Travel Technology - Sony Vaio TX & International Roaming?

Hello,

I'm thinking about getting a Vaio TX with the built-in EDGE wireless option. It's hard to find info on the built-in GSM module so I thoght I'd ask here.

- Can you just put in any SIM card from any cell carrier that provides EDGE data service?

- Will it work in both the US and EU?

A Sony sales rep in a SonyStyle store said a very quick yes to both questions. Given that this was in the USA, and the guy had clearly no idea that the US and EU GSM standards are rather incompatible, I'm not willing to trust him on this.

Yes BUT it will have to be unlocked first; Sony customer service can provide the unlock code and here are the instructions on how to unlock it:

http://www.engadget.com/2005/10/20/how-to-unlock-your-edge-enabled-sony-vaio-vgn-t350/

Yes, it will work abroad but not that many Euro networks have EDGE as most of them moved directly to 3G. You might be better off with a normal non-GPRS notebook and buying a better GPRS/3G card as that way you will be set for the future. EDGE is already becoming obsolete within Cingular, an even T-mobile will be moving on to the next technology this year; of course this doesn't mean they'll drop EDGE, but new(er) technologies are up to 10 times faster.

Thanks!

I can't believe they sell the thing carrier-locked. It's not like Cingular subsidizes the unit... (Or can you get it with a 1-year contract and $1000 off ? :))

I know EDGE has its limitations and is pretty much a dead-end (heck, my JasJar with WCDMA does 364kbps no problem) but it is supported in my two base cities (BUD & BOS). The problem with 3G is that I either get the EU version that works well on one side of the Atlantic, or I get the US version that works on the other. I'll hold off a bit until EVDO/WCDMA hybrid adapters become available.

EDGE (or even GPRS) would be a nice way of avoiding the $8-$20 daily WiFi fees at various airports when all I need is a few minutes online.