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Fudzy
Guest
Just got a permanent notebook from work, it has a built in 3G modem and I've now put my Vodafone 3G sim into it. How do I get it to work?
Thanks.
Thanks.
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Is the SIM Card already provisioned for data [default internet APN]? - if not, call 155 and ask for it to be provisioned, also ask to have it provisioned for the internetvpn APN.
Based on my own experience I wouldn't bother getting it installed. I've had problems with mine from day 1 and two months later I'm still sitting with issues. I have to reconnect twice to get onto the net and I sometimes get a bsod when starting the Dell Broadband Utility. I've loaded and reloaded all driver and firmware versions for the 5520 minicard.
I get far better reliability from my Huawei E620 and am at the point where I just want to rip the internal modem out and throw it away. When I spoke to Dell SA yesterday they insisted that I reinstall Vista first before they will help me sort out the ongoing modem problems. At this point in time reinstalling Vista is just not an option for me (for one ... all the Windows and other software updates have consumed so much of my monthly caps that I cannot afford to go through it again).
Rather get a new express card or USB modem.
LandyMan
Honorary Master
Not totally true. When buying the notebook, you have to spec it to have the 5520 card installed. All the D630s and D830s have a SIM slot, but if not specifically requested to have the modem included, it ain't gonna work.
Check in Device Manager for: Dell Wireless 5520 .... under modems.
LandyMan
Honorary Master
We ordered 9 units about a month ago, all with the 5520 installed ... no problems apart from my D830's aerial being busted.
I just put in another order for 8 units, also with the 5520.
I don't understand why they would tell you to reinstall Vista? Dell replaced the 5520 and aerial in my machine the day after I complained, and tomorrow they are coming to replace the motherboard as the VGA out port isn't working ...
vodacom3g
Vodacom Representative
I spoke to Dell on this and their policy is that you must first exhaust all software options (including re-installing the OS) before they'll look at the hardware......
LandyMan
Honorary Master
Oh, I guess I should mention that these are not through any Vodacom deals, but from dell directly via a corporate account
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Fudzy
Guest
Thanks for the feedback guys, looking at the device manager, what is the 3g card listed as? I can only see Broadcom NetXtreme 57xx Gigabit controller, the Intel PRO/Wireless and the usual bluetooth/1394 adapters.
EDIT: Oh wait, is it the Coexant HDA D330 listed under Modems?
EDIT: Oh wait, is it the Coexant HDA D330 listed under Modems?
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It should be listed under modems as a 5520 minicard. There should be two items under modem, the other being the 56k one.
LandyMan
Honorary Master
That D330 is the normal modem ... if you don't see a [-]5520 HSDPA blah blah blah[/-] Dell Wireless 5520 Generic L Mobile Broadband (3G HSDPA) Minicard, the unit is not installed in the machine
I haven't had much chance to test the modem/connection since I did a clean install of XP (over the pre-installed Vista), but the one thing that immediately struck me is the improvement in speed. Everything runs faster and the laptop boots up faster. I like Vista's look and feel, but XP just seems to perform better. My battery lasts longer as well. If the 3G/HSDPA modem/application proves to be more stable/reliable on XP I will pobably stick to XP.
Surely a company like Vodacom should get more respect from Dell.
Anyway ... I've gone through all the trouble to load XP (over Vista), do all the the Windows and other software updates ... and now I sit with two problems ... (1) connection problems (as before but not as frequent as with Vista); (2) the touchpad just "dies" at times and requires a reboot to come alive. To me it looks more and more like a motherboard issue ... and I really hope Dell SA sort the hardware out now as I've been through all software options available. Installing XP over Vista proved a waste of time and of my data cap. I do however believe XP is the better OS for my laptop and will probably hang on to it.
This Dell has been my worst computer experience ever. My previous Dell gave me no problems for over two years (not one single problem).
LandyMan, like with your laptop Dell replaced the LCD cover and antennas on mine today and it resulted in an immediate improvement (literally 100% improvement). I now also have a full signal om my D630 as with the PCMCIA card and cell phone.
vodacom3g
Vodacom Representative
LandyMan
Honorary Master
That seems to be a common problem ... glad you got it sorted!
Bev*k !!
LOL!
Bev*k !!
You can say that again!!!
I'm really pleased with the improvement in my machine.