Sony VAIO P gets hacked to support HSDPA

As you may recall, the Sony VAIO P is packaged with the Gobi chipset that is capable of both HSDPA and EV-DO. Unfortunately, Sony has chosen to block HSDPA access and has locked the pocketable notebook to connect only via a Verizon Wireless EV-DO connection. Humph. Thanks to a creative blogger by the name of tnkgrl, Sony’s restrictive plans are now thwarted and those without a VZW contract are back in business. Tnkgrl has successfully hacked the HSDPA on the VAIO P, allowing it to be utilized by those not afraid to void a warranty on a $900 machine. You will need a $1 SIM holder, skill at precision soldering, some knowledge of registry editing and system file manipulation along with a whole lot of chutzpah to crack open the case of an expensive mini-notebook. It is not for the faint of heart but if you can pull it off then your prize will be… Flaunting your quad-band GSM/GPRS/EGDE and tri-band UMTS/HSDPA enabled VAIO P. Who’s in?

[Via jkOnTheRun]

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10 Responses to “Sony VAIO P gets hacked to support HSDPA”

  1. 1
    E21P says:

    That’s pretty crazy, the things we do to gain out freedom back.

    Posted from BGR Mobile (iPhone).

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  2. 2
    cwcanty says:

    I got nervous just reading that blog post!

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  3. 3
    Jeeverz says:

    Canada Awaits You !

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  4. 4
    dave says:

    Hmm well maybe we can add sim cards to other devices now?

    Posted from BGR Mobile (iPhone) at: New York NY, 10128

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  5. 5
    Johnny Rockets says:

    Is that why you didn’t announce the winner of the VAIO P giveaway yet? Can you have tnkgrl hack it before giving it to me? ;)

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  6. 6
    tnkgrl says:

    @Johnny Rockets

    I’d be game :) Maybe the Boy Genius should drop me a line – he’s got my email. But what if I win that contest? – LOL

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  7. 7
    colin says:

    I played with a p at the Sony shop last night and despite the nicely done keyboard and undeniable style, the screen is a deal killer to me. I think I have good vision, and the display is just top small for me. At least the floor model settings were.

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  8. 8
    Norra Sun says:

    Eh? What’s going on again? I didn’t get it..

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  9. 9
    blurmotions says:

    I’m sure a Sony P could use some editing from it’s out of the box status but to go this far would be a little too risky for me. Actually way to risky! haha* I prefer to keep my personal aspects in the best condition possible. So pff* to that idea. ^_^

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  10. 10
    Search The Unknown says:

    You dont get what you have no idea what it is… i say research before you comment.

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