X220: aftermarket 3G module and USB 3.0??

Hi,

I'm considering an X220 as my next working laptop but due to some limitations in the available configurations in Europe (at least here in Switzerland), I have some questions.

I basically look at 2 configs:
1) Core i5 2540M, IPS display, 320Go HDD, intel 6205 wireless
2) Core i7 2620M, standard display, SDD 160Go, 3G module, USB 3.0, intel 802.11 a/g/n wireless

The key point is that I can only get IPS display on the core i5 but then I loose USB 3.0, 3G and the SSD. For me IPS and SSD are really things I want to get. i5 is enough and I don't necessarily need i7. However I don't like the fact of getting a new machine with a significant price tag and not get USB 3.0....

My questions are:
- If I get config 1 (for IPS display), can I get an aftermarket 3G module? Does lenovo manufacture these? Approx price?

- I would upgrade to SSD my self but is there any possibility to get "aftermarket" USB 3.0 on the i5 or is it something that needs to be built in the motherboard?

- Is wireless Intel 6205 the same as Intel 802.11 a/g/n?

- which config would you choose? I guess having IPS is more important than USB 3.0 but...

Thanks for your input!

 

Do you know if they come with an expresscard slot?

 

I think they both do yes.

 

Aftermarket? In the past Lenovo had a BIOS limitation on WAN cards. Only their cards and their SPECIFIC cards for that laptop model would work.

Lenovo brand? Yes, as long as you get the specific model that laptop would have come with. I think the new generation uses the Gobi 3000 cards, but you can look in the maintenance manual for the specific FRUs that are compatible with your model. Then google the FRU and find a place to buy it. Usually 100-200USD.

EDIT: I learned this the hard way. Bought an X201T and tried to move my WAN card from my X200T over to it. On boot up I would get a black screen saying that an incompatible WAN card was detected. I had to order the Gobi 2000 card for it.

 

I heard there are also USB stick with 3G modules. Would that work or are there limitations too in this area?

200$ for a 3G module sounds like alot....

 

Yes, you can get a USB stick with the WAN modem in it. Try google or go to your carrier webpage.

The other and I think better option is to go to a phone that has a modern Android OS (2.2 or higher) and the phone will connect at WAN speeds (3 or 4G) and generate a WiFi signal for you to use.

If that is not an option both Verizon and Sprint have credit card sized wifi hot spots that do the same thing as the internal and cost about the same without having to be connected to the computer.

I likely will get rid of my Verizon MiFi 2200 as my cell provider just moved my phone to OS 2.2 and it now acts as a hot spot. Bad battery life but so is the embedded card.

Perry

 

Good point about the phone. I do not own a modern one right now but I may consider it. So I may probably find a way around for 3G.

What about USB 3.0 then? I guess it's a no go...

 

If you have the Expresscard slot, just buy something like this: Walmart.com: US Robotics 2 Port USB 3.0 ExpressCard: Computers

Just note, it won't be as fast as the native 3.0, but miles better than 2.0.

 

Wow great!! So with either a USB stick or a phone I can connect through 3G and with an express card extension I can get USB 3.0?? Sounds good! Then I think I'll try to get the i5 with IPS and get these other options if I really need them.

Thanks a lot for all the details!

 

But is there a 'native 3.0' on Intel notebook motherboards? Unless things have, changed, 3.0 is still via a third party chipset because Intel doesn't support it. Least it was that way a few months ago.

 

The USB 3G sticks are quite common and relatively cheap. Apart from the inconvenience of not having it internal, a drawback is the weaker performance of its antenna. This is not a problem if you get a strong signal but can significantly reduce performance in weak signal areas where the antenna in the top of a notebook's display performs better (some of the USB 3G devices come with an extension lead so you can move it around in search of a better signal).

Yes, no native support by Intel yet. It's a Renesas Electronics USB 3.0 controller on the T420s (but the X220 may use another controller).

John

 

Exactly. I doubt there is much difference in performance between that and the better USB 3.0 port Expresscards.

 

No native usb 3.0 for intel till the next generation of chips...which will also come with directx 11

 

Should be the same NEC chip.

In fact, I would not be surprised if in most laptops they only electrically connect the chip to a x1 port and the bandwidth is the same you would get from the same generation expresscard.

Fully connected/routed PCI-e lanes are hard to come by in laptops and only discrete GPUs seem to get any extra consideration.