nettie wrote:
> I have Windows XP SP2 and recently installed a Verizon Broadband wireless USB
> modem on my desktop pc (it's a Dell). It won't boot up if the modem's
> connected, even after changing the boot sequence and if I connect the modem
> once my desktop screen comes up, Windows crashes. I have to connect the
> modem as Windows is loading. I've already uninstalled and reinstalled the
> modem software twice with no luck. It's more of a nuissance than anything
> else. I have no problems connecting to the internet or surfing for that
> matter, the only thing I noticed is when I doubleclick on VZAccess MGR to
> launch the program, I get 2 computer icons in my desktop tray with red x's on
> them. I did post this same problem under wireless issues, probably by
> mistake since this seems to be a conflict with my pc wanting to still boot
> off of the modem. Any suggestions would be extremely appreciated!
Visiting the verizonwireless.com site, I can see them offering a
UM150 device.
"UM150 USB Modem provides high–speed access on our 1x/EV–DO
network via VZAccess Manager. It is compatible with devices
that support a Type A USB port and comes equipped with a high–performance,
retractable antenna and a Y–shaped extension cable for added performance
and convenience. In addition, the UM150 serves as a mass storage device
with its built–in microSD memory slot (4GB+ capacity)."
I would say the microSD feature is the deal breaker, and I'd send
it back. There are enough problems with USB card readers, to not
want such a feature. Many BIOS try to boot off card readers, when
they are detected. In Windows, a USB card reader can also screw up
drive lettering.
I don't know how many alternatives they'll have to offer you.
They may have an Expresscard version of EVDO solution, and while
you can get an Expresscard bay for a PC, there will still be a few
details to getting this hooked up. I don't know if bus powering
such a device, over the USB cable, will provide enough power. If
there was a separate power cable, that might make me happier. I
only see a four pin header for an internal type USB cable.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811990003
Expresscard slots in laptops, have two interfaces on them. There
is a single lane PCI Express (250MB/sec). There is also a USB2
connection (60MB/sec). A real Expresscard slot would also have
access to power, like 3.3V or maybe even other voltages. A
"fake" Expresscard slot would only have the USB signals, and
if bus powered (only power comes over USB cable), the limit
is 5V @ 500mA. If that little bay, had a disk drive power cable,
then there would be more power available, if it was needed. I
doubt the Verizon staff would know enough about their hardware,
to predict whether an adapter bay like that would work for sure.
(The Expresscard would have to rely on the USB pins only, and
not the real PCI Express lane.)
A PCI card for your desktop, would be a much nicer solution, and
it would not be saddled with any useless microSD slots. But I
doubt Verizon has an endless supply of form factors of hardware
solutions. If I was paying for a service like that, I'd ask for
a separate hardware box with an Ethernet interface on it - that
would likely mean less hassle.
When it comes to Internet services, I like products that don't
need any "Access Managers" or other cruft. I paid for a router
box, for example, just so I could dump my ISPs PPPOE software.
My computer is relatively unaware of where the service comes
from, and the connection looks like a connection to any other
LAN. I use a web browser, to configure the router when needed.
Paul
Totally inappropriate on Verizon's part.