X61s (Re: [ltp] Self-install or commercial install?)

[David Bremner]

>>>>> "Theodore" == Theodore Tso <tytso@MIT.EDU> writes:

    Theodore> Be warned that EVDO service requires a Windows system to
    Theodore> initialize the card and establish the account with
    Theodore> either Sprint or Verizon.  Once the service, you will
    Theodore> need to boot into Windows from time to time to update
    Theodore> the PRL list, which updates the list of cell towers that
    Theodore> can be used by your Verizon or Sprint account.  Using a
    Theodore> PCMCIA card makes it easier to initialize the WWAN
    Theodore> hardware without needing to use a dual-boot system.

Life is simpler with GSM based WWAN cards. I bought an unlocked Sierra
Wireless 875 PCMCIA card for $100, bought a sim card for 15 euros
(purchases on different continents), plugged it in, and it works (in
my x61s), no Windows required.  I haven't used it very much, so I
don't know of any required updating process, but I doubt it. 
But Ted's point not to buy the builtin WWAN card stands.  And in the
US and Canada high speed GSM coverage is apparently not very good.

d