ExpressCard Wireless WAN Solutions
- Wireless Broadband Internet ExpressCard Module Status
- Adapters for All CardBus/PC Card (PCMCIA) Products
- USB Adapters Specifically for Wireless PC Card Broadband Modems
- Adapters to Use ExpressCard Wireless Modems on non-ExpressCard Systems
- Other Potential Solutions for Wireless Internet Access
Wireless Broadband Internet ExpressCard Modules Status
Verizon Wireless Available Now
Verizon Wireless is now shipping the V640 EV-DO ExpressCard Module. The smaller and lighter V640 ExpressCard module operates on the Verizon Wireless broadband network and is capable of speed bursts of up to 2.0Mbps.
 Verizon Wireless V640 EV-DO ExpressCard Module
The Dell Wireless 5700 Mobile Broadband (CDMA EV-DO) ExpressCard module is now available and shipping for the Verizon Wireless Broadband Access network. This product has been tested and validated on Dell systems to ensure it will work with your computer and is compatible with select Dell Inspiron Notebooks.
Dell Wireless 5700 Mobile Broadband (CDMA EV-DO)
Cingular Available Now
The Dell Wireless 5510 Mobile Broadband (3G HSDPA) ExpressCard module, together with BroadbandConnect from Cingular, can give you the power to stay productive, responsive and connected while on the go. This product has been tested and validated on Dell systems and is compatible with Select Dell Inspiron notebooks.
Dell Wireless 5510 Mobile Broadband (3G HSDPA)
Vodafone Available Now
Vodafone is now shipping the MCC UMTS Broadband (Express) module in Germany. Vodafone's service uses the Novatel XU870 HSDPA/UMTS ExpressCard/34 module.
Vodafone MCC UMTS Broadband (Express)
Sprint Available Now
The Merlin EX720 is designed to plug into new PC laptops that have an ExpressCard slot (versus a PCMCIA Type II card slot.) This card is equipped with a new chipset that supports increased upload and download speeds available with the upgraded Sprint Mobile Broadband technology currently deploying through third quarter 2007. This device is backward compatible with all versions of the Sprint Vision and Power Vision networks.
Sprint Merlin EX720
Other UMTS/HSDPA Service Providers Available Now
The Novatel Wireless Merlin XU870 ExpressCard modem is available for use with other HSDPA service providers. Before you can connect to an HSDPA service provider with a Novatel Wireless Merlin XU870 ExpressCard modem, you will need the following:
- A Novatel Wireless Merlin XU870 ExpressCard modem and an activated SIM card
- A UMTS/HSDPA account with a service provider
- Configuration information from your service provider, including your username, password, APN, and DNS addresses
- MacBook Pro Users Only: MacBook Pro with an ExpressCard/34 slot with Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger (Note: The PIN code on the SIM card MUST be disabled BEFORE trying to use the card in the Mac, as there is no means to enter the PIN code on the Mac.)
Novatel Wireless Merlin XU870 3G HSDPA from Mobile Planet
Novatel Wireless Merlin XU870 3G HSDPA from Nexaira
Adapters for All CardBus/PC Card (PCMCIA) Products
Duel System's DuelAdapter Available Now
Duel System's DuelAdapter is designed to connect the latest generation of ExpressCard notebook computers with existing PCMCIA cards. The DuelAdapter uses special electronics to seamlessly convert input from PCMCIA cards designed for cellular broadband, wireless networking, video, audio and memory expansion to an ExpressCard compatible format. Data can be transferred at rates up to the full speed supported by the ExpressCard interface -- five times faster than USB 2.0! Currently under test, expected in early 2007.
Duel System's DuelAdapter
Quatech External USB CardBus PC Card Drive
Quatech's USB to PCMCIA Adapter allows laptop and desktop PCs to access the technology used in laptop, notebook and handheld computers, as well as 3G wireless Internet modem cards. This facilitates easy data sharing between portable and desktop systems via memory cards or hard disk cards, and sharing of portable peripheral devices such as wireless modems, serial port cards and parallel port cards.
(Note: USB 2.0 operates at about 1/2 the throughput of the CardBus interface, so users will possibly note some loss of performance when running a CardBus card through a USB adapter.)
Quatech USB to PCMCIA Adapter
ARS Technologies usb2pcmcia Adapter
Based on the USB 2.0 interface, the USB2PCMCIAš offers potential speeds of 480Mbit/s. ARS Technologies' usb2pcmcia allows plugging and handling of any 16-bit PC Card (PCMCIA card). This can be any standard or custom 16-bit PCMCIA card (Type I, II, or III).
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The usb2pcmcia is not an end-user device. This item is best suited for technology consultants, developers, experienced technicians and/or OEMs.
ARS Technologies usb2PCMCIA Adapter
USB Adapters Specifically for Wireless PC Card Broadband Modems
Every computer that supports ExpressCard modules will also offer support for plug-in USB devices. Below are some solutions from third parties that may allow you to use your existing PC Card wireless modem through a USB adapter. While PCMCIA has not tested and does not endorse any of the products listed below, the products below may provide a solution for your Wireless WAN needs until an ExpressCard product is available from your ISP. Verizon Wireless customers should look for the V640 ExpressCard EV-DO modem available now.
USB Adapters for CardBus Wireless Internet Cards
How can I tell if my Wireless Internet PC Card is 16-bit or CardBus?
These products may allow you to utilize your existing CardBus Wireless WAN PC Card via the USB port:
Elan Digital Systems U132
Supported card examples: Kyocera Wireless Passport KPC650, Option Fusion, Huawei E600, Huawei E618, Novatel Wireless S620, Novatel Wireless V620
Elan Digital Systems U142
Supported card examples: Globetrotter HSDPA, GlobeTrotter 3G EDGE, GlobeTrotter FUSION+ HSDPA, GlobeTrotter GT Max
USB Adapters for 16-bit Wireless Internet PC Cards
How can I tell if my Wireless Internet PC Card is 16-bit or CardBus?
These products may allow you to utilize your existing 16-bit Wireless WAN PC Card via the USB port:
Elan Digital Systems U111530
Supported card examples: Novatel Wireless U530, Novatel Wireless U630, Option Wireless Globetrotter GPRS, Sierra Wireless Aircard 775 EDGE, Sierra Wireless Aircard 850 3G, Sierra Wireless Aircard 860 3G
Adapters to Use ExpressCard Wireless Modems on non-ExpressCard Systems
Many users who have recently purchased ExpressCard wireless broadband modems are now looking for ways to use those modems on older systems without an ExpressCard port. Novatel has recently released the XUA-1 ExpressCard to USB Adapter and the XCA-2 CardBus to ExpressCard/34 Adapter.
Novatel USB and CardBus ExpressCard Wireless Modem Adapters
Other Potential Solutions for Wireless Internet Access
USB Wireless WAN Modems
There are also Wireless WAN modems available directly for the USB port. Some examples include:
Laipac
Round Solutions
Multicap
Dynalink
NETAC
Cell Phone Tethering (via USB or Bluetooth)
Also, certain cellular/mobile phones may be used as Wireless WAN modems when connected ("tethered") by cable to the USB port or wirelessly by Bluetooth. You may wish to contact your wireless ISP to see if this is an option for you, depending on whether your cell phone supports acting as a tethered wireless modem and whether your ISP supports this function.
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