First, is the WWAN Cingular antenna removable; i.e. does it snap on and off the laptop easily or at all?

Second, please go to Start/Run and type in DXDIAG, then click on the Display tab. How much memory does it report for the Geforce 7400 GPU?

I am interested in the SZ370 but want to make sure of a few things before purchasing at CompUSA.

I can answer your second; it has dedicated 128MB for GeForce Go 7400.

If the newer models are the same as my SZ230P .. the answer to your first question, unfortunately, is no.

Not really a problem, though.  The Cingular WWAN antenna sits nicely out of the way on the side of the unit.

Jef

The Cell antenna pulls out easily, just like the Tx series.

but you may need order the cap to cover the hole.

I have a question reagrding the antenna. Since it is posted that the WWAN antenna on the SZ notebook can be taken off. Is the plug of the antenna a “plug” type or a “screw” type? Is it difficult to take the antenna out (lots of force needed, certain way to pull, etc)?

Yeah, I tried to pull one off at the BestBuy store but I was afraid I would bust it and be hauled off to jail. I might sneak in a Tomb Raider Legends and Doom 3 demo burned to CD just to see how they play.

The antenna pulls out easily- no screws- just twist and pull a little. There is no “hole” into the main unit, I kept the one out of my TX for 9 months- no problem. It just pushes back in easy too.

By the way, I did manage to sneak a DOOM 3 demo into an SZ 330 model at Best Buy. It seemed to play very well on medium settings, but I was in the extreme beginning of the game; no combat scenes. I was impressed, along with the Bestbuy sales rep nerds who caught me at it. THe graphics looked very good at 800x600 with no noticible slowdown. Even 1024x768 did not look bad at all. Leaps ahead of my Sony T250 anyway, which gives maybe 10 fps.

Well .. I’ll be the first to admit I was incorrect.

With a bit of a twist and tug with my thumbnail under the edge of the connection, the WWAN antenna in my SZ230P/B popped out.  No damage to either the computer or the antenna .. though it is a very tight fit.

Since I don’t use the WWAN on my computer, it’ll stay in the drawer for the time being.

Jef

jefn, thanks for the confirmation. So what did you use to cover? Did you buy a “cap” or something from Sony spare parts dept to cover that hole? By the way, is the connector of the WWAN antenna a “plug & play” type of plug, like those found on the headphones plug? Is it possible for you to take some pics & post it (WWAN antenna & the laptop “hole”)? Thanks in advance.

Hi SPEEDwithJJ -

I don’t see any need for a “cap” to close up the hole.  The plug itself is much less than 1/4 inch in depth.  I see no worries about just leaving it unfilled.

Jef

Also .. By “plug and play” I would assume you mean that it can be removed and replaced while the computer is running.

If that’s what you meant then, yes, it’s definitely plug and play.  It’s simply a metal connector that snaps into the side of the computer.  I’ve removed and replaced it several times with the computer running with no ill effect.  There is no “device” in Device Manager, per se, other than the Standard 33600 bps Modem, which shows as running properly with the antenna removed.  This would be just like your TV set .. the thing will work with no antenna connected, but it’s doubtful you’ll receive much of a signal.

Jef

jefn, thanks for taking the time & effort to take & post the picture. I really appreciate it. I think I phrase the word “plug & play” incorrectly. What I meant was whether this antenna is a snap-on type, which in your picture shows that it is. Why the antenna still work if you snap it back in place?

Sorry about troubling you with so many bothersome questions. The reason I’m asking is that I’m deciding whether to buy the SZ360 or the SZ370. The difference for the SZ370 is just about a $100 bucks more for the WWAN. I have no use currently but since I’ll be paying $2000+ for the Premium SZ, I may just as well get it because even though the Cingular EDGE service is currently expensive, one just never knows…. maybe the subscription fees for it may just come down quite a bit in 1 or 2 years time & then I may have a use for it…...

No problem asking questions.  That’s what the forum is for!

The antenna works fine once snapped back into place.  It’s a metal to metal contact and nothing is disturbed by the removal of the antenna.

I agree with your assessment that Cingular’s EDGE is too pricey.  Instead I use my Cingular cell phone (with bluetooth) to connect wirelessly when away from home and outside the area of my city that has free WiFi.

I set up a Dial-Up Networking connection for my cell phone and treat it as if it were any other modem.

Jef