How-to video shows 3G implant into Aigo P8860 MID

Aigo's P8860 MID was already a potent, handsome piece of machinery in its factory form, but adding in 3G is like adding melted chocolate to a glazed hot doughnut from Krispy Kreme -- it's just better, even though it's tough to accomplish and potentially harmful to your health. Far-reaching metaphors aside, our pals over at jkkmobile have put together an all-telling 18 minute video that explains how to add 3G HSDPA to this here MID. For seasoned DIYers, the process of opening it up, soldering a mini PCI-e connector / SIM card slot and tossing in a 3G card / antenna won't seem that difficult. For everyone else, we'd recommend watching thrice to make sure your confidence level is at the appropriate position before delving in. Vid's after the break, per usual.

[Thi mam(kris120890) @ Oct 25th 2008 11:35PM]

How come darrens the only one posting today especially after he orchestrated all on his lonesome the engadget civil war in the vista article. He obviously isn't British as I previously thought because it's 3:33 in the morning in Britain.

[Metkis @ Oct 26th 2008 2:57AM]

What?

[htd @ Oct 25th 2008 11:35PM]

how about implant a phone into this thing? I never quite understand why people think wireless internet should be separate on phone and MID/notebook

[Blastar @ Oct 26th 2008 4:13PM]

What about Phonecalls --Through--> Skype --Through--> Internet --Through--> 3G --Through-- Unlimited Data Plan ?
Then you got them All..
Got it ??
Tic Toc Tic Toc.. Put your mind to work.

[linuxamp @ Oct 29th 2008 1:21AM]

Or better yet, SIP. Skype has good quality but proprietary is bad.

[Josh Ladella @ Oct 25th 2008 11:36PM]

i dont care about the 3G...i just want lighting that makes my keyboard look gold...

[chezus @ Oct 25th 2008 11:50PM]

This thing has vista on it? this thing +3g would be awesome

[Sarig @ Oct 26th 2008 8:39AM]

It comes with a locked down linux. XP is widely put on it, and the official drivers are soon to be released. As for Vista, I have no idea how JKK managed that feat, as the Aigo comes with 2x2gb flash, which shows up at 1.8gb, and Vista wants 2gb free to install.

[ecsk2 @ Oct 26th 2008 11:49AM]

It's not Vista, it is XP with Zune theme.

[Jinto @ Oct 25th 2008 11:58PM]

At the point where I read "mini PCI-e connector" I stopped and said 'wow'. But I love modifying hardware ^^

[Gleb @ Oct 26th 2008 1:24AM]

Nice site, quick and sharp.
But hey guys, you don't need to post comments if you have nothing to say.
Most of the time it's Ok to be just "plain".

[noyp @ Oct 26th 2008 10:39AM]

You're new to this internet thing, aren't you?

[Link2877 @ Oct 26th 2008 1:25AM]

Wait how is this modding?? From looking at the pictures of this things insides it seems to be designed for this just that the components aren't in their.

[Shyam D @ Oct 26th 2008 1:30AM]

Because soldering Surface mount parts is always difficult. Generally more risky then simply soldering a wire onto a single pad.
Otherwise you're right. Both this, the Gigabyte M528 and the SFR or w/e French MID are all from the Compal MID design. That design has a 3g radio on it. Since it is unlikely that any of these companies spent the money to redesign the PCB, it makes sense that the pads would be there. The interesting thing is that not only were the pads there, but the associated passive components to allow that PCIe connection to work were also there. Maybe, Aigo has the intention of releasing a 3G version? Would be easier to add a tooling station to add the 3g radio then to redesign the SMD assembly portion of the manufacturing process.

[Daza @ Oct 26th 2008 2:18AM]

Thanks Shyam D, always appreciate learned posters like you :) Gives people like me a brief insight into how the fab process works for devices such as these.

[A.C.E.R. @ Oct 26th 2008 4:18AM]

that video is pretty fuckin pointless

[Mark @ Oct 26th 2008 1:39AM]

This guy's accent is pro.

[E. Leigh @ Oct 26th 2008 7:25PM]

JKK is teh chic! Me love jkkmobile! It's one of my faves along with ye ole umpcportal.com and, of course, engadget If you're into the MID/Netbook scene, JKKmobile and umpcportal are the places to read and do research.

[LondonConsultant @ Oct 26th 2008 5:52AM]

A few months after JKK mods a product, the manufacturer often announces that feature will be added. So, it was good to see his Eee PC mods in the past for internal 3G, touch screen, etc...

[Talon Trax @ Oct 26th 2008 10:51AM]

Actually, it should read 'Far-reaching SIMILES aside... '.

[Travis @ Oct 26th 2008 8:41PM]

JKKMobile.com is only one person.