Embedded 3g help

S

Stallon

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Hi guys, sorry if i am in wrong place. I have just got a new dell studio 1537 with embedded 3g. I havnt got a clue on how it works and what i need. Please can someone shed some light.

cost? who? how to activate? best provider, prepaid or other.
 
You should be able to use any provider so check what has best coverage in your area, or if you have an existing provider you are happy with get data from them. You can always get a cheap pre-paid SIM and compare them that way.

If the connection software did not come pre-installed then there should be software on the Dell site. The SIM gets inserted in the battery housing on my D820, not sure if it is in the same place on your model. So you need to shut down the machine, remove the battery and you will see a SIM slot.
 
Go with the provider giving better coverage in the areas you will mostly be using 3G. It's best to first test both MTN and Vodacom. Get prepaid sims at Checkers/Pick n Pay for both networks and do some speed tests and the stuff you will be doing with 3G. Then decide which works better and buy data bundles for that network by converting the prepaid airtime balance into a data bundle.

Prepaid is definitely best if you already have a device. Buy airtime online or at discount at Checkers/Pick n Pay. Remember if you buy a data bundle on the 1st of the month it will last till the end of the next month.

Careful with Automatic Windows Updates when online with 3G!!

If you don't have a GUI or application to operate the 3G card you will have to Google it and find some drivers.
 
i need not say more!u got your info-coverage is no.1 . get onto the dell site and download drivers and test whether that dell does actually hav a built in modem.you can also contact dell and maybe they can give u a link to their ftp.Also check ur bios to see if the device is enabled.Nice notebook by the way,im sure you'll enjoy it.
 
I've got a Dell XPS laptop, same story, there is a simslot under the battery, but couldn't find any references to it in the manuals, bundled software or the bios settings.

Could one of those who managed to connect to 3G via this please give a bit more detail?
 
KaasP said:
I've got a Dell XPS laptop, same story, there is a simslot under the battery, but couldn't find any references to it in the manuals, bundled software or the bios settings.

Could one of those who managed to connect to 3G via this please give a bit more detail?
Click to expand...

U need to remove the bottom panel to see whether you have a mini-PCI 3G card in the WWAN slot. If not, then you're stuffed or you can buy one from Dell. Also be careful with the orientation of SIM when inserting it. The BIOS will also tell you if there is a 3G card present. I think it is under system information and it should read "Cellular device present". Once you have the SIM and 3G card inserted, install Dell Mobile Broadband Connect from their support site and you're good to go. chiz :)
 
thanks very much guys. then is it just a case of putting in a sim from say vodacom or virgin and then connecting like you would normally.
 
Stallon said:
thanks very much guys. then is it just a case of putting in a sim from say vodacom or virgin and then connecting like you would normally.
Click to expand...

Yup, providing your connection software is generic. i.e. using Vodacome Mobile Connect will not recognise an MTN SIM.
 
**bump**

This is the first post in almost 12 hours, wots happening? :confused:

coming up for a day...did everybody die...? :confused:
 
Last edited by a moderator:
i must say it really is a grey area in this country. everyone is all about 3g this and that but it isnt explained much is it.
 
same here its in my battey slot, took me a while to find it.

i had the dell mobile connect utility from the disk, (upgraded to vista business).

Must admit took me a while to find it, but the reception is much better than the e220
 
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