Verizon WAN PCMCIA for CF-29

The Toughbook I have has a Sony Ericcson Edge GC89 WAN card (using GSM -- so it takes a SIM card). I'm using AT&T now, but it's way slow and would like to transfer to Verizon Wireless.

I'm wondering if you know of a PCMCIA WAN Card that will work with Verizon and cause use the External Antenna wire that is coming through and plugged into the GC89?

The problem with the wireless cards Verizon has now is that they all seem to have a plastic piece around 1/2" long on the back side of the PCMCIA card, which will prevent the dust cover / waterproof door from closing on the Toughbook.

Thanks,
Travis

 

Have you thought about setting up your Toughbook with an integrated EVDO internal modem? Is your CF-29 Toughbook "Wireless Ready?" If so... It's just plug and play. I have a Verizon EVDO modem sled if you are interested.

 

That's a good idea -- however, can you explain a bit about how to add an internal EVDO internal Modem?

Also, the model number from what I see is a CF29GC83.

It has a built in external antenna that slides up from the LCD top-right (not sure if that's an indication if it is wireless WWAN ready or not.

 

Panasonic Toughbook 29 CF-29 Verizon EVDO 3G WWAN SLED
http://cgi.ebay.com/Panasonic-Toughbook-29-CF-29-Verizon-EVDO-3G-WWAN-SLED-/140399009185

Not cheap, but factory Panasonic!

 

See earlier posted message.

I am most certain the Model Number is actually CF-29HTM50BM.

Check on the bottom of the unit or press F2 while booting up and read the Model Number from the BIOS.

 

Hmm, well that's a big expensive.

Anyone know of a PCMCIA solution?

 

I will get the exact Model Number for you when I get back home.

 

Exact Details of the Toughbook are...

CF-29
HTM508M
4LKSA00103

 

Why not check with Toughbook to see what he wants for the one he has?

The problem is that I have yet to find a WWAN PC Card for Verizon that will fit and allow the card door to close.

Check this one: VERIZON WIRELESS PC5750 PC CARD

 

Same one I have:

CF-29HTM508M DESCRIPTION:
***SBC ONLY*** Pentium M 738-1.4G LV (Centrino), 13.3 Transmissive touch XGA, 512MB, 40GB, WLAN802.11 a+b+g, Win XP SP2, Tester I/F, EDGE(GC83), logo, asset tag, replaceable RJ11 jack

 

Is it WWAN Ready?

 

Wonder if you can take the plastic housing off to make it fit and door close?

 

It is WWAN from the factory! That's what is meant by EDGE(GC83).

Of course, since the unit is a retired SBC (aka: AT&T) ADSL in-field tester unit the GC83 card is Cingular/AT&T only.

 

The "plastic housing" is the permanently-attached antenna.

So, the answer is obviously "No".

 

Good to know it is WWAN ready. Can I remove the EDGE GC83 and slide in some sort of EVDO Verizon card? It looks like where the EDGE is, is just two PCMCIA slots...

 

As I stated earlier, I have yet to find a Verizon PC Card WWAN card that will fit under the door: they all have an antenna attached (at least all I have found thusfar).

Of course, that does not meant there isn't one, though; just that I have not discovered one.

ADDENDUM: Found one!

 

What other options are there? Where does the EVDO Slide that Toughbook has go>

 

On the left side, under the palm rest and over the battery.

AFAIK it's the same as the unit I referenced earlier as for sale on eBay.

 

Ah okay... so hmm... the antenna cable is by the PCMCIA slots.. they gonna be complicated to re-route.

And also, the laptop should be fully compatible with the EVDO Slide right? Based on the Modle Number

 

Reference your new post ... http://www.n1wireless.com/Routers_Modems-Sierra_Wireless_Aircard_555D_VERIZON_WIRELESS_PC.html ... wonder if that supports the new stuff Verizon has? It says it supports up to 144KBPS... hmm

 

I just spoke with thowie.... I have an idea what he will find though he is going to email me a picture of his Toughbook's guts tonight and then call me back...


I think he will need the ribbon cable and modem connection end, sled rails, front switch and antenna lead from the passthrough to the modem connector at the end of the sled. Not too difficult if you've done it before but it may be a little confusing if you've never done it before.

 

Start here: AirCard® 555 for Verizon

 

It will be tomorrow. Forgot I had to work another shift @ EMS tonight. Be around 1630 CST tomorrow.

 

Sounds good... I'll be here. If I don't answer.. Just leave a message and I'll call you right back.

 

Looking at the description, it's a 1X card only. To get full 3G speeds (megabits), you need an EVDO card, or even better an EVDO Rev. A card.

Speeds would be disappointing with the 555 card...if Verizon would even activate it.

 

I just received two Sierra/Verizon 555 cards. They are both labeled "3G."

And, "1X" applies to both standards:

CDMA2000 1X (aka: 1xRTT)
and:
CDMA2000 1xEV-DO

A call to Verizon Customer Service revealed that "Yes", the Sierra/Verizon 555 card will activate.

BTW: both 1xRTT and 1xEV-DO can operate up to 153 kbit/s in reverse link (Rev. A can operate at up to 1.8 Mbit/s).

Forward link is where EV-DO really shines: up to 2.4 Mbit/s with Rev. 0 and up to 3.1 Mbit/s with Rev. A. 1xRTT is only 153 kbit/s forward link.

SO: if Verizon is your choice and fully internal mounting is your need the Sierra 555 PC Card is the inexpensive option, while the Verizon EV-DO sled installation is a LOT more expensive.