4. About That Wireless WAN Capability

Okay, we know you are especially interested in Sony's wireless WAN capability. The built-in WAN radio supports Enhanced Datarate for Global Evolution (EDGE) networking technology. Typically EDGE provides data rates between 75 and 135 kbps and peak rates of 170 kbps, which is slow compared to wireless LAN speeds. However, in practice we were quite pleased with access speeds available in the Los Angeles California area, especially considering that we could access the Internet just about anywhere, including in our often signal-averse West Los Angeles rear condo unit (which is flanked on all sides by other condo buildings.)

Wireless EDGE-based access to Tom's Hardware and Microsoft Exchange Server e-mail on Sony's VGN-T350P.

EDGE service for the VGN-T350P by Cingular is packaged with the laptop, though it is possible to use another provider. Sony even tells you how to unlock the computer's SIM module on its support Web site (Knowledgebase Article C394991).

As of this writing Cingular EDGE availability in the USA and Canada looks like this:

Coverage is good on the west coast, though thin in some places, and pretty good in the eastern half of the USA. Note that General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) is available in EDGE areas, and in some areas where EDGE is not available; GPRS can go to 115 kbps. The VGN-T350P's WAN radio supports both EDGE and GPRS. So, the computer can access the Internet across a wide range of US territory. Coverage in Canada is still thin.

And, what about cost? Monthly prices for Cingular EDGE data services range from $20 for a puny 5 MB of data, to $50 for 50 MB and $80 for unlimited data. By comparison, most carriers provide unlimited data access for Blackberry PDA's at around $50. We believe that the additional $30 for unlimited laptop access is worth it, if, of course, you can afford it. We bet that serious road warriors will find the dollars somewhere.

Some argue that EDGE is too slow and that those who need WAN wireless capability should opt for 600 kbps Evolution Data Only (EvDO) wireless services from Verizon or Sprint. With prices for EDGE and EvDO running about the same, they say, go for EvDO. We might be tempted to do that, if only we could get a computer like the VGN-T350T with built-in EvDO capability. The Sony's PC Card slot will let us move to EvDO when and if we're ready. One reason for not moving to EvDO is that it is mostly an American service; go to Europe or Asia and you will quite happy that your Sony laptop supports EDGE/GPRS.