Sb Wwan

Is there a way to get a built in WWAN card for the SB in the US? All of the press releases state that it supports WWAN, but the option is not offered on the VPCSB190X CTO in the US store. If it's not available as a CTO option, can I buy and install a card after purchase? Looking in the SB manual here I see references to WWAN:

ftp://ftp.vaio-link.com/PUB/MANUALS/NOTEBOOKS/VPCSB/SB_H_EN.PDF

But I see no reference to WWAN for the SB in the Sony store. Thanks!

 

Based on the Vaio S, adding WWAN is not that easy as it might be soldered to the board. I'd advise you to look for a model that has one integrated if that's of importance to you... or get a stick.

 

Notebookcheck.com states it is not possible to upgrade later. It is on the back of the notebook: http://www.notebookcheck.com/typo3temp/pics/bd721e8ef3.jpg

 

So it looks like ordering a SB with the option built in is the only way to go. Am I missing something, or is this option just not present in the US?

 

I don't see it as an option on the SonyStyle page.

 

You can get an SB with built in WWAN from Europe.

 

Maybe the WWANs are not available in USA because of CDMA usage.... Europe only has GSM / 3G / 3,5G

 

If I buy from the European store is the WWAN card unlocked, ie could I use an ATT SIM with it?

 

It should be unlocked.
I had a 5th generation VGN-Z from the Netherlands and the built in WWAN was simfree.

 

According to one of the links posted in the owner's thread

Google Translate

You can probably add your own mini-pci-e wwan card.

 

Yes, it has 2 Mini PCIe:
One accessible (or at least visible) by removing the battery cover that hosts the WLAN adapter and is half size.
One accessible on the opposite side (by removing palmrest, keyboard... whatever). This one is for WWAN and looks like full size Mini PCIe.

... Makes me wonder: could it support mSATA? Could we put the new intel mSATA SSD there? In theory is should be possible... Like this we could have HDD + SSD + ODD all available.
Cool right?
... or we could have very good WWAN even with GPS
... or a TV Tuner
... or just leave it empty for better ventilation

 

Even if I buy a WWAN mini PCIe card I assume I'd still need somewhere to put the SIM and an antenna, or are these connectors included with every SB even if they don't come with a WWAN card?

 

I don't think there are extra antennas or a sim card slot preinstalled.

 

Ok. Any idea why the US version has no WWAN card, or is it maybe coming soon? Basically I'm looking for a laptop in the same form factor as the SB with both WWAN and DVD drive built in if anyone has ideas

 

ascariss posted a manual of the inside of the SB. It looks like it probably is upgradeable but the sim card slot looks like it's on a daughterboard.
If possible it's not a straight forward upgrade but several people have added wwan to various Sony laptops. I did and it was very much worth my while doing so.
May be wwan in the US will only be offered with the SA. May be you will later be able to buy any necessary parts like the WWAN antenna from Sony parts.
Here's the link to he manual
2shared - download inside.pdf

 

The only thing that concern is if the ribbon attaching the daugther board is there or not..

I know all previous Z has it..which finding the board is the toughest part..

the pcie will not be functional with anything other than hsdpa card as it get's activated by bios (assuming lock as one function) and has no some sort of USB routing to make it work with other cards..(experience this case through OQO)

 

One more thing, very important actually, due to the size..i notice that the sim holder requires a cute hole in the bottom of the case...if you take alook at the pdf posted there...hsdpa variant has this pre-cut sim hole with cover right on the back of the casing..(the section in which is NOT removable)
so even if you have the board..you will not ahve access to the sim holder UNLESS you cut it..or put it there before hand...

dam..i wish they have the push in and push out that