Ugh. I’m getting the integrated 3G itch again. When I last took my Samsung Q1P apart, I saw that I could remove the WiFi module and likely replace it with an EV-DO module. I don’t think there’s room for an HSDPA module due to the required SIM card. Then one of our jkOTR readers, Josh, reminded me that a Gotta Be Mobile reader added a WWAN module to his Motion LE1700 with success.
Adding integrated 3G to my 7-inch UMPC would definitely enable productivity since I wouldn’t have to rely on WiFi hotspots or tethering a 3G phone to the device. However, there’s a few personal pros and cons I’m evaluating. While everyone’s mobile computing needs are different, here’s my thought process….
- Adding a $60 a month 3G data plan would eliminate my $20 a month T-Mobile Hotspot service. [Note: I used to have a 2-year plan with a modem card, but removed it in favor of the less expensive 3G access my XV 6700 smartphone provides.] Since I’m paying that $20 now, I’ll have a net expense add of $40. That’s a reasonable add to my budget for the near-everywhere access I’d gain. Instead of driving 5, 10, 15 miles or more to hit a hotspot, I can generally connect with enough bandwidth anywhere there’s coverage. While the increased cost is a con, the overall value to me is a pro.
- I’d have to purchase a small USB WiFi dongle for my home use. While the cost is likely negligable, it would add a usability challenge by having the USB module sticking out from the device. Not ideal to me, but I think I can manage. I’ll call this neither a pro or a con, although I may stick a USB flash drive in my UMPC for a few days, just to get a feel for this.
- What’s the effect on power? I’ll be researching and comparing the power drain of the current WiFi module to a WWAN module. 3G radios are notorious at eating device batteries for lunch. Again, not sure if this is a pro or a con as I don’t have the information just yet.
- What’s the impact to device upgrades? I don’t expect to use the Q1P for the next two years, which would be my data plan commitment. I figure that I’ll be upgrading devices before then, so what’s the risk that a new device won’t be able to accept the same integrated module? Chances are good, but it’s still a risk because of the approach I would take. If I do this, I’ll be purchasing a USB EV-DO modem and cracking it open for the WWAN module. What if a new device can’t accept the module and I can’t get the modem back together? Generally a con right now.
- I want an iPhone. I know, you’re sitting there saying, "what the heck does THAT have to do with it?". Well, one of the reasons I don’t have an iPhone is because I can’t tether it for modem use like I can with my XV 6700 and T-Mobile Dash. Adding the integrated WWAN would remove the tethering requirement and get me closer to owning an iPhone. I still need my Exchange and Direct Push support, so even if I opt for the integrated WWAN route, my needs aren’t met with an iPhone, but again, I’m a step closer. This is an indulgent pro. ;)
- I’m already a Verizon customer and they’ve completed their EV-DO Rev. A network upgrade. I’ll benefit from the faster upload and download speeds over my current connectivity options. My XV 6700 is a Rev. 0 device and the Dash is a relatively lowly EDGE connection. Definitely a pro.
- The cost of the modem that I’ll be hacking up is another reasonable cost. Free would be nice, but at the moment the best prices I’m seeing for the device are around $60 after rebates. Sine this isn’t hitting my budget too hard, I’ll lean towards a pro here. After all, if I buy one game for my Xbox 360, I’ve just dropped the same $60.
That’s the general thought process in my head at the moment, and I welcome your thoughts. As you can tell, I’m still on the fence and I’ve got some additional research to do. Worst case is that I pursue this option and run into a snag where the module doesn’t work. That’s the biggest con of all because at that point, I’d be locked into a contract that I can’t use without buying another modem. I can pretty much guarantee that I won’t get any rebates on that one.
{"source":"https:\/\/gigaom.com\/2007\/07\/11\/integrated-wwan\/wijax\/49e8740702c6da9341d50357217fb629","varname":"wijax_b6e0379c8ce156d4d88fd3950fb70aad","title_element":"header","title_class":"widget-title","title_before":"%3Cheader%20class%3D%22widget-title%22%3E","title_after":"%3C%2Fheader%3E"}