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[Q] Activate 3G on the WiFi-Only version of the Xoom?

So Hawk2k8 posted a guide on how to get the 3G Xoom to work on another carrier. http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1016158
My question is, if we buy a Verizon 3G SIM card, can we use it on our WiFi only Xoom? What are the hardware/software differences between the 3G version and the WiFi version? Can we activate 3G on our WiFi-Only version by flashing it with the 3G image and adding a Verizon 3G SIM card?
Thanks!

Answer
It is not possible to "activate" 3G mobile data on the WiFi Only Motorola XOOM. The WiFi only XOOM does not have the hardware required to connect to any mobile data networks. If you want to use data on the go, but only have a WiFi only XOOM I suggest you purchase a MiFi Wireless Hotspot device. Also, I would suggest you don't flash the system image from the Verizon XOOM, this could lead to a bricked XOOM.

What is missing from the WiFi version? Just the SIM card or more hardware than that?

jonnirage said:
What is missing from the WiFi version? Just the SIM card or more hardware than that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Doesn't even have the 3g radio hardware in it. You'd have as much luck inserting a CD ROM into it and getting it to work as you would trying to use it to get 3g service

jonnirage said:
What is missing from the WiFi version? Just the SIM card or more hardware than that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You would need to have a 3G radio.

lol he said a verizon 3g sim card. *slits wrists and runs through raccoon city singing we are the world"

jonnirage said:
So Hawk2k8 posted a guide on how to get the 3G Xoom to work on another carrier. http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1016158
My question is, if we buy a Verizon 3G SIM card, can we use it on our WiFi only Xoom? What are the hardware/software differences between the 3G version and the WiFi version? Can we activate 3G on our WiFi-Only version by flashing it with the 3G image and adding a Verizon 3G SIM card?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
wifi only has a slot infront of the sd card but no radio. do with that as you will lol.

you can use it to hold tiny crackers if you want

bahah why would they even put a place to insert a sim card on the wifi only?

znfrazier said:
bahah why would they even put a place to insert a sim card on the wifi only?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bwaaaaaahahaha no connection port there though. Just looked. Space there though. So i assume one could buy a radio and put it there. Lol.. or use it to store Barbie accessories.
Sent via Motorola Xoom Wi-Fi only tablet powered by Android 3.0 Honeycomb using Tapatalk

znfrazier said:
bahah why would they even put a place to insert a sim card on the wifi only?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I assume making another bezel that would remove that slot but still have access to the microSD would cost too much to justify.

jonnirage said:
So Hawk2k8 posted a guide on how to get the 3G Xoom to work on another carrier. http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=1016158
My question is, if we buy a Verizon 3G SIM card, can we use it on our WiFi only Xoom? What are the hardware/software differences between the 3G version and the WiFi version? Can we activate 3G on our WiFi-Only version by flashing it with the 3G image and adding a Verizon 3G SIM card?
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you could always use your android phone to wirelessly tether to your xoom. i just realized i can tether from my htc desire to xoom and have internet anywhere

LINKSLOVESANDROID said:
you could always use your android phone to wirelessly tether to your xoom. i just realized i can tether from my htc desire to xoom and have internet anywhere
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've hit the nail on the head. That's what i do.. why get a contract?? I must say be cafeful. I'm pushing 2gb of data almost after only three days of about three hours of use tethered to my Mytouch 4G. Crazy huh? So if you're on a verizon or att phine tethering i warn you. Beware of overages or T-Mobile's 2gb throttle.
Sent via Motorola Xoom Wi-Fi only tablet powered by Android 3.0 Honeycomb using Tapatalk

i beg to differ
I have a wifi only xoom, and it does indeed have a sim card tray as well as the connectors. Now it might not have a "3G" radio in it as other have said. Which I find questionable. The reason is that i know these thing are mass produce, and as stated above, it will cost motorola alot more to produce a seperate line of production.
So it make sense for both version to have similar hardware. If motorola did indeed open a seperate production line to remove or not add the 3G radio, then they could have easily use that same oppertunity to disconnet the sim tray or it's connectors. Now lets assumed they don,t have a "3G" radio 3G being the main focus, could it still work with other sim card that are not 3G and don't require a 3G radio? Like the good old 2G or Edge.
If that't not an option, Well there are several more options. The same way you have to send the 3G Xoom in for the hardware upgrade to 4G, does that not mean you can shop online for a 2G, 3G, or even 4G and do your own upgrade. Because worse case they remove the 3G radio, the slot is still there the connectors are still on the motherboard. Ifixit has a tear down.
But I personally think it's all in the gut of xoom, motorola just disable it so that it can't be active. Am not a programmer, but I believe in the long run, the wifi xoom owners will be the winner. Why? Well because for one it was $200 cheaper, even if you have to buy a radio in the future it will cost less or maybe pull one off an old cellphone (jk). And you didn't pay all that money under contract for 2 long years.
Now this is all an opinion so I don't wanna hear anyone being super technical and breaking it down, cuz am not a programmer or a repair guy, but am a hopeful owner if a Wifi Only Xoom.

supremecream06 said:
I have a wifi only xoom, and it does indeed have a sim card tray as well as the connectors. Now it might not have a "3G" radio in it as other have said. Which I find questionable. The reason is that i know these thing are mass produce, and as stated above, it will cost motorola alot more to produce a seperate line of production.
So it make sense for both version to have similar hardware. If motorola did indeed open a seperate production line to remove or not add the 3G radio, then they could have easily use that same oppertunity to disconnet the sim tray or it's connectors. Now lets assumed they don,t have a "3G" radio 3G being the main focus, could it still work with other sim card that are not 3G and don't require a 3G radio? Like the good old 2G or Edge.
If that't not an option, Well there are several more options. The same way you have to send the 3G Xoom in for the hardware upgrade to 4G, does that not mean you can shop online for a 2G, 3G, or even 4G and do your own upgrade. Because worse case they remove the 3G radio, the slot is still there the connectors are still on the motherboard. Ifixit has a tear down.
But I personally think it's all in the gut of xoom, motorola just disable it so that it can't be active. Am not a programmer, but I believe in the long run, the wifi xoom owners will be the winner. Why? Well because for one it was $200 cheaper, even if you have to buy a radio in the future it will cost less or maybe pull one off an old cellphone (jk). And you didn't pay all that money under contract for 2 long years.
Now this is all an opinion so I don't wanna hear anyone being super technical and breaking it down, cuz am not a programmer or a repair guy, but am a hopeful owner if a Wifi Only Xoom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
A useful suggestion! Nice one!
It might be worth looking into this?

supremecream06 said:
I have a wifi only xoom, and it does indeed have a sim card tray as well as the connectors. Now it might not have a "3G" radio in it as other have said. Which I find questionable. The reason is that i know these thing are mass produce, and as stated above, it will cost motorola alot more to produce a seperate line of production.
So it make sense for both version to have similar hardware. If motorola did indeed open a seperate production line to remove or not add the 3G radio, then they could have easily use that same oppertunity to disconnet the sim tray or it's connectors. Now lets assumed they don,t have a "3G" radio 3G being the main focus, could it still work with other sim card that are not 3G and don't require a 3G radio? Like the good old 2G or Edge.
If that't not an option, Well there are several more options. The same way you have to send the 3G Xoom in for the hardware upgrade to 4G, does that not mean you can shop online for a 2G, 3G, or even 4G and do your own upgrade. Because worse case they remove the 3G radio, the slot is still there the connectors are still on the motherboard. Ifixit has a tear down.
But I personally think it's all in the gut of xoom, motorola just disable it so that it can't be active. Am not a programmer, but I believe in the long run, the wifi xoom owners will be the winner. Why? Well because for one it was $200 cheaper, even if you have to buy a radio in the future it will cost less or maybe pull one off an old cellphone (jk). And you didn't pay all that money under contract for 2 long years.
Now this is all an opinion so I don't wanna hear anyone being super technical and breaking it down, cuz am not a programmer or a repair guy, but am a hopeful owner if a Wifi Only Xoom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looking at the price break down for parts: google: xoom costs $278
it looks to be about $20+ for the 3g radio that they put in the xoom if they put that in the wifi models aswell they would be loosing all that money, im pretty sure they would not do that.. and it doesn't take much for them to set their assembly robots to not add that part in, also that could be why they are released at different times. Different assembly procedures. Just a thought

theres a mini pci-e slot maybe we can install 3g radio just like laptop

This is really a possibility for the wifi xoom?
I imported mine from the US to Oz, are there any differences in bandwidth between 3G US and 3G Oz?

http://imgur.com/a/61qp6#eno2T
good luck.

wyefye said:
http://imgur.com/a/61qp6#eno2T
good luck.
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Click to collapse
DAMN!!!!
Back to the drawing board....
well i guess I'm stuck tethering with my iphone 4 via bluetooth

adding 3G, is it possible?

Hey guys,
Just got my TF, and am loving it. I wonder how much the wifi, and 3g version, are similar. What I mean for example is this. The Ipod, and the Iphone, are pretty much the same thing.
I am guessing that the wifi version, and 3g version, are almost identical, except of course, one is 3g, the other is not.
My question is this:
Could one install 3g into a wifi tablet, as to have both?
If they are truly set up the same way, internal wise, would it be possible to install a 3g card, and drop it into the tablet.(where it would go originally if one bought the wifi version.

indeeed
*!!with credit & much love to all respective XDA-devs!!*
..it certainly is possible to enable 3G:
- with a rooted TF101 (eg. NVFlash the mighty Prime! rom - for example)
- and then use the 3G toggler app
I haven't run through this myself, but I remember there being a guide thread detailing which 3G USB adapters fellow XDA-ers have proven working.
..i challenge you to get familiar with the search to find that!
-ttfn

Xoom 3g vs Wifi which more worth?

Yes I have noticed the similar threads and I came across them but I want to get the specific answers from XOOM experts;
-I want to purchase a tablet for my GF and a lil usage from my end as well(gaming?).:laugh:
-Right now in the UAE I can have the 3G version for $249 (with the protective folio for free) and the Wifi only @ $221 (Uk version cause it says it has the UK plug? standards here are all UK based I believe)
-I know the basics now(you can tell from my sig) about android, de-brand, use different firmwares for different region models of the same device (eg.Galaxy Nexus takju vs yakju).
1. Which is really better to get, the 3G variant(yes can tether thru any android phone but is only having 4.0.4) or wifi(which I have read has the the Jelly Bean 4.1.1?
1.5 How is that team EOS or CM10 as a daily driver for the xoom? can it be used for both wifi and 3g version?
2. How does this stand to the nexus 7 as of now? I know the device is 1 1/2yr old now Hint; my GF does not like squinting LOL, maybe she'll be using a tab for facebook epecially poker, e-mails, pictures, and videos (1080p is supported?)
Hope the experts could chime in to this dilemma I am having..
PS..not considering iPAD, no way!

BUMP
for an answer from the experts

Get the 3g, you can load any rom on the xoom be it wifi or 3g rom, all 3g xoom is quad band 850/900/1800/1900,My understanding is all internal parts are the same, only radio software, be it umts, cdma, gsm.. my xoom is a cdma 3g, when motorola have any new ota updates for wifi only i load my 604 wifi backup and test, when verizon decide to send their ota i load my 602 backup..

4g LTE SD Card?

Just wondering if there is such a thing? We all have wifi tablets but i'd love to get an SD card that allowed you to insert your sim card into it that would allow you to essentially have a LTE tablet? a plus would be if it had 32gb of memory also
anything like this exists?

i dont know what came of it but TMoblie here in the UK when they first mentioned their 4g plans said there would be a sim/sdcard (i forget which) that would have a 4g chip and antenna or something in it to make 3g 4g... never heard of it since though
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700T using XDA Premium HD app

An interesting concept, but there's not a single mobile provider who's going to let it pass into retail sales. Because if we could turn our devices into 4G by means of an SDcard, they'd miss out on all the oncome from all of us paying for another new phone/tab.
Also, you'd need a 4G data plan, anyway.

Definitely a cool idea, but never heard/seen of one. I was in the AT&T store yesterday, they have an LTE wifi hotspot device that was pretty cool, only 49.00 and would accomplish the same thing...

The TF700 doesn't have any radios for 4g unless your saying those would come in the SD card. I know they make USB sticks that will pick up 3g / 4g (at least I think) so maybe something like that would work
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

97prelude said:
Just wondering if there is such a thing? We all have wifi tablets but i'd love to get an SD card that allowed you to insert your sim card into it that would allow you to essentially have a LTE tablet? a plus would be if it had 32gb of memory also
anything like this exists?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Don't count on it. It's more than just a sim to make it work with 3/4G. You need at least an UMTS module and an extra antenna. You should have bought the LTE version instead - you will never get "native" 3/4G on your non-LTE transformer.
Sent from my ASUS Transformer Pad TF700KL using XDA Premium HD app

In theory this is possible - there exists an interface that's electrically equivalent to SD, but supports much more than memory cards. It's called SDIO (see wikipedia article, I can't include links). Since the transformer supports 4-bit SD interface, it automatically supports SDIO. The only problem is the drivers.
Here's where practical problems start. The Linux kernel includes very few drivers for SDIO devices. So even if such device exists, Android would not be able to support it.

pvka13 said:
In theory this is possible - there exists an interface that's electrically equivalent to SD, but supports much more than memory cards. It's called SDIO (see wikipedia article, I can't include links). Since the transformer supports 4-bit SD interface, it automatically supports SDIO. The only problem is the drivers.
Here's where practical problems start. The Linux kernel includes very few drivers for SDIO devices. So even if such device exists, Android would not be able to support it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You've probably solved this by now. I rooted my Evo 4G and use the Cyanomod 7.2 tethering feature. It works great. I use my sd slot for data2sd.
How did you resolve this?

i would love to have one of those

ibiesio quick
That woukd be kinda cool, but I already pay for the fantastic privlege having (no to barely any) service for my phone (sprint. As someone who switched from verizon to sprint, DON'T. Huge mistake). My phone is the reason I dont take my tablet out of the house (where theres wifi) unless im going on a trip. I assume thats how it is for most people, which is why there most likley isn't a massive market for it. I could see it being useful to people who use tabs on the job and travel. Even then, nowadays theres wifi pretty much everywhere. The added security of 4g is a plus, though. VPNs are nice but are often slow and cause issues with google and such.

SD card 3G Huawei 2014
This product is hitting the market very soon... there are several articles already on this product.

USB 3G modem
For now you can use USB 3G modem. There is an application on the Google Play, that provides support for these modems. I have successfully tested it with Huawei E173u.

[Q] Why is there no roms for the LTE version?

Seeing as how the LTE allows for a completely mobile tablet experience and has that additional 16Gb of storage; Not to mention the ability to text and call via Hangouts why does no developer support it?
Sure I've got mine rooted and have xposed installed and it's a great ROM, doesn't mean it's the best anyone can do. I'm just confused by the lack of 3rd party support for the LTE.

If you really go through the development section some of the ROMs for the Wifi only version are being ported.

The Shield isn't a massively cheap device, all the more for the LTE variant. I'd reckon that you'd see faster ports/rom releases for the LTE model if you bought one of the devs one. It's hard to test/develop for a device that you don't have and make sure that it will still work.

Another reason in addition to what everyone has mentioned is that the LTE one came out much later then the wifi one. So there has been a lot less time to get things working on it.