07-08-2020, 01:37 PM
There's no real benefit of trying to put an LTE adapter inside of the Pinebook Pro.
LTE modems (on M.2 cards) almost always just use regular USB, instead of PCIe.
The additional drawbacks are very high power draw from the modem (the voltage regulators on the PBP can't handle that amount of current) and bad antenna characteristics (because of the large amount of metal in the case).
The voltage regulator issue can be solved pretty easily with a little high-power switch-mode regulator, the antenna issue is a bit more tricky.
Additional USB ports are available inside the Pinebook Pro under the shielding, as unused pins on a USB hub IC.
I'd recommend using external USB LTE modems or your phone (in either USB tethering mode, or via WiFi).
The first option will give you some trouble (due to the high power draw) again, though.
LTE modems (on M.2 cards) almost always just use regular USB, instead of PCIe.
The additional drawbacks are very high power draw from the modem (the voltage regulators on the PBP can't handle that amount of current) and bad antenna characteristics (because of the large amount of metal in the case).
The voltage regulator issue can be solved pretty easily with a little high-power switch-mode regulator, the antenna issue is a bit more tricky.
Additional USB ports are available inside the Pinebook Pro under the shielding, as unused pins on a USB hub IC.
I'd recommend using external USB LTE modems or your phone (in either USB tethering mode, or via WiFi).
The first option will give you some trouble (due to the high power draw) again, though.
