WWAN NextG laptop cards strength/coverage

Submitted: Tuesday, Dec 02, 2008 at 10:16

ThreadID: 63960 Views:4340 Replies:2 FollowUps:6

This Thread has been Archived

Member - Andrew (QLD)

Hi,

Does anyone use a WWAN card (eg 5520 card in Dell laptops) whilst travelling? I have purchased a laptop with this ability and would like to know how well they function particularly whilst travelling.....do they have good strength etc. Do they have any problems with reception etc?

We spend a fair chunk of time in regional Qld travelling, both with my wife's occupation, and just exploring the area, and we would like to make use of this feature some more. Her blackberry is useless in many of these areas so will be using the laptop to maintain this service.

Thanks in advance.

Andrew

Back Expand Un-Read 0 Moderator Share

Reply By: TerraFirma - Tuesday, Dec 02, 2008 at 13:04

Tuesday, Dec 02, 2008 at 13:04

I think the wireless function is only 3G so it's no good to you out of town. You'll need a Telstra Next G Wireless card with external antenna capability.

Remember 3G is metro coverage only and Next G is 98% Australia wide and faster access speeds, albeit dearer.

AnswerID: 337861

Follow Up By: Member - Andrew (QLD) - Tuesday, Dec 02, 2008 at 13:35

Tuesday, Dec 02, 2008 at 13:35

You sure? It is marketed in Australia specifically for NextG (and vodaphone) networks though all networks should theoretically work with the right software settings.

Dell specs are as follows:

Overview

The Dell™ Wireless 5520 Mobile Broadband PCI Express® Mini Card from Dell is an embedded module that can be integrated into Dell laptops for 3G mobile data applications. This module, powered by a Qualcomm MSM6280 diversity and equalizer chipset, offers high performance to the user. It operates globally on 850/900/1800/1900/UMTS 2100 MHz bands on HSDPA and UMTS networks, providing mobile broadband download speeds up to 3.6 Mbps. It also supports quad-band on EDGE and GPRS networks.

This module is certified to work on the Vodafone & Telstra Next-G network in Australia. Will work with other networks globally, please check with compatibility with your service provider.

Max Transfer Rate 7.2 Mbps

Cellular Enhancement Protocol GSM, GPRS, UMTS, EDGE, HSDPA
Expansion / Connectivity
Interfaces 1 x modem - GSM 850/900/1800/1900 / UMTS 2100

Compatible Slots 1 x PCI Express Mini Card

========================================

Andrew

FollowupID: 605413

Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Tuesday, Dec 02, 2008 at 13:37

Tuesday, Dec 02, 2008 at 13:37

My apologies, yes your right. If it supports an external antenna you can maximise your coverage

FollowupID: 605416

Follow Up By: Member - Andrew (QLD) - Tuesday, Dec 02, 2008 at 13:40

Tuesday, Dec 02, 2008 at 13:40

I don't believe it has an external antenna connection hence my question in the first place. :-)

I'm hoping someone has one and has some real world knowledge of its capabilities, though they may be too new for many laptops.

Andrew

FollowupID: 605417

Follow Up By: TerraFirma - Tuesday, Dec 02, 2008 at 13:55

Tuesday, Dec 02, 2008 at 13:55

Andrew, failing some feedback on these forums re real world experiences try these forums at Whirlpool, they are worth their weight in gold. There is a thread on the Dell 5520 here.

You may want to post a coverage question if you like.

http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies-archive.cfm/1021963.html

FollowupID: 605419

Follow Up By: Member - Andrew (QLD) - Tuesday, Dec 02, 2008 at 21:50

Tuesday, Dec 02, 2008 at 21:50

Thanks, i have done that....still hoping though for some seasoned travellers who use this concept ;-)

Andrew

FollowupID: 605497

Reply By: TerraFirma - Tuesday, Dec 02, 2008 at 14:10

Tuesday, Dec 02, 2008 at 14:10

Andrew, Before I sign off on this topic here is what I did to gain the best possible mobile data reception whilst away, I travel offshore on a boat some 200km's away from land. I have a Data card but I also purchased a 2nd hand ZTE 165 Telstra Rural Phone for around $250. They work as a Next G wireless modem really well and have the pull up whip antenna and support external antenna's, ok not an integrated data card but if coverage is the utmost issue good value in my opinion. I have a magnetic 9db antenna I use as well for use with the boat, my vehicle and away location when necessary.

It's not my everyday phone, but from a reception standpoint it's probably up there as the best solution and you can pick them up on Ebay from a reputable seller who is moving them on. (New model has been released)

AnswerID: 337867

Follow Up By: Member - Andrew (QLD) - Tuesday, Dec 02, 2008 at 14:22

Tuesday, Dec 02, 2008 at 14:22

Thanks Terra :-) I have a look into that if this setup is not up to my expectations. Yes, an external antenna system would be nice, as i expect to use it in The Whitsundays, behind some of the islands and would love to gain better reception. First things first though......... ;-)

Andrew

FollowupID: 605424