Vaio Z90S (Japan) WWAN UNLOCKED

I have unlocked the WWAN and using it with 3g - no problem - I used a site called www.dc-unlocker.com - simply downloaded the software, ran the program and it detected the module which is an Option Globetrotter GTM378 - then downloaded the Globetrotter software (also provided by them. Bought credits for 15 euros and then went to unlock - it didnt work at first - I went on msn and the chaps there talked me through running a datalog - sent it to them and 10 mins later they sent me some more software and it unlocked.

I bought a prepaid 3g phone sim card (Im in Australia at the moment) - simply put the card in the slot, then open globetrotter - it looks for 3g or Edge/GPRS and has options for enabling pin, entering username, password and apn.

I left the pin as disabled, selected 3g, didnt need to enter username or password and apn was internet - then wow, Im connected - can surf the internet and send sms messages.

 

excellent! This is what me stopped ordering a jap model. Now I'm ready to go!

 

Anyone else tried it? Is it really working? Anyone that lives in Europe made a japanese model made the 3G working? I thought it was really difficult unlocking the japanese WWAN, also from experience of users of TZ.

 

+1 for Virtua!

Great job man. But also me I want to know if is working in Europe from another source.

 

Holy sweet jesus !

If it turns out to work for us all, it is MASSIVE !!

let me rephrase .... THIS IS MASSIVE !!!

You know what this means, my EU friends ...
(conics and pricejapan will notice a traffic spike these days)

How the heck do I rep this guy???

 

Great news indeed, thanks Virtua (+1 rep)! I've just asked Brett from Conics if he could confirm, and forwarded the link to this thread.

It looks like the Option Globetrotter GTM378 was officially added to their software (probably thanks to Virtua being our guinea pig!).

PS: to rep someone, just click on the little atomic cloud in the bottom left of the post you want to thank (try on mine first, to make sure it works ).

 

So, if Brett gives the ok....

I was ready to order from P1 and I live in Europe...So angry why they offer Sprint EVDO WWAN that doesn't work here. But when I saw this thread...Hopes for a japanese Z with a 3G are back!

Seems to good to be true! But from Conics we have to wait one month before they ship??

 

So, just to be clear, would this mod allow it the japanese Z to be used with NA 3G (ATT simcard)?

Also, will this work with the US Zs?

 

It *may* work with US UMTS 3G depending on the carrier. I think some US carriers, especially in rural areas, use 850hz for 3G so it wouldn't work in that case. Once it's unlocked, it should work on any network supporting the frequencies used by the Japanese Z module (as it's locked to NTT DoCoMo it should use 2100hz). So if ATT uses the 2100 band for 3G, it *should* work.

Of course this applies to European users, make sure you get a contract/buy a PAYG simcard which is compatible with the frequency used by DoCoMo in Japan (although it should be 2100hz which is the global standard).

This unlock *WON'T* work with a US Z (whether it is in Europe or in the US) as they ship with a SPRINT module which uses EVDO (not UMTS 3G as in Europe, Japan, and some US carriers).

EDIT: Just found that link which seems to confirm the above: http://www.aetherwide.com/articles/roamjapan.html

 

There is too much whining here

If it doesn't work or you buy the US model and want to get rid of the funky SPRINT business, you can always purchase the newer GTM382 that is faster than the GTM378

http://www.option.com/docs/datasheets/GTM382.pdf

from here http://www.novamedia.de/order/e_order_gtm_382.html

I've got one of those and slapped it in my TZ. The Built-In SIM where the MINI-PCI-Express goes is functional, at least on the new one that I've got TZ398

The GTM382 supports both 850/900 so you are good anywhere EXCEPT US T-Mobile's 3G, which is 1900, not 2100mhz:
HSUPA / HSDPA / UMTS
. Multi-bands variants (bands with Rx diversity are underlined)
› 850 / 1900 / 2100 (Rx diversity) MHz
› 900 / 2100 MHz

For the nay sayers (since I am not familiar with the Z), who would try it and it won't work or worry that there is no SIM slot in their Z's, you can always buy the EU850D from mobilx.hu which has a SIM slot on the MiniPCI slot.

Here is a link for the lazy: http://www.mobilx.hu/index.php?target=products&product_id=6381&sl=EN&currency=usd

 

Virtua, which country, and which network do you have it working on?

I had a customer in Australia said his TZ93 unlocks and works on "a 3G network" (waiting for more info)

I'd like to make a list of countries / networks they work with.

 

Just saw your post Brett and have edited this - virtua = Jon

Credit really goes to Brett, who had customer who managed o unlock his TZ.

Re working in Europe - Im actually English and going home in the next few weeks - dont anticipate any problems as Australia is much the same, albeit the rate plans will be different. In OZ im using optus 3g phone sim card - but it is definately unlocked to use with any carrier.

US, not so sure - it suppports 3g or Edge/GPRS - isnt that a US thing?

http://www.option.com/docs/datasheets/GTM378.pdf

 

Just wondering; the Japanese prices for the Z (like on conics.net) aren't that much cheaper than the prices in Europe right? Contrary, if I compare the conics prices with the Z prices listed on some US websites the prices there do seem to be a couple of hundreds of euros cheaper. Or does it depend a lot per configuration? (Though the appreciation of the dollar in recent weeks hasn't exactly helped here)

Anyway, I don't really see why as a European you would buy a Japanese model (unless you really want the 2.8ghz that's only available in Japan)...


edit:

Especially if I see this post. Why going through the hassle of getting a Japanese model... By the way; could anyone confirm that this thing |SONY| talks about does work with (i.e. can be inserted into) the Z?

 

is there a guide to show how to put a card such as mentioned in previous posts into the TZ when there is not one in it already?


great info by the way.

you do know that the 'cloud' is actually a set of scales don't you?

 

T-Mo us 1700 in the USA for 3G, not 1900. The three major 3G bands for most are 850/1900/2100, and different bands in those. So, for example, even if a card supported 850 3G, it doesn't mean it's the right 850 for the USA. That Option card that's in the Japanese Z has I think three variants.

I say just get a USB one and be done with it. I did that.

 

Fender, have you read the PDFs? Do you know what you are talking about? No pun intended, just wondering.... since your post makes no sense what-so-ever and have stipulations that are plain untrue. I stand corrected though, T-Mo is 1.7Ghz

Please familiarize yourself with the following: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UMTS_frequency_bands

For a TZ, in order to get the WWAN if you have never had it (Japanese), you will need the MiniPCI-Express card, a flat cable for the dautherboard/simreader and that dautherboard with the simreader itself.

http://i343.photobucket.com/albums/o464/scottyinco/notebookreview/DSC01949.jpg

The US TZ need only the MiniPCI-Express

For a Z, the logic would be relatively the same, although I haven't taken apart a Z yet

 

For me it is simple -
Japan launched earlier.
I was able to customise my model (not available in Europe)- particularly noting that the following options are not available to Europeans at all -
The 2.8ghz processor (max 2.53ghz)
Blue ray (even ssd isnt available to Europe) - with a screen this good, why scrimp on a dvd drive?????
Botanical Garden design on the lid - I cant tell you how many heads this turns. it realy makes the machine.
Ordered with large battery as standard - (the large battery isnt available in Europe, let alone the ability to order it as standard).

Hassle? - I customised my order and hit the payment button, recieved updates, shipping confirmation and then it arrived. Incidentally, Brett put my order in before the official Sony order opening date and it shipped on time - no delays, which I know alot of people suffered, and are still suffering from due to the sheer popularity of the machine. Had it delivered fed ex, so got it effectively 4 days after Japan store launch. Excellent.

As for language, Conics will install English for you if you want it. I ordered mine in its original state as I speak japanese and it doesnt bother me.

My advice is that if you want WWAN, get it built in - yes you can fit one through the express card port, but if its integral, its that bit more mobile...especially knowing it can be unlocked. Its good to have for resale value too.

The hassle is if you put up with Sony Europe's misguided marketing dept, limited and late burnt offerings...........

So as a European im not sure why you are limiting yourself, when the world is your consumer oyster?


ima wakaru?

 

okey it seems a little too involved for me to consider doing anything with the TZ with no previous WWAN already installed. i'll have to go for a usb type modem when i'm ready for mobile broadband.

thanks for the info guys

 

This is all interesting, but partially incorrect. Glad it worked to replace the useless SPRINT module in your TZ, but Z and TZ models which ship without WWAN don't have WWAN antennas, so how do you solve that?

 

Again, this is not the only option available to you. If you have a 3G phone, you can use it as a 3G modem either with the integrated BT Pan or even turn it into a wifi router which allows you to share the connection with other clients (and/or keep BT for your stereo headphones ), using a third party software like WMwifirouter http://www.wmwifirouter.com/. It works a treat with my TZ and an HTC touch pro (both BT and Wifi solutions).
The trade off is the battery life on your phone for long sessions (better have a spare battery ready or charge with an external battery/the laptop ).
The advantage is no expensive additional 3G contract .
The Wifi router option is around 20% faster than with Blutooth.
The only thing you have to check is if your network provider allows you to use your phone as a modem (they don't all do). Also if they have branded the phone, check if they have stripped the ICS (internet connection sharing) from it to prevent you to do this.
I use an unlocked Touch Pro with T-Mobile in the UK, with a WnW+ option on my phone contract (3Gb a month and modem use), it works a treat.

 

thanks manni
i do have some vague idea about using a phone as a modem but i don't have a 3G phone or any intention of buying one in the near future. (well as long as my current phone lives anyway)
when i finally get a laptop i'll only need mobile BB for when i travel and a usb pre paid will probably be quite sufficient. i'm looking at long term possibilities still though so grateful for the info

 

Hi Brett,

I am considering ordering from you. Just one question: The Z with the CPU of 2.8 ghZ uses a different fan?

 

Yes, I know what I'm talking about. It's why the Sony K850i I own as a cel phone picks up 3G here, yet the Nokia 6500 Slide (which was 850/2100 for 3G) did not. The US variant of 850/1900 are Band V for 850 and Band II for 1900. That's the key.

From the GTM378 specs ( http://www.option.com/docs/datasheets/GTM378.pdf):
Multi-bands variants (bands with Rx diversity are underlined)
MO 0201: 850 / 1900 / 2100 ( Rx diversity) MHz
MO 0202: 850 (Rx Diversity) / 1900 (Rx Diversity) / 2100 MHz ›
MO 0203: 800 (Rx Diversity) / 1700 / 2100 (Rx Diversity) MHz

There are three variants of the GTM378 card - which one do you have? I'm guessing MS 0201 or MS 0203 because in Japan, it's mainly 2100 with some 800. I'd be surprised if it's MO 0202, which would be best for the USA. The USA for Cingular is stronger on 1900 by my estimation - at least when 3G started rolling out.

 

You install them as well. I have decided that I am too lazy/uncomfortable opening the LCD casing to place the antennas, so I've got a TZ398 and am selling my TZ91. The TZ398 install was a snap with the GTM382

 

So basically you are telling us that you have not even finished installing on your TZ the "so much easier" solution you were suggesting for our Z...

We may be whining too much , but at least we are trying to find solutions to get BR + WWAN in Europe without voiding our warranty or having to completely disassemble the laptop and sourcing impossible to find parts...

 

Manny,

Can you read? My install is complete, but on the TZ398, not the TZ91, because I didn't want to open the LCD.

 

I spoke with Brett of Conics earlier, next week they send a japanese Z to Europe so we will know for sure if it works!
Fingers crossed.

 

But where do you get the antenna? Are you talking strictly about an internal one?

From what I read, even the antenna on US Z's won't work because the EVDO antenna is not compatible with HSUPA or whatever it is.

 

if you have evdo, the existing antenna will work, while if you don't, call a sony parts provider and they will tell you the part # and will sell it to you.

http://www.sparepartswarehouse.com/Sony,Vaio,Laptop,Parts.aspx

for example.

 

I can read, and here is what I understand:

We were discussing a clean, easy solution to get a Z with BR and WWAN in Europe, which consists of buying a Japanese Z with a locked 3G module, and unlock it for15€.

You jump in, saying that we are whining too much, and say:

- You started replacing your sprint module in a US TZ, replacing the SIM slot, and gave up when you realised you also had to find a way to fit an antenna (but didn't disclose this until I asked you)
- You then bought a TZ with the right antennas and replaced the Sim Module, therefore losing quite a lot of money (as you had to pay in the first place for the module you discarded).

Both of your solutions are more expensive and involve disassembling a laptop to a point most users won't feel comfortable with (including you in regard to the first "solution"). Supposing these work and you don't break your laptop at some point (a strong possibility, we're not talking about a 15.4"), you will void your warranty.

I'm sorry, I read and re-read, but I don't why why any of the "solutions" you suggest is more interesting than buying a laptop with a full warranty and the right hardware, unlock the sim module for 15€, and not have to even open your laptop (therefore keeping your guarantee intact).

Could you please point me where I misread?

 

It should if you can get it unlocked since Europe mainly (or only) uses 2100 for 3G - same as Japan.

It's the USA that would be a potential issue because depending on the variant of that card (as I posted earlier), it may not work on 3G. GSM, OK, but who wants EDGE speeds on Cingular? lol

 

I'm with you. I'd rather have it complete and working than have to tinker myself. I'm more than capable of taking a laptop apart, but they're fragile beasts. I messed up one back in the day which I vowed never to repeat (and cost me $2k to replace it). So unless it's an easy mod, I'll pay a bit extra to custom order it factory installed.

As I've posted, I think unlocked this will work in Europe no problem. If you ever do get this with the card, and feel curious, crack it open to see which variant Sony Japan uses. I'd be curious.

 

...and you won't install it because you'll think twice about breaking the bezel of your brand new $4000 laptop...

 

nice assumption. untrue, but I will let you have it. don't have the patience to argue with kids , its Friday.

 

Ok I see your points. Yet, except for botanical stuff, the built-in WWAN and the 2.8ghz CPU, all those 'points' you sum up, you can also get by ordering a unit from the United States, and then you get it at a lower price (several hundreds of euros lower).

In my opinion, if you don't need/want the 2.8ghz (which most don't), and if you won't be using the WWAN straight away anyway (but just want to have it built-in as a nice possibility to use in the future), then I think you're better off ordering in the US. For me, I know I won't be using the WWAN straight away. Those 'Internet everywhere contracts' are still quite expensive, and probably on most spots you use your notebook there are (free) hotspots anyway.

However, the above did hold more a month ago than now. Back then I calculated it for the configuration I ordered and the US really did make a positive difference of about 500 euro's compared to conics. For that amount of money I don't care having to plug in some wireless adapter into some slot or port of my Z, if in the future, I would change my mind, and would like to do start using 'Internet everywhere'.

 

Bottom line is that you should buy what works for you. Dont be afraid to buy abroad - always remember that there is plenty of free advice and experience around in these kind of forums.

Ref the WWAN - I think in the future this kind of thing is going to fitted as standard. I have a history of keeping up on the technological front and tend to buy and sell quite alot- (crazily about 5 so far this year - and I dont lose money) - I find that the fulller the features, the better the draw, value retention and ease of resale.

I love the botanical garden pattern, but the fact that its not widely available will enhance its value too. Think about the resale as well as your ownership is my advice.

 

Thx Sony. BTW, I like seeing diff perspectives so your input is appreciated.

 

Any news guys? Anyone in Europe make it work?

 

THis is going to work in Europe...I might live in Oz at the moment, but Im British...Im heading home next month and know Ill definately be using it alot

There really is no need to sit on the fence on this one....well I didnt to start with, guess thats how progress is made eh ;p

 

Virtual - if you ever pop it open, I'd be curious to know which variant of the card is in there. I bet it's the 800/1700/2100 one, but it's working due to the 2100 band.

 

Where did you buy the Z90 from? I saw these on Dynamism.com and asked them if they could supply the Z90 with the builtin 3G card and they told me that Sony in Japan did not sell it with the built-in 3G card?

Cheers, z.

PS. Has anyone managed to enable VT?
PPS. How is the keyboard compared to the SZ90 (which I have)?

 

Re Wwan, try Conics, they offer the option.