Sony's new Vaio PCG-4E1L laptop has integrated tri-band GSM

Okay, so here's what we know: Sony is launching a new Vaio laptop (we got a vague release flier on this, which you can check out after the link) May 10th that will be one of the very few triple-radio laptop device we've seen. Yeah, that's right, according to the FCC docs on the new PCG-4E1L (we suspect it'll get another name, Sony's all about lettered designations now), it will come with WiFi, tri-band GSM, and, of course, Bluetooth. The docs only allude to a measly GPRS connection, which is a bit of a waste to say the least, especially considering Cingular's already on the EDGE tip and hopes have their HSDPA 3G network rolled out this year. But we ain't about to yell too loudly about this one—integrated cellular data is a feature we've all been waiting on for much too long.

Otherwise, as far as we can tell the prototype in question looks a great deal like a Sony T-series machine, and Sony was very clear in their FCC docs about one thing in particular: the WiFi and GSM data would not operate together at the same time; it's either WiFi and Bluetooth, or GSM and Bluetooth, no ifs ands or buts.

P.S. - Man, it must totally suck not to be able to keep a secret because of the FCC website.

[Thanks, Rich!]

[Badbatz @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

> 800/900/2400MHz tri-band GSM
Hmmmm.....
GSM runs on 900 and 1800 on Earth and on 1900 and 850 MHz in the US/Canada and a few other rather odd-ball places. 2400 MHz is UMTS -meaning 3G. No idea what the author of the post is saying but what the heck...

[Ted @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

GSM 2400? Hmmm :-)

[Adam Wyss @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

First, I must say that this thing is pretty awesome lookin and is great w/ the specs. I just wish I had the $$$ to get it. Second, this is a question to anybody who knows about GSM, what is 2400MHz used for? As far as I know, and feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but that is not a band used by a US carrier for voice.

[Victor @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

2.4ghz = Wifi, BT, cordless phones, etc. in most of the range. It's what we call the "garbage" range

[aws910 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Why would they disable simultaneous GSM and WiFi operation? Are they afraid that someone will sit down at a starbucks, connect to GPRS, and broadcast a free wifi signal to everyone or something? Maybe the cellular carriers stipulated this? It sounds kinda like the deal with Sprint PCS and PalmOne with the Treo 650 (Sprint made PalmOne intentionally disable any kind of 802.11b operation on the Treo 650 b/c they were afraid ppl would skype w/it - if you want to do it you have to hack the handset).

[amiga_tone @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

But why the GSM? Here in Australia to browse online via GSM costs heaps (charged by the kb) - not viable for internet services whatsoever and even then we don't get 100% GPRS coverage. Unless you want to use your laptop as your mobile phone? But isn't it a bit big?

[Juho @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Have you guys seen Flybooks (http://www.dialogue.com.tw/english/products/flybook.htm)? It's triband and I've had one since last summer...

[Nick @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

>>Why would they disable simultaneous GSM and WiFi operation?<<

Because it's operating on the same frequency band and simultaneous use may not be possible: either it will interfere with each other or the laptop only has one antenna and you can't use one antenna for two radio sources. It's already hard enough to get Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to co-exist without canceling each other out, or having one or the other suffer in bandwidth if both are running simultaneously.

[Adam Wyss @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

heres what i dug up on the radios for this laptop: standard bluetooth and wifi, the gsm, the way i understand the report is 850/1800/1900. And as far as types of connections it says GSM/GPRS/EGPRS. The last time I checked, EGPRS was edge, and from my quick research, I think I'm right. I found all this info in the pdf's on the fcc website.

[Rich Brome @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Adam is correct - it's GSM 850/1800/1900. 2400 refers to the WiFi and Bluetooth.

I missed the EGPRS part in the docs. If that's the case, then yes, it has EDGE. Woohoo! :-)

[Server @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Well, its about friggin time they start adding gprs to laptops!! There's really no excuse and I can't believe today there are hardly any that don't already come with it built in!?

>the WiFi and GSM data would not operate >together at the same >time; it�s either WiFi >and Bluetooth, or GSM and Bluetooth, no ifs >ands or buts.

You just know this will be hacked to work simultaneously.

[Joe @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

They really should have used large brass rivets instead of screws on the display.

[opida @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

So how much it cost? Cannot find the price.

[HP @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Why is the screen full of fingerprints? They could have cleaned it up.

[Leo @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

By the looks of it (the battery, DVD controls, and front grill), It's one of Sony's T-Series notebooks... awesome little boogers.
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_BrowseCatalog-Start?CategoryName=cpu_VAIONotebookComputers_TSeries&Dept=computers
+

[Miles @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Of course, it wouldn't be hard to add a PCMCIA or USB Wi-Fi card if one desired to share the GPRS connection. Problem is, that's just like sharing a dialup connection...

[gfunkmagic @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Eh... what I want to see it UMTS/1xEvDv(o) integraget into laptops...and in the future perhaps wimax etc. It seems ironic that you can find triwireless smartphones/pda's but there are very limited options like this for laptops...

[steve sherman @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

At least you cannot blame the FCC for hiding information. Sony asked the FCC to keep the details and photos of their new GSM laptop secret.



The FCC ignored Sony and even published the letter from Sony asking them to keep it secret�



https://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/oet/forms/blobs/retrieve.cgi?attachment_id=531004&native_or_pdf=pdf

[joseph @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

The flybook laptops look cool but im not sure i would buy from a japanese company that cant even employ a good translator, just some quotes from the product description page:

"Neat and clean design same space for computer use and make it much elegant"

" Neither on your desk nor in a heavy bag, the Flybook integrates full
function (MS Windows XP and applications) just in your palms (A5,1kg)
and keeps you connected to the world , so you can be most informed, anytime, anywhere! "

"Real ~100% of time ready for use"

[Adrian @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

GSM in a laptop is cool -- but I don't really get it. Just use your mobile phone with a bluetooth connection. Otherwise, you'll have to put a SIM card in the laptop -- either turning off your phone or getting a second account. It could support the Bluetooth-SIM profile, but still, what's the point? A PCMCIA card is pretty unobtrusive and it's much easier to keep up with latest tech EDGE, 3G, etc. with it........

Re: the FCC ...... so typical. They probably didn't even read the letter.

[Wonderboy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

I wonder what that grey thingie is on the right side of the screen is? Hopefully it is the GSM antenna b/c external ones on PC Cards interfer with my t]left hand on the current T series. Any guesses?

[anderson fawcett @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Dear sir,

I will like to have the total price for these Laptos: Sony�s new Vaio PCG-4E1L laptop has integrated tri-band GSM(5 pieces).

These goods would be shipped to our customer in Africa,Nigeria.l will like to know the total cost plus the shipping cost to its destination.

The payment would be made in international money order,forward your payment information to us so that we can make the payment if the price is considerable.

Thanking you in anticipation of a favourable response.

Yours faithfully,

Anderson Fawcett.

[Brad @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

That's hilarious that the FCC posted the letter asking them to keep the photos private...what passive-aggressive bastards!

[Colin @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

lololol @ #22

[sjah @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Why is it that every manufacturer refuses to put wifi bluetooth and edge gsm on any device where they all operate simultaneously?

Will there be any linux project for this Laptop to try and activate all three at the same time?

It would be nice to create an edge connection and bridge it to wifi and bluetooth to create an access pont for interoperating devices like your laptop, phone pda and other wifi or bluetooth gadgets.

I guess what I mean to ask is: When will there be a unified connection for the personal area network?

[Edward Scoble @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

May I ask? what the hell is a Titanium PowerBook G4 is doing in the Advert??

(the Connect On Your Own Time advert)

[Jeffrey Kirk @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Score a victory for Apple Computer in this ad. That is DEFINITELY a G4 Powerbook.

Nice one Sony!

[Pghmyn @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Well, will you look at that. It is Apple's PowerBook in the photo.

[Lynda Botez @ Dec 19th 2005 12:53AM]

Yep, titanium powerbook is it. Someone's head is gonna roll.

that's hilarious.