Sony's new Vaio PCG-4E1L laptop has integrated tri-band GSM
posted Apr 12th 2005 5:40PM
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!]
> 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...
GSM 2400? Hmmm :-)
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.
2.4ghz = Wifi, BT, cordless phones, etc. in most of the range. It's what we call the "garbage" range
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).
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?
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...
>>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.
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.
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! :-)
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.
They really should have used large brass rivets instead of screws on the display.
So how much it cost? Cannot find the price.
Why is the screen full of fingerprints? They could have cleaned it up.
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
+
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...
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...
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
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"
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.
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?
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.
That's hilarious that the FCC posted the letter asking them to keep the photos private...what passive-aggressive bastards!
lololol @ #22
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?
May I ask? what the hell is a Titanium PowerBook G4 is doing in the Advert??
(the Connect On Your Own Time advert)
Score a victory for Apple Computer in this ad. That is DEFINITELY a G4 Powerbook.
Nice one Sony!
Well, will you look at that. It is Apple's PowerBook in the photo.
Yep, titanium powerbook is it. Someone's head is gonna roll.
that's hilarious.