Adding 3G to our Ideapad S10-3t

[VideographyLab]

We took our IdeaPad S10-3t to Frys Electornics, where we purchased, and requested that they install the 3G modem into this netbook/tablet. They agreed to do it [for a small labor fee] if we provide the 3G modem. Letting them do it means that it's covered by their service warranty which we like.

A few questions:

1. Does anybody see a technical distinction in 3G functionaliity between the S10-3 and the S10=3t?

2. We prefer Sierra Wireless products and have a long relationship. We just purchased an unlocked MC8875 from eBay and will let Frys service department procure the necessary drivers and documentation tthrough their resources online. Does anyone see a problem with this plan?

3. Since we are already on AT&T data plan we don't see "white list" BIOS as immediate issue and we have previously unlocked Sierra Wireless Aircards with the cooperation of AT&T after a short period of use.

So that's our plan. Comments are welcomed?

[rinque85]

I don't know y they say it has 3g. It should say 3g ready or something since u have to buy a modem for it to work. Has anyone found a way to send sms through a Sierra card? Since SMS is considered to be data.

[VideographyLab]

It is a fair question to ask how a great compaany like Lenovo would bring out a state-of-the-art netbook/tablet at this critical time in history [with the iPad release] and not install a 3G modem in the product?

We're working with Customer Support at Lenovo to get a permanent resolution to this omission. In the meantime we're looking for facts from those who have actually installed 3G into the S10-3t.

[tulisan]

It's not an omission but an option. I believe Lenovo also sells a model that already has the 3g modem installed. You can also by the modem directly from them should you choose to have one on your netbook. iPad itself is also being sold with and without a 3g modem.

To answer your question

1. No, except that 3T is whitelisted so only approved modems will work on it, unless you hack your BIOS to accept a third party modem like Sierra Wireless MC8775

2. It won't work unless you hack the whitelist in the BIOS of the 3T

3. BIOS whitelist is hardware based, AT&T has nothing to do with it. if you want to use an approved modem without hacking the BIOS and don't want to use AT&T, look for an unlocked Huawei EM770 on eBay and buy that.

[beergoggles]

Here's a good post regarding 3g modem addition to a s10-3t: adding 3g to s10-3t

[beergoggles]

As far as I know, the sierra wireless watcher program should have a built in utility  to send SMS messages. I know with ATT, SMS is not sent using the data network, only MMS are sent using the data network. However this shouldnt matter, as long as you dont have messaging blocked on your account, you should be able to send texts without a problem through the watcher program.

[rinque85]

When I ordered my s10-3 from Lenovo there wasn't an option to add on the 3g modem. It just said that it has buitl in 3g, wifi b,g,n and Bluetooth. But mine didn't come with wifi n or bt but it does have Sim card reader. When I looks for add on accessories none of the 3g cards that they have are compatible with the s10. But they are for think pads and others.

[beergoggles]

The personal systems review pdf I got from lenovo states there are 4 different models of the s10-3. One of these, the 0647-23U is listed as having WWAN and bluetooth but the three other do not. I tried looking but I couldnt find the 0647-23U anywhere. I also saw on lenovo.com they did describe the s10-3 as having WWAN and bluetooth but the models for sale on their site (32U and 33U) did not match the one listed on the PSREF which has WWAN and bluetooth. So I called lenovo and they basically told me they did not know why WWAN and bluetooth are in the description when in fact the two models of the s10-3 on their site do not come with WWAN and bluetooth. I asked about the 23U which does come with those features and they had no idea what I was talking about. I called back few times to speak with different reps and I got the same answer, they dont know anything about the 23U, no idea if its available, where its available, if it will ever be available etc. 

Now, I dont know why your s10-3 did not come with wifi n. What wfi card did you get? b/g? Did you go under device manager and then under network adapters to determine the type of wifi? If you didnt get wifi n, I would call them up and request the correct wifi card since it should have come with the broadcom n card.

As for the WWAN card, the s10-3 bios is not locked for certain cards which means you should be able to use any card that you want.  Read this post and the comments about the s10-3. The guy there used a thrid party 3g WWAN card and had no problems.

[rinque85]

I have the 32U and it doesn't come with wireless N or Bluetooth. I called their technical support and ordering department. They both said the 33u comes has the BT and wireless N card but that one doesn't hve the 3g. I also conformed it by going to their support section.

[ramahe]

Does anyone knows if the 57Y4485 Qualcomm Gobi Mobile Broandband Card will work if I just install it???

I was about to buy the Sierra Card but got the Gobi for a fare price on a local store here at Costa Rica. So I need to connect to our local provider, not ATT nor Verizon or any US ISP.

What would you think will happen with my Tablet if I install it? Will I be able to connect? Will the PC recognize it?

Thanks for any replies guys!!