WWAN Card: Choosing Built-in or USB?

In the ThinkPad laptop customization page, there is an option to add the WWAN Card built-in "Sierra AirPrime MC8355" which will cost around 130$



While if i choose not to include, i can buy the similar AirCard WWAN that comes with USB interface for lesser price.





What i want to ask is... What is the benefit of Airprime (integrated into the system) over the Aircard (USB interface) for the money i have to pay more ?

Reply 1 : WWAN Card: Choosing Built-in or USB?

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkterror What i want to ask is... What is the benefit of Airprime (integrated into the system) over the Aircard (USB interface) for the money i have to pay more ?

Where the system has been designed to have the integrated WWAN there will be antennae in the bezel around the screen. This gives you a much larger antenna area and so better reception than the little USB antenna.



However, the USB cards can be more cheaply and easily upgraded when the technology moves on. You can sometimes do the same with the built-in but it is undeniably more tricky.



As a third (and personally I think best) option, how about the Mobile Hotspots Sierra Wireless - AirCard Mobile Hotspots. I stay in a lot of hotels where the WWAN will only work right at the window and can't connect further in the room or at the desk. With the hotspot I now have (this one) I can put the hotspot at the window, and use the connection over WiFi at the desk / where ever.

Reply 2 : WWAN Card: Choosing Built-in or USB?

Fourth option: Tether your smartphone over USB. Only one bill to pay and recharges your phone at the same time :-)

Reply 3 : WWAN Card: Choosing Built-in or USB?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Volker Fourth option: Tether your smartphone over USB. Only one bill to pay and recharges your phone at the same time :-)

+1



Can be done over Bluetooth too.

Reply 4 : WWAN Card: Choosing Built-in or USB?

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinuneuro +1 Can be done over Bluetooth too.

Or as a wireless hotspot

Reply 5 : WWAN Card: Choosing Built-in or USB?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Volker Fourth option: Tether your smartphone over USB. Only one bill to pay and recharges your phone at the same time :-)

Fair enough.



In the UK I get much better data prices with a separate data SIM than with my phone contract SIM. It also allows me to have SIMs from 2 different networks to use in my unlocked hotspot - so if there's no Vodafone coverage then I use a Three SIM. It is (as they say) swings and roundabouts...

Reply 6 : WWAN Card: Choosing Built-in or USB?

Quote:

Originally Posted by vinuneuro Can be done over Bluetooth too.

Except for the charging part, of course.

Reply 7 : WWAN Card: Choosing Built-in or USB?

WWAN technology historically has been rapidly changing. Seems like I get a new device almost every year to take advantage of the increase in speeds. For this reason, I would not get the built-in WWAN option.

Reply 8 : WWAN Card: Choosing Built-in or USB?

Quote:

Originally Posted by GomJabbar WWAN technology historically has been rapidly changing. Seems like I get a new device almost every year to take advantage of the increase in speeds. For this reason, I would not get the built-in WWAN option.

MiniPCIe WWAN cards are as swappable as the USB ones. Is the price the main concern, or is there some other factor I haven't been considering myself?





M.

Reply 9 : WWAN Card: Choosing Built-in or USB?

Quote:

Originally Posted by maticomp MiniPCIe WWAN cards are as swappable as the USB ones. Is the price the main concern, or is there some other factor I haven't been considering myself? M.

You could run into the 1802 error and your system won't boot with an unauthorized card that is not in the BIOS whitelist. There are some BIOS hacks, but whether you can get one for a newer ThinkPad is a question.



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