HP's Mini 1000 offers Qualcomm Gobi WWAN chip as option

We knew good and well HP's Mini 1000 netbook had a thing for integrated 3G, but we never knew it played both sides of the proverbial field. After noticing not two, but three WWAN options on the CTO pages at HP, jkOnTheRun wrote in to figure out what was going on. In sum, those uncomfortable with choosing a dedicated AT&T or Verizon WWAN module can opt for an alternative that handles both networks -- and at no extra cost. HP has confirmed that the $199 option is indeed the two-faced Qualcomm Gobi, which theoretically allows you to use mobile broadband services from AT&T and Verizon if you happen to either relocate or have subscriptions with both. Now, if only the WWAN option wasn't >50% of the purchase price, we might actually consider it.

[Kris120890 @ Dec 8th 2008 3:08PM]

Why not offer the 'two face' module in the first place or are they increasing costs on purpose.

[Chad @ Dec 8th 2008 3:36PM]

It's the same logic that makes them think people who order the 10.2 inch screen like glare (brightview glossy screen) while the people who order the 8.9" don't like glare (matte screen).

[Big GIANT Balls @ Dec 8th 2008 3:10PM]

FIRST!!!

[Major4Play @ Dec 8th 2008 3:17PM]

nope you got teabagged

[bill cant fart @ Dec 8th 2008 3:25PM]

Sorry, but that's only cool if you actually post first...


Oh wait, it's never cool.

[bfitch @ Dec 8th 2008 4:15PM]

Is it your goal to post "First" on every post you find that isn't commented on? I think this is at least the 3rd one you've done this on in the last 24 hours. Douche.

[Big GIANT Balls @ Dec 8th 2008 6:27PM]

That is actually my goal!

[Major4Play @ Dec 8th 2008 3:20PM]

I always though America was the land where customers were always right and competition made a level playing field, but needing a different adapter for different networks is a total joke, i would boycott any network in the UK that decided it would just use a different mobile technology for it's mobile phones/broadband.
You guys get totally screwed on mobiles [cellphones]

[Brian @ Dec 8th 2008 3:22PM]

tell that to vodaphone who owns a majority of verizon.

[Paul @ Dec 8th 2008 3:29PM]

Its called using seperate network technology. ATT uses GSM and Verizon uses EVDO. It is much like a AMD processor requiring an AMD socket motherboard and a Intel processor requiring an Intel socket motherboard. There is nothing fishy going on here.

Also... Vodaphone doesn't own the majority of Verizon (they own about 40%). However, they are the largest single shareholder.

[Jacob @ Dec 8th 2008 3:38PM]

this dichotomy happened long before there was any certainty about GSM being the token standard for the world. Also, FYI, Verizon is going to roll out LTE, same as AT&T and the rest of the world.

[ossavir @ Dec 8th 2008 3:59PM]

I just tried configuring this on HPs website, and I noticed that in order to add the WWAN chip, you have to use the 60 GB PATA drive instead of the SSD. Bummer.

[isoSasquatch @ Dec 8th 2008 4:08PM]

Can you buy one of these Gobi chips (for less than HP wants) and install it yourself? A quick search says you cannot...

[Shakapooi @ Dec 8th 2008 6:14PM]

I'll skip the $199 tack-on and just get the tiny as hell Sprint USB EVDO card (Compass™ 597 by Sierra Wireless ) and plug it in a USB port. Got mine free with contract. Works like a charm on a MBPro and an MSI WInd.

[4Grrrl @ Dec 8th 2008 10:00PM]

Download a mobile IP client ( like birdstep) ,
and if you have:
* a device with multiple network interfaces
* Multiple network access cards (EVDO, iBurst, GSM/3G, 802.X, Bluetooth)
* A carrier account for each network access card;
->then once you prioritise your network connections, the mobile IP client will automatically rout the connection to the best and cheapest network ( this includes free networks) so you always have seamless connectivity.
Can't speak for the cost (likely to be a really great experience, but way too expensive) - maybe this is an opportunity for a new network connection aggregation service vendor, and a multi chipset device.

[rat bastard @ Feb 11th 2009 2:51PM]

Help me Gobi WWAN, you're my only hope!

[Zak @ Dec 8th 2008 3:58PM]

You rat bastard, I was totally going to post that.

[Mobius_1 @ Dec 8th 2008 4:45PM]

Use the Force.

[yelohbird @ Dec 8th 2008 11:06PM]

kenobi