I’ve been using a Lenovo W500 with the SIM card reader in the back, under the battery, and wanted to find some information on how to use this function and what additional accessories I may need.
After searching for awhile I discovered this information was not easy to uncover. So after searching a little more, I finally found the part number of a Mini PCI Express card option I would need to purchase and install to get the 3G wireless working.
You install this card option and insert a SIM card and you’re on your way to accessing the ATT 3G network. Of course, you have to have a service contract with ATT and airtime charges will apply. You should make sure your Thinkpad has the latest BIOS to ensure the PCI card is recognized properly.
Below I copied the information and specs on this Mini PCI Express option as posted on the Lenovo publications website.
Thinkpad Broadband wireless WAN-ready option offers cost-efficient remote access solutions
Lenovo United States Hardware Announcement 108-681 August 26, 2008Wireless WAN (WWAN) differs from a wireless LAN (WLAN) because it uses cellular network technologies such as WIMAX, CDMA, GSM, HSDPA, or 3G to transfer data. These cellular technologies are offered regionally, nationwide, and globally and are provided by a wireless service provider, typically for a monthly usage fee.
WWAN is a predictable, cost-efficient remote access solution. Instead of managing the setup, use, and payment of multiple connectivity solutions for your remote workers (remote office connectivity, hotel and airport Wi-Fi, and home office access), you can use a single, cost-effective solution with wide national coverage, consistent
experience, simple setup, comprehensive support, and predictable cost.Description Part number
AT&T 3G BroadBand Option 43R9152
Technical information
UMTS/3G operates in the following frequency ranges:
Uplink (Mobile Broadband Module to base-station)
850: 824 – 849 MHz
1900: 1850 – 1910 MHz
2100: 1920 – 1980 MHz
Downlink (Base-station to Mobile Broadband Module)
850: 869 – 894 MHz
1900: 1930 -1990 MHz
2100: 2110 – 2170 MHz
GSM/GPRS/EDGE data at 850 MHz, 900 MHz,
1800 MHz, and 1900 MHz
GSM Power Class:
MCS1-4 (GMSK): GSM850/900: Class 4/2W/33dBm GSM1800/1900: Class 1/1W/30dBm
MCS5-9 (8-PSK): GSM850/900: Class E2/0.5W/27dBm GSM1800/1900: Class E2/0.4W/26dBm
UMTS Power Class: Class 3 (23dBm)UMTS reference sensitivity
Band V(850): Nom < -110dBm, Max: < -104dBm Band II(1900): Nom < -107dBm, Max: < -104.7dBm Band I(2100): Nom < -109dBm, Max: < -104.7dBm Performance specifications:
Peak power consumption
Supported Voltage Range 3.0V – 3.6V (3.3V +/- 9%)
Nominal Operating Voltage 3.3V
Average Standby Current / Power (Radio off) <>
Physical specifications
Approximate height: 4.25 mm (0.1675 in)
Approximate width: 30 mm (1.18 in)
Approximate depth: 50.95 mm (2.0 in)
Approximate weight: 0.012 kg (0.026 lb)
Operating environment
Temperature to operating: -10° to 65°C (14° to 149°F)
Temperature to storage: -30° to 85°C (-22° to 185°F)
Relative humidity: 10% to 95% non-condensingAT&T HSPA Broadband Option 43R9152 $169.00
* List price does not include tax or shipping and is subject to change without notice. Reseller prices may vary.
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HelpWare is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or
service marks of others.Terms of use
Information may be changed or updated without notice. Lenovo may also make improvements and/or changes in the products and/or the programs described in this information at any time without notice.
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or cross references to Lenovo products, programs and services that are not
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intends to announce such products, programs or services in your country. Consult
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