Installing Huawei EM660 on ThinkPad X100e

Several months ago, i've bought a Mini PCI 3G Module, branded as  HUAWEI EM660 CDMA2000 for my Lenovo ThinkPad X100e.

Previously  I knew that there is a single empty slot on the notebook's mainboard for a Mini PCI module. And also, actually  I  want to free-up one USB port rather than using an all-day-long attached 3G USB modem's dongle.

I bought it from Jakartanotebook,  it was costs about $16 at the time.

Specifications :
The specifications of this modem are as follows :

Features	Description
Product title	EM660
Dimensions:	Target:51mm×30mm×5mm
Weight	<30g
External interface	Compliant to PCI-SIG PCI Express Mini Card version 1.2(Support USB 2.0 protocol)
Technical Standard	CDMA 2000 1XRTT ； Compatible to CDMA IS-95 A/B 800/1900MHz； CDMA 2000 1x EVDO Rev.0 800/1900 MHz； CDMA 2000 1x EVDO Rev.A 800/1900 MHz；
Operating Frequency	CDMA/EVDO 800M RX:869MHz～894MHz/TX:824MHz～849MHz CDMA/EVDO 1900M RX:1930MHz～1990MHz/TX:1850MHz～1910MHz
Data Rate	EVDO Rev.A data service of up to DL 3.1 Mbps/UL 1.8Mbps
Max. transmitter power	CDMA 800 MHz :+23 dBm（Power Class 3）; CDMA 1900 MHz +23 dBm（Power Class 2）;
Maximum power consumption	Average power consumption <= 3.6W
Power supply	3.3V/1100mA
AT command Sets	support 3GPP 27007 AT commands, and some Huawei defined commands.
RUIM	support RUIM,standard 6 PIN UIM card interface,support 3V and 1.8V UIM card
Receive Diversity	800/1900Mhz receive diversity
Antenna interface	Use Hirose U.FL-R-SMT connector
driver	Supporting Windows 2000 、Windows XP、Vista and Linux(2.6.18 later)
Operating Temperature	-10 to 55° C
Storage Temperature	-20 to 70° C
Humidity	5%~ 95%
OS Support	Supporting Windows 2000 、Windows XP、Vista and Linux(2.6.18 later)
SMS service	Supporting SMS based on CDMA 1x
Language	English ( can be customized)

* taken from http://www.letswireless.com.cn/en/product/show.asp?id=2


Installation :
To install this module on the notebook is quite easy. I opened the bottom of the laptop (unscrew). The Mini PCI's slot is quite easy to find, it located next to the SIM Card slot.

Plug the modem module carefully, lock it with (two) screws. There are two cables from notebook, each color Blue and Red. Now connect the blue cable connector to the antenna port labeled "A" (mean Auxiliary) and the red wire to the antenna port labeled "M" (mean Main). Do a gentle tap to make sure the connector is attached closely. And lastly, I do inserting the SIM card into its slot.

Test Drive :

This modem does not require special treatment. And it was immediately recognized as Huawei E169/E620/E800 HSDPA Modem by Linux (Ubuntu) without installing any drivers.

 

On Microsoft Windows XP / 7, this modem is also 100% compatible with Mobile Partner application from Huawei.

So how about the speed?. Well the modem is pretty stable and fast, and a little to warm if you're on a high load (such as downloading or watching youtube), of course without buffering :-)

And this is the Speedtest.net result of this modem with AHA (CDMA, from Bakrie Telecom) card (4GB Unlimited Plan, bandwidth 600kbps)

At last, no more USB dongle attached :-)