UMPC hardware function not working right? Check the BIOS version

Q1p_bios_2_gbThis tidbit doesn’t apply all that often, but it’s maddeningly frustrating when a feature or function isn’t working for you yet it works for others. Case in point: Origami Project forum member jimcapraro had seen many other Samsung Q1 Ultra owners successfully add a 3G module to the internal mini-PCI Express slot. When he did the same however, the EV-DO module (hacked out of a USB720 modem) wouldn’t power on. Oddly enough, it would power up when the module was left in the USB modem and plugged into a USB port. Strange behavior to be sure.

After many guesses, suggestions and thoughts, a good support call with Samsung yielded something that nobody (including me) thought to check: the BIOS version. Turns out, that the Q1 Ultra BIOS version 03ME solved the problem since jimcpararo’s device was on 01ME. A BIOS upgrade later and the hardware was working as expected. Moral of the story: BIOS upgrades don’t appear too often, but it’s easy to overlook them when you have an issue, so be sure to add them to your troubleshooting list!

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