My Asus Eee PC 4G almost has 3G

A late night and a few hours of tinkering has me 99-yards downfield in getting a 3G USB modem working with the Asus Eee PC. The integrated WiFi has worked flawlessly so far, but when you're not near a hotspot, what's a mobile device user to do? You can see by the Console window shown that I've got the Sierra Wireless 875U calling out, but somewhere in the authentication process something is amiss. While I don't have a complete solution yet, I wanted to point others in the right direction in hopes that someone smarter than me can get us across the 3G goal-line. ;)

The best resource so far has been the Sierra Wireless 875U Linux driver and installation info; note that several other AirCard models are "supported" as well. I've followed all the steps and definitely have the driver installed as verified by the modinfo sierra results. I'll keep plugging away of course, but I'm open to suggestions in the comments. Bear in mind I'm a relative n00b when it comes to Linux, but I'm trying! Adding 3G access to the Eee would go a long way in considering this the device of choice when hitting the road.

Comments

[Mike Cane]

Your fiendishness has no end, does it?!

Soon this site will be called KT Better Run!

*envious maniacal laughter*

[GadgetKiwi]

There's got to be an easier way.
Appeciate that Kevin is working through the Linux interface on the eee but oh so much easier to install XP and voila my USB 3G Vodafone vodem just plugs in and goes. Wireless with ease.
As an aside having XP means I can work with favourite (small) apps like Illium Listpro & Phatware Phatnotes on better than pocket PC keyboard.
Also an easy install of WinDVD (USD10) and Magic ISO lets me have a selection of 20 plus DVDs (ISO files) to watch from an external single cord portable hard drive.
Having 3 USB ports is fabulous on the eee.
In contrast the latest Sony TZ (US$2,000)has just 2.
The $300 eee just keeps me smiling it is a wonder!

[Eric Link]

I say good for you for trying to extend the platform - hopefully you can fina an easy answer; then what is better than not having to mess w/ yet another XP install and instead getting the 3g going in a matter of minutes, because someone like you figured it out and posted the how to. You go man!

[Matty]

The connection wizard should pickup your device, i assume it connects USB. I don't have a sierra device to test with, but if you can send me the contents of dmesg after the device has been plugged in I'll take a look and see whats up.

matt.larose@gmail.com

[tnkgrl]

Here's what I've been up to: http://tnkgrl.wordpress.com/2007/11/09/asus-701-eee-update/

[Mike Cane]

Hey, Fiend Kevin, where are those comparison pics of the Eee and that other small computer?!

[Kevin C. Tofel]

In my camera. ;) I can post some, but I'll be honest, there's practically no difference in terms of overall size, thickness and keyboard.

[Jason]

any update on getting it working??

[Alan Pozner]

You know, $400 sounds like a great deal until I start to think about the two cheap laptops I bought for our car club this year. I picked up two Dell Inspiron 1501s for $489 each. Here are the specs:
PROCESSOR Mobile AMD Sempron™ 3600
Genuine Windows® XP Home
14.1 inch Wide Screen XGA Display
512MB DDR2 SDRAM 533MHZ
60GB SATA Hard Drive (5400RPM)
24X CD Burner/DVD Combo Drive
ATI RADEON® Xpress1150 256MB HyperMemory™
Integrated Audio
53 WHr 6-cell Lithium Ion Primary Battery
WIRELESS CARDS Dell Wireless 1390 802.11g
Microsoft Works 8
WARRANTY AND SERVICE 1Yr Ltd Warranty and Mail-In ServiceALSO INCLUDED WITH YOUR SYSTEM
Adobe Software Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 8.1
Labels Windows XP™
Network Card and Modem Integrated 10/100 Network Card and Modem

I think that's quite a bit more PC for just $89 more. They are not lightweight but the screens are really pretty damned bright even outdoors. If you wanted to you could rip out XP and replace it with one of the many quality Linux distros out there. I honestly don't know what the hoopla about EEE is about.

[Kevin C. Tofel]

Fair commentary Alan. Specs aside, I think the hoopla is around a low-cost laptop that provides a very simple interface that offers all of the functionality that most people need. The intended audience doesn't care about specifications, they care about a simple to use, low maintenance computer they can tote around and be easily mobile with. I think the deal you outlined is great for the price, but the Eee is intended for folks that may not ever have used Windows or a PC.