MID with 3G key

[Deakon]

Hello
I have some stupid questions about the ID of the smartbook.

Is that possible to make the MID a "normal" phone via adding an 3G key on the motherboard ??

This hack is it possible ??? Does Android or another Linux OS will work with this hack ??

In advance thanks for your answers

[alexandre]

To get a "normal" phone, you would actually need a GSM chip, which is not possible for the moment. But it's still a VoIP phone, so you will be able to place phone calls to anyone as long as you are in a wifi area.

Alexandre - Always Innovating Team

[utx]

To get a "normal" phone, you would actually need a GSM chip, which is not possible for the moment. But it's still a VoIP phone, so you will be able to place phone calls to anyone as long as you are in a wifi area.

I guess that it might be possible to add 3G USB modem inside MID (if space permits). USB ports are physically there, just connectors may be missing. It would be make Minibook more useful than plugging 3G USB modem into the Touch Book case connectors. What do you think about it?

[alexandre]

Just a matter of price & space, and the need to coordinate with carriers (whereas wifi may be, 3G is not freely accessible...)

Best,
Alexandre - Always Innovating Team

[ringonian]

Just a matter of price & space, and the need to coordinate with carriers (whereas wifi may be, 3G is not freely accessible...)

Best,
Alexandre - Always Innovating Team

but if gregroire's target market for the smartbook is licensing the technology to oem's rather than directly to the consumers, then it could be possible to have 3/4g capability on the mid, right? is that the initial strategy?

[alexandre]

I don't say it's not feasible and it has no interest, I just say we didn't do it for what we are selling right now

[utx]

Well, I guess that advanced hacker may add a 3G module. I just seen that Telit modules have full specification available and Linux support via usbserial. Themodule sized 36.2(or 45 with GPS)x30x4.8mm. Using such module, the non-free software will remain inside the module.

I can imagine that you connect power, USB and audio signals to the MID board, then antenna and SIM slot to proper pins of the connector and you may have a working 3G phone hardware. Everything you need from MID are soldering points for USB host, audio and power.

I never played with 3G module yet, but if space inside Minibook permits, I will think about it.