{"id":749464,"date":"2013-05-02T15:29:04","date_gmt":"2013-05-02T19:29:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/gigaom.com\/?p=641745"},"modified":"2013-05-02T15:29:04","modified_gmt":"2013-05-02T19:29:04","slug":"that-chromebook-pixel-with-lte-might-work-with-other-mobile-networks-after-all","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mereja.com\/index\/749464","title":{"rendered":"That Chromebook Pixel with LTE might work with other mobile networks after all"},"content":{"rendered":"

When deciding on which Chromebook Pixel model to buy, I opted for the higher priced version with integrated LTE<\/a>. I got double the flash storage over the Wi-Fi only model as well, but I would have paid the $150 premium just for the LTE feature. Generally, I have an abundant supply of Wi-Fi so the LTE radio — and free 100 MB of monthly data — is mainly for backup connectivity and for travel.<\/p>

\"Pixel<\/a>But there’s a big downside to the Pixel with regards to the LTE radio. Unlike most LTE devices, the Pixel can’t fall back to a slower network when an LTE signal can’t be found.<\/p>

Basically, if you’re not in an LTE coverage area — on Verizon’s network, specifically — you’d better find a hotspot, use your phone’s internet connection or be prepared to work offline. Even though the last option is improving with improved support for Packaged Apps that work offline, it’s a shame the Pixel is so dependent on one carrier’s singular network option. Or is it?<\/p>

Fellow Chromebook Pixel owner John Freml, from\u00a0the Pocketables enthusiast site,<\/a>\u00a0noted a Google+ post from Ian Ray with interesting information<\/a>. It turns out the mobile broadband radio used in the Pixel isn’t using its full capabilities; likely by design for now. Freml notes that the wireless card is a Novetel Expdite E362<\/a>, which works with other broadband networks in some cases:<\/p>

Powered by Qualcomm\u00ae MDM9600 chipset, the Expedite E362 offers high performance to the user on LTE 700 MHz with global fallback to CDMA and HSPA+\/UMTS \u2026 the small Expedite E362 module leverages the LTE, CDMA, and HSPA+\/UMTS networks. Switching between networks enables your customers to work, play, and stay connected anytime, anywhere worldwide.<\/p> <\/blockquote>

The Qualcomm baseband chip Freml points out is similar to one used in the iPad with LTE<\/a>, and that certainly supports fall-back to other 3G networks, so there’s hope.<\/p>

Of course, without seeing the internals of a Pixel, it’s difficult to confirm. And the right antenna and amplifier support would be needed. But if all of the puzzle pieces are there, it’s possible that a software update could enable fall-back features or even add support for your choice of carrier on a Chromebook Pixel with LTE.<\/p>
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