Google Chrome Cr-48 Laptop Can Work With AT&T & T-Mobile

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Google has made inroads into the cloud-based computing market with its Cr-48 laptop, currently on beta test to a limited number of individuals. It’s currently locked to Verizon, though. But if you want to use another network, there is a way.

Google’s Cr-48 laptop runs Chrome OS, which is a Linux-based operating system that relies on the cloud for most of its applications. It’s basically a browser-based OS, which means you need to be connected to the Internet to do most of the activities you will usually do on a desktop. This can either be through WiFi or Verizon wireless.

If you want to run the Cr-48 on another network like AT&T and T-Mobile, though, there is a simple hack. This will involve getting into developer mode, enter a few terminal commands, and make sure you have the correct access point. Of course, you will need to have a working SIM card inserted in the SIM slot.

1. Pop your SIM card into the slot under the battery (must be a full-size SIM, microSIMs you’ll just lose in there, fine if you use an adaptor though)
2. Make sure you’ve enabled developer mode – do this by flipping the switch under your battery
3. Once you’re booted into developer mode and logged in, press Control-Alt-T
4. This opens crosh, a limited command shell. Since we’re in developer mode, we can get a full shell. Type the word shell and press enter.
5. You’ll get a shell that starts with ‘chronos@localhost / $’. Once you’ve got this, we can type in the command that flips over to GSM.
6. Type the following command: modem_set_carrier “Generic UMTS”
7. Wait a couple of minutes, then you can exit the shell by typing exit twice.
8. Your 3G should be usable assuming you have an active service plan on that SIM card, and that ChromeOS knows your APN setting

This might mean non-US users can now use the Cr-48 laptop with other GSM carriers. Of course, Google limits beta testing to US users. And, if you get into trouble with your settings, you can always revert to Verizon.