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    WWAN: Hardware there but no slot??

    Discussion in 'VAIO / Sony' started by naujoks, Jun 8, 2010.

  1. naujoks

    naujoks Notebook Consultant

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    I've just got a TZ185N off eBay.
    It has the Sprint software for 3G WWAN access on it, as well as drivers installed (hardware also showing up in the device manager). WWAN can also be switched on/off in the floating smart network window.
    But here's the curious thing: I can't see the slot for the SIM card underneath the battery - there is a slot, but there's a little metal piece in there where I imagine a SIM card to go!
    Could it really be that it's got all the hardware in place BUT the actual SIM slot, or am I not seeing things right?
     
    naujoks, Jun 8, 2010
    #1
  2. NHT

    NHT Notebook Evangelist

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    US's models don't have the slot for the SIM card since they don't use it.
     
    NHT, Jun 8, 2010
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  3. naujoks

    naujoks Notebook Consultant

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    But what about the hardware that's obviously in place, place the software as well?
     
    naujoks, Jun 8, 2010
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  4. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

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    Either get service manual for your laptop or take it apart to see if the SIM-reader is actually behind the metal plate. Remove the blocking metal plate.

    If there is no SIM-reader, again check from the service manual if it is directly soldered on the motherboard or attached with a cable. Check if there's cable connector if necessary.

    If SIM-reader is attached by cable, order it online and install it by yourself. If it needs soldering... good luck.

    For my HP Mini5101, the SIM-reader cost 16e including postage and 22% tax. Not bad at all.
     
    KLF, Jun 8, 2010
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  5. Rachel

    Rachel Busy Bee

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    The Sony TZ wwan daughterboard should have a sim card slot on it. I ordered one a while back from the US and that did come with a sim card holder.
    (see here)
    http://forum.notebookreview.com/5126451-post18.html

    What you need to do i think is just remove that cover and you should be able to use the sim card holder.

    The IFX is the same for all models apart from the dip switch settings.


    What you would need to do though is to change the dip switches over to HSDPA network.
     
    Rachel, Jun 8, 2010
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  6. naujoks

    naujoks Notebook Consultant

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    It's actually not a real cover but a metal "lip" the size of a SIM card just being in the place of the slot (coming from the inside, of course).
    Like NHT said, it looks as if in the US for the Sprint network no SIM card is needed...
     
    naujoks, Jun 12, 2010
    #6