don't get a card then there is no monthly fees right? You can just get the card at a later time?

 

Is the WWAN card locked to Verizon or can it be used with any local carrier which has a HSDPA service?

 

IMO it may use up power. Just an extra part in my machine that isn't being used.


For this reason I would just wait for Intel WiMax to get going. It shouldn't be much longer and should be better.

 

"IMO it may use up power. Just an extra part in my machine that isn't being used."

I has power controls. I don't normally have mine on except when I am using it.

 

I just ordered a T61 with the WWAN option and it's not set to ship for over a month I asked the rep if there was any point in getting the WWAN (it is the option that is causing the wait) and he said he thought it was an internet error and that the WWAN with no provider selected is essentially nothing. I was under the impression that I got an antennae or something even if I don't add the card. Were does the card go if I add it later? Should I scrap the WWAN and have them send me my laptop sooner?

 

How do you know it is the WWAN option holding it up? I've seen other posts that claim to be receiving their PC with that option. It was my understanding that this was an extra 3rd antenna as you indicated. The card if you get it later would go in the express slot *I think*.

 

I suggest that you check over at thinkpads.com to see if answers have been posted to these questions, or start a thread there if it has not been covered. Someone there will know the answer.

Andrew