Mini PCI-E modem

elf_lord_ZC5

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Hi,

I have a Mini PCI-E slot open on my Intel Atom motherboard, do 3G/HSDPA modems exist that I could plug into this slot?

Are they available, who stocks them, and which are recommended?

Thanks,
 
Maybe there are, early modems were PCMCIA, but once USB modems came to the market nobody wants them. Chose the right USB modem and reserve slot for USB 3.0 card I think.
 
Have a look at: http://www.nivo.co.za/#buy~huawei.3.5g.wdcma.pci.e.half.size.module~p18774

Keep in mind that often notebook manufactures have specific models as optional add-ons for their notebooks. While this should not prevent any PCIe modem from working it is important for things like sleep. Some manufacturers like Lenovo do however limit the supported models in their BIOS. My Dell for instance uses a re-branded Ericsson 3G modem as it's preferred optional modem and while my Huawei EM770 does work in my Dell it does not "wake up" from sleep, so I have to reboot my notebook before it works, which can be a pain. Preferred cards should not have this problem.
 
Have a look at: http://www.nivo.co.za/#buy~huawei.3.5g.wdcma.pci.e.half.size.module~p18774

Keep in mind that often notebook manufactures have specific models as optional add-ons for their notebooks. While this should not prevent any PCIe modem from working it is important for things like sleep. Some manufacturers like Lenovo do however limit the supported models in their BIOS. My Dell for instance uses a re-branded Ericsson 3G modem as it's preferred optional modem and while my Huawei EM770 does work in my Dell it does not "wake up" from sleep, so I have to reboot my notebook before it works, which can be a pain. Preferred cards should not have this problem.

Well, I want to put it on a generic Intel motherboard, so there shouldn't be any hassles from BIOS.

Looks like, just what I am looking for, do you get an antenna with it, or do you need to buy one separate?

Many thanks,

BTW, does it work with Vodacom/MTN/Cell-C ... ?
 
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Well, I want to put it on a generic Intel motherboard, so there shouldn't be any hassles from BIOS.

Looks like, just what I am looking for, do you get an antenna with it, or do you need to buy one separate?

Many thanks,

BTW, does it work with Vodacom/MTN/Cell-C ... ?

Mine shipped via a seller from ebay and I got a small set of antenna's. Not sure if Nivo have antennas with theirs. Normally the antenna is embedded around the notebook LCD.

Provider support will depend on specs of modem. That model does not do UMTS 900MHz so Cell C will be EDGE only. There is a EM770W which does support it. http://3g-modem.wetpaint.com/page/Huawei+EM770
 
Mine shipped via a seller from ebay and I got a small set of antenna's. Not sure if Nivo have antennas with theirs. Normally the antenna is embedded around the notebook LCD.

Provider support will depend on specs of modem. That model does not do UMTS 900MHz so Cell C will be EDGE only. There is a EM770W which does support it. http://3g-modem.wetpaint.com/page/Huawei+EM770

Hmm ... , will keep on looking, I like the EM770W as it will give me more options ...

Thanks
 
Rather use the USB option as this is "portable" across a wider range of computers.

True, but then I loose the use of a USB port ... , not that that is currently a major issue, but ... , it could easily become an issue, and it is not necessarily cheaper - I have a E220 and a K4505z USB.
 
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