The Vaio VGN-T350, Sony's new WiFi/Bluetooth/EDGE laptop
posted May 11th 2005 6:28AM
So yesterday evening we hit up the launch event for the Vaio VGN-T350, Sony's new ultraportable lappy that comes pretty fully stocked in the wireless department (you may remember this one from about a month ago, when word of it leaked out courtesy of the FCC). Besides the usual 802.11b/g WiFi, the T350 also comes with Bluetooth (still a rarity in PCs) and—and this is the biggie—built-in cellular for connecting up to Cingular's GPRS/EDGE data network.
The real question is, how badly do you need to have a WAN connection built into your laptop? Most people who need to
rock GPRS or EDGE or EV-DO on their laptop usually get by with using a wireless laptop card. You lose the integration,
but you also don’t have to worry about your laptop feeling obsolete when a newer, faster network is deployed 12 or 18
months later (Cingular is already building out their high-speed
HSDPA network). The real advantage
here is how seamless the integration is. Cingular’s WAN utility made getting on their EDGE network a snap, and Sony’s
new SmartFi technology made switching back and forth between EDGE and WiFi pretty easy. Those two factors alone might
make it worthwhile for road warriors who want to get online with as little hassle as possible. Cingular is charging $80
a month for unlimited data, though there’s a cheaper $50 a month plan that includes 50MB of data. Our other major
question: is the laptop SIM locked to Cingular’s network? Could you go overseas and use the T350 with another carrier’s
network?
The rest of the specs on the T350 are suspiciously similiar to that
Vaio T2 we mentioned last month: it’s got a 10.6-inch
widescreen LCD (with XBRITE), a 1.2GHz Pentium M processor, a 60GB hard drive, 512MB of RAM, a double layer DVD+-RW
drive, and a battery life of 9 hours (there’s no way they’re getting that with the EDGE cranked up). Should be
available in June for about $2200, with silver and burgundy options also available.
The Vaio VGN-T350 in burgundy.
The VGN-T350’s SIM card slot.
Does anyone else see the striking resemblance to the Dell Inspiron 700m? Even the ugly back-side battery looks like the Dell. Has sony gone the way of ODM, to the extreme?
Yep, looks like only Cingular compatability.
http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D8A0IDOO1.htm?campaign_id=apn_home_down
Ok so it's going to work for Cingular... is it unlocked? This would kick ass if it could be used on t-mobile (even thoug the bastards only have EDGE in Cali....)
Timmmay
I wonder if I can pop-in my cellular sim if I have a data plan with Cingular... Anyone know?
Reggie - You should be able to. I have a crackberry on TMobile and just set up the simcard in a CF GPRS modem in my laptop without calling anyone.
A lightweight laptop that's always connected, no matter where you are, withouth needing PCMCIA add-on cards? Brilliant!
Oh, wait, it's only EDGE speed, and it's locked into Cingular's network? Okay, maybe not so brilliant.
But try us again in 2007, when EVDO and HSDPA networks are up and running around here...
aside from the added cell modem are there any other changes from the vgn-t250 i just paid $2300 for?
what is that plastic piece jutting out the right side of thes scnree?
#9
I'm guessing an antenna.
>Reggie - You should be able to. I have a >crackberry on TMobile and just set up the simcard >in a CF GPRS modem in my laptop without calling >anyone.
Thanks macstibs.
I just checked one out here in Hong Kong. It's not locked, and can be used with any SIM card. That's the problem with buying cell phone related products in the US, they're usually locked.
Woo! I need this!
Hi IHE, Did you really see this in Hongkong and unlock? I've check with My contact there even not release yet. Can you gave me information where to get? Maybe I'll Take one also from them. Thks.
i just popped my T-Mobile sim into my new VGN-T350P and the modem DID NOT complain about being locked. i see signal and a GPRS network type indicator... now, at this moment i have no idea how to set up a profile for the VDC modem to work on T-Mobile, but it would appear that the modem is NOT locked...
well, i signed up for the cingular 30 day "free" trial...
so much for being on the bleeding EDGE. the VDC modem refuses to establish an EDGE connection. GPRS is the only network type it finds. i'm gettting 25kbps throughput using cingular "GPRS Accelerated". UGH!!! 25kbps for eighty bucks a month? somebody please tell me i'm having a bad dream... it took twenty minutes to download a five meg file (4.3kbps)... this is worse than dial-up at ten times the cost.
so i called cingular; Cingular says they cant help me because they have a special arrangement with Sony and i have to call Sony for support.
Sony would appear to lack the staff expertise and/or the cingular network access required to even begin to figure this out. They say they'll be happy to "service" my brand new (2 day old) machine. I say if it goes back they can keep it.
next step, forget GPRS and EDGE. Time to see if i can get my Verizon PC5220 EVDO card to work in the T350. Can you say "house of cards"?
I am in Europe and have unlocked the cingular card. However I can not get my european GPRS card to work with the modem, any ideas anyone??? It does show a signal, but I can not connect to my local network. It would be beautiful if any wizzkid out there can help me do this
I also just bought the computer. I tried to connect with an European Sim Card and it didn't work.
It seems that the modem is locked.
During the connection it gives an error:
+CME ERROR: 40
After some research on the internet. I found out that what this error means: "Network Personalization - PIN required (Network lock)"
(i.e. it's not the PIN that some use for security reasons on their phones"
I am not a specialist on the issue, but basically this is my conclusion.
I just got a T/350P. My cell modem appeared locked, the modem was not detected by the computer when I had my T-Mobile SIM in it. However, my SIM card is very old and warn, so I think that might have something to do with it, as even when unlocked the computer would still sometimes exhibit this behavior during low signal conditions.
In any case, a member on Howard Forums suggested and was correct in saying that, to unlock the computer, you should goto Sony's support site and look at the FAQ. There's one there which specifically details how to unlock the modem.
You have to contact Sony to get a unlock code, but once you follow the instructions, you'll have a perfectly unlocked laptop.
I added the T-Mobile GPRS settings to the "Profiles" field of the Cingular software, and it connected perfectly. The Internet works fine, though the Cingular software says the laptop is "roaming", but it appears that its "roaming" is just on the home T-Mobile network, something the software doesn't recognize. So hopefully no roaming charges.
Yoda
Where did you get the T-Mobile settings
Thanks
I'm kind of in the same boat. I called up the Sony representatives to get the unlock code, which I got, but I get error messages when I enter it, including +CME ERROR: 40 (or 3, 16 depending ont he situation and the SIM card I have inserted)
The sony representatives aren't very knowledgeable, they just read a script. Their script has no troubleshooting, so they don't know what to do with the error messages.
Lensman
I used generic GPRS settings for T-Mobile USA. Most importantly, in the Profiles creation tool, the APN is "internet2.voicestream.com" for regular T-Mobile Internet, with no user/passwd.
Jerome
I've seen that problem. At times, when the computer is complaining "No SIM", i've tried to enter the unlock code, which arrives at one of those error codes.
It appears that, after near a week of tinkering with the Sony, that the "unlocked" status of the laptop is either resets to locked status with a restart of the laptop or my old SIM card is the cause of the modem's incredibly flakiness. Sometimes, it either doesn't detect the whole modem at all, or it reports "No SIM". In this condition, if I swap the original Cingular SIM, and do a unlock, and put my T-Mobile back in, it works, sometimes. Very Strange.
I'm going to get a new SIM card from T-Mobile and see if the computer is less flaky.
Alright. One last update.
I just got a new SIM from T-Mobile, and signed the laptop for the stand-alone internet service. The laptop is now reliably detecting the SIM and the modem, and is connecting reliably to the T-Mobile network.
The Cingular software still says "Roaming" but it appears the laptop is on its native, T-Mobile, network.
My only concern now is that in the About box from the help menu of the Cingular software is a count down saying something like "116 days left with the current license". What does that mean? Is it going to expire? I assume the modem doesn't become a paperweight if it does, otherwise that would be a bad thing.
Ok I have a T350P and a Sidekick 2 T-mobile sim card which has the data connect for the sidekick.
- I've unlocked the T350's modem via Sony's Knowledge Base.
- I took the Cingular SIM out and put the T-Mobile Sidekick 2 SIM in.
- Started the computer, and created a profile called T-Mobile and put the T-Mobile USA GPRS settings in.
- I try to connect and get this error: "Error with PPP connection 679: The system could not detect the carrier."
Do you guys think my problem is that I shouldn't be using the SIM card from my sidekick 2?
I'll go run down to T-Mobile and see if they have SIM card with a laptop plan on it that I can try in my notebook.
I just went thru the unlocking procedure for my T350P with Sony. I put my T-Mobile SIM card in the laptop and things seem to be working. However, I tried to create a CSD connection to my ISP using the Cingular software, and the connection times out before it is established.
Does anyone have any ideas on other software that will work with T-Mobile (where the CSD timeout interval is adjustable)?
I just went thru the unlocking procedure for my T350P with Sony. I put my T-Mobile SIM card in the laptop and things seem to be working. However, I tried to create a CSD connection to my ISP using the Cingular software, and the connection times out before it is established.
Does anyone have any ideas on other software that will work with T-Mobile (where the CSD timeout interval is adjustable)?
Dear guy with the sidekick,
Did you figure it out? I would like to do the same thing and would LOVE some help.
breenuh@gmail.com
If anyone is looking for these systems, call Roger at PC Connection, he got me $100 off on the T350P/L ($1999)...plus free shipping. He is at 1-800-800-0014 ext. 76210
For those trying to use a T-Mobile Sidekick sim, I don't think it will work. The Sidekick uses special servers that are not standard. You'll need to get your plan changed to an Internet plan -- which is same price -- but then your Sidekick won't work.
If you're using a T-Mobile internet-only plan, the apn would be "internet3.voicestream.com", but if you've got the internet add-on to a voice phone, it would be the "internet2.voicestream.com" APN.
This is from experience with t-mob phones, not from the Sony, so your mileage may vary.
chuck
I just purchased a T350P, works really great. I am very pleased. I called Sony and got unlock code, and inserted a Telenor Sim that I will use when visiting Norway (which has very good edge coverage, I have the Nokia 6680 with them) It connect roamingly to Cingulars Net here in the USA and I was able to connect easily (though I didn't use to long as it costs a fortune to roam)
My T350P is unlocked and ready. I want to use a tmobile sim. Where do I put the APN information? I found the connection manager to create a profile but I'm not sure how to fill in the blanks. Help!
hileona@yahoo.com
In creating a profile on the Vaio T350 to use a T-Mobile sim, can anyone provide details on the following:
Service Type: packet or cicuit
Dialed: *99***1# (do I leave it like that?)
Acess Point: (I assume this is the APN)
Username:
Password: (this should be left blank?)
IP Settings: (all obtained automatically?)
I appreciate the help. Thanks.
I was able to unlock my Vaio T350 and Hooked up my T-Mobile Internet Service:
Here are the complete Instructions:
1) **Very IMPORTANT++++ Before starting anything, make sure you have the ORIGINAL CINGULAR SIM inserted in your laptop. It will NOT unlock if you have your T-Mobile SIM inside during the unlocking PHASE.
2) Enable Your Wireless WAN. In Cingular's Connection Manager, under network info, record the IMEI #
3) Open a Hyper Terminal (click on Start, All Programs, Accessories, Communications, Hyper Terminal)
4) Connect to COM4
5) Type AT and check if you get an OK echo.
6) If you do, call sony's customer service and request to speak with level 2 support
7) Make sure you tell them you want to unlock your laptop's built-in EDGE modem and you need the NCQU number. (This is an eight digit number)
9) TYPE AT+CLCK=PN,0,xxxxxxxx in hyper terminal, where the XXXXXXXX is your NCQU number and check if you get an OK echo from the terminal. Try it several times, if you don’t get an instant OK, but do not hang up. If it doesn't work, check the IMEI and the NCQU with the CSR once again.
10) Close and Shut down Computer. Take out the Cingular SIM. INSERT the T-Mobile SIM.
11) Open SMARTWI and Open up the Cingular Connection Manager.
12) Click on "Profile". Then look for the "ADD" button at the bottom of the window. Click on "Create Custom Profile".
13)Fill these in:
Service Type: packet or cicuit
Dialed: *99***1# ( leave it like that )
Acess Point Name: (internet2.voicestream.com)
Username: (LEAVE BLANK
Password: (LEAVE BLANK)
14. Click Next..on IP Settings: Leave everything on Automatic. Click Next
15. In the "Profile Name" slot, Type in T-mobile or whatever you want. Then Click "Finish"
16. You're all set to Connect to T-MOBILE Internet and avoid the frickin Cingular monthly $79.99 Ripoff to connect.
17. Hopes this clears things up. Enjoy
What battery do I need to buy for the VGN T-350/P? I called sony and those idiots didnt even know.. JOKE.. And bestbuy was even worse.
Thanks,
Scott
I purchased T350P a couple of weeks ago and absolutely love it. I had a cingular edge pc card I used in another laptop. After I unlocked the sony according to their instructions I just popped out their sim, put in the one from my cingular card and everything works just fine. I just wish they would sell these things with more memory. THe 512 is killing me. The laptop really slows down opening excel spreadsheets (or any hoggy ms software). When I check taskmanger I see it is paging to disk like crazy. With relatively slow disk that's a problem.I have another 512 on order and hopefully it will be at home when I get there. I still would not part with this laptop. It's light and works everywhere.
Scott, here is the url to buy a Sony battery. According to Sony you must buy one of their batteries - aftermarket will void the warranty.
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INTERSHOP.enfinity/eCS/Store/en/-/USD/SY_DisplayProductInformation-Start?ProductSKU=VGPBPS3A
Could somebody give me NCQU number to unlock Sony Vaio VGN-T350.....??????
Thank you "Sean L" for your wonderful step-by-step directions. It worked perfectly for me with one minor change necessary. (I had to use "wap.voicestream.com" rather than "internet2.voicestream.com") Other than that it was perfect for me.
dvk - the unlock code is specific to each system based on the IMEI number so you'll need to contact Sony for yours.
I was able to unlock my TX690 using the instructions provided here for the T-350. No real problems, but a warning on one thing to NOT do:
Do NOT install the Sony Ericsson Wireless Manager software to use in place of the Cingular software. The SE Wireless Manager is intended for the SE GPRS PC cards and has a driver that conflicts with the ones included with the Built-In GPRS modem. If the SE software is installed the Cingular software will see a valid device and then as soon as you try to connect report that "no valid device is available." The "fix" is to uninstall the SE software and drivers and reinstall the driver from the VAIO restore "disk."
I have a question for people who have been using this "hack" for a while:
The "About Connection Manager" Dialog box (Help->About...) shows the number of "days left on your current license." Does this expire, and if so, what happens when it does?
I bought a VGN-TX650P/B with Integrated Wireless WAN from Cingular. I have got this for use in India. How can I unlock the modem and take the similar services available from service providers like Reliance in India. Please Help.