Sony bringing Gobi WWAN module to VAIO Z, TT and P
By Darren Murph 
posted February 16th 2009 12:24PM
posted February 16th 2009 12:24PM
Update: In order to address some understandable confusion with this release, Sony has provided the following response: "All of the P Series shipped to date come equipped with Gobi mobile broadband technology and the instant-mode option, but certain feature deployment varies region by region. As such, the mobile broadband feature is exclusively supported by the Verizon Wireless network for all US customers." In other words, all existing VAIO P units (even US models) have the Gobi chip -- it's up to you to hack away that Verizon lock and get down to business, though.
Oh if only these weren't so expensive.
Not excessively pricey, at 900 dollars, but more than I can afford...
Early adopters should know that taste by now. (serves you right) :)
I just received my new Vaio Z690 and I'm pretty sure it has Gobi. As soon as I remember how to start the wireless utility (SmartWi or something) I can double check.
The Sony P already has Gobi, they just didn't put the SIM card slot in the US models. I hope this means they are going to start putting the SIM card slot in because I would rather have AT&T wireless than Verizon and am about to pull the trigger on a Sony P in the next few weeks or month.
Sony P doesn't have a trigger. Fake!
They already have the GOBI Equipped Vaio P's.
Im typing this from my new Vaio P11Z (UK Base model) and im connected to the O2 Network for HSDPA internet.
Yep, I checked at it has Gobi. But underneath it has a link to "Launch VZAccess Manager" so that seems to just indicate Verizon. But maybe I could connect to at&t after a software update?
"Help me, Gobi Wwan. You're my only hope."
Wow; just...... wow.
Gobi WWAN Kenobi was also the first thing to come up my mind ;)
-a resident of these parts...
Win!
You beat me to it...
I prefer get my help from the real master... VAIOda.
I played with a Sony P this past weekend at a Sonystyle store. No matter what they put in this laptop it will not sell as well as other netbooks. Main reason: the screen is just to darn small! Seriously. I was excited to finally get to handle one but trying to use the mouse nub and navigate around on that tiny widescreen is not easy as everything is so tiny. Tried typing out a word doc and you really have to focus to see the words as they are so small. Don't get me wrong, I would love to have one for the cool factor but I don't think it's truly worthwhile for daily tasks.
Some workarounds:
- You can switch to a lower resolution, and the Vaio P will display everything bigger.
- You can lower the DPI to make everything bigger.
- You can zoom Word to 150-200% or thereabouts.
- You can use Large Mouse Cursors (Control Panel -> Mouse -> Pointers)
- Use the built-in Zoom button.
The high resolution is a bonus -- I like the high resolution -- but the option to display everything at a lower resolution does produce a very poor "first impression" for some. But there ARE workarounds, as listed above.
I agree.
...with BP. (sorry)
Hello,
You are 100% right on the print size.
i saw one at Fry's,the print is extra small.
deal breaker 4 me.
I saw one too and I have to admit it looked crazy high density to me too. BUT it also the lighest and best form factor I've ever see! very very impressive little machine.
My guess is 1 minute looking at the store is not enough. One must go a bit further and play with setting and typo size. Also try your favorite application! (reason+audition in my case)
I really really really like the Form factor, although most apps are not made for that kind of form factor :( skype for exaple .. still no widescreen webcam support...
I ordered the z6900 series and according to this like, the z6000 series have the gobi, as so the vaio p's.
http://www.learningcenter.sony.us/assets/VAIO3G/
whot.
Correct, Gobi is already in the VAIO P. If you Google, you can find a hacker detailing instructions on how to solder in a SIM card reader and hack the drivers to support HSPA.