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Monday September 8, 2008
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I hinted earlier that Dell plans to support 3G on the Inspiron Mini 9, thanks to an empty WWAN slot in the base of the unit. While that may be true in Europe, as Dell had already announced an exclusive agreement with Vodafone to support mobile broadband, U.S residents will have to wait a little longer to get the 3G treatment.
For those who have already preordered the Mini, thinking they can just pop in the 3G module into the empty slot, they'll be in for a rude awakening. According to Anne Camden of Dell Corporate Communications, "the Mini doesn't have the internal antenna infrastructure needed to support mobile broadband". In other words, the 3G module won't work without the antenna that runs up into the LED screen. This is due to cost factors, as the antenna would drive prices beyond the $474 listed price.
When 3G does become available later this year, Dell will not retrofit the antenna; you'll have to buy a new Mini with 3G support.
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September 8, 2008 5:19 PM
i think that people that have already purchased a dell mini 9 should be able to take it back and for a bit more money acctually be able to get the broadband in it.
But then if they already bought it they knew what they were getting and if having broadband then wasnt a problem, why should it be now??
September 24, 2008 10:18 PM
Many who bought didn't know the WWAN compatibility wasn't included. If you looked at the Mini's manual on the Dell site, it appears as if it is standard and even states that the compatibility is there. Even Dell's own sales reps and customer care people think it's standard even yet. Dell needs to offer this as a configuration option so people will at least know the price difference and that they are passing on it. So much dishonesty and rumor.
October 9, 2008 8:44 PM
Really, how much more could the antenna cost? How about letting the customer order it and just pay a little extra? There has got to be more to this than cost.
October 27, 2008 12:45 PM
I have purchased the Dell Mini 9, got a great deal, installed Leopard on it, only now I am looking for a way to integrate an internal 3G modem. If this news leaves me only to rely on external, I thought why wouldn't I be able to purchase and install either the internal antenna and the 3G modem, or be able to find a modem like ones with 3G and GPS that could work(like the guide on: http://jkkmobile.blogspot.com/2008/10/how-to-internal-3g-to-dell-mini-9-easy.html) This was the "easy way", where Wi-Fi is removed and the internal 3G modem is put in its spot, but this is not a long-term fix. I am looking for the ability to use the SIM slot beneath the battery and am looking for what needs to be done to go about finishing what Dell left open. Any and all info would help, thanks in advanced.
October 27, 2008 3:01 PM
You do not want to replace WiFi with a 3G modem. I suppose it is possible to run another antenna up the screen, but that involves dismantling the entire laptop. Another suggestion would be to shop around for the European version. That one, supposedly, has the antenna infrastructure that will get you what you need. Sorry I couldn't be of any more help.
Cisco