Hacking Removing 3G modem Card?

[goober]

Does anyone know if you remove the 3G modem card that the Vita will still work and basically become a Wi-Fi only model in battery life and whatnot? Most of the Vita hardware is very plug and play but I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't as simple as unplugging the modem card and moving on.

EDIT:
Blerg, thought I posted this in the hardware section. My apologies.

 

[GamerzHell9137]

Doesn't the 3G Vita work like a Wifi one when there's no 3G card in it/not using 3G functions?

 

[goober]

Yep, and the 3G modem module is only 3G related, the wi-fi chip isn't there. So, yes, in theory, it should work fine assuming that the Vita software and hardware is fine with the card missing. I'm just not confident enough on whether the Vita would freak out if the card went missing and if it needed to be reformatted that the software just checks for the card to be plugged in and goes from there whether it is or not during installation. (and turning off 3G doesn't entirely reduce battery drain versus just the wi-fi model, and that would make sense with the extra card in there still, thus in theory if I remove it, no more battery drain)

In theory for costs it should be very simple, but this is Sony so...

What also gives me pause is that Wololo had a battery mod article that ruled out the 3G model, and you'd think if you could remove the card just like that and still have the Vita work they would mention that, in case you would sacrifice the 3G for extra battery space.

EDIT:

I took the plunge, super preliminary result is about 30 mins extra battery life when removing the 3G module and sim card module with everything at the same settings with flight mode on. Reformatting the Vita results in the same install, same network operator settings and such, it just gives a generic connectivity error if you try to turn on the 3G or GPS signal. Wi-fi works fine, online gaming works, PSN works, signal is just as strong as before. I lost about 5% of the weight with those components removed, 14 grams. Tomorrow I will do a full battery test a couple times to see if you truly do save a little extra on battery life by physically removing the component. At the very least you lose some weight and gain some space inside for the battery mod.

EDIT 2:

It is indeed around 30 mins of extra battery life. I had Sly and Uncharted playing with the same scene with just the camera turning around automatically and both averaged 30 mins of extra battery life with the modem physically removed.

 

[freak_powa]

Hello everyone, I know this thread is a bit old, but please can someone give us another feedback on the removal of the 3D modem (ease of handling, time, changes on the OS, ...) ?

I don't want to install a 3G SD adapter instead, just remove it as goober do.
If I can save those 30 minutes of battery for the train, it would be great!

I just discovered the PS vita scene and this portable console is really great (olde screen, for factor, games library, ...).

I also found some video on YT but want gbatemp community feedback.
Thanks

 

[sombrerosonic]

Hello everyone, I know this thread is a bit old, but please can someone give us another feedback on the removal of the 3D modem (ease of handling, time, changes on the OS, ...) ?

I don't want to install a 3G SD adapter instead, just remove it as goober do.
If I can save those 30 minutes of battery for the train, it would be great!

I just discovered the PS vita scene and this portable console is really great (olde screen, for factor, games library, ...).

I also found some video on YT but want gbatemp community feedback.
Thanks

Not really a Vita know-it-all, more or less a PSP guy but ill try, 30 minutes is a good beef up in power, but i think its best to not do in my opinion unless you know what your doing. If you need more power, i recommend you finding a better battery if your battery is degraded by alot or just buy a power block from a convenience store as a spare power source to keep it powered for longer.

Thats my take on it anyways.