Digital Trends
The Compass 597 is the smallest modem in Sierra Wireless’s USB product line and offers seamless high-speed wireless connectivity for both Mac and Windows notebook and desktop computers over EV-DO Rev A networks. Its compact design includes TRU-Install, a seamless, no CD installation experience, a microSD memory expansion slot, and a connector for an optional external antenna to help maximize modem performance.
Aiming to simplify the wireless connection process for customers who just need a plug-and-surf solution, AT&T on Tuesday introduced the USBConnect Mercury, an easy-to-use HSDPA broadband modem. By plugging into a common USB port and offering all the necessary setup software onboard, the Mercury aims to make tapping into AT&T’s 3G network as painless as possible.
Sierra Wireless manufactured the device with AT&T Communication Manager for PCs and Sierra Watcher for Macs preinstalled, meaning users won’t have to carry around an install CD to use the modem on most Windows or Mac machines. It also has a built-in microSD slot to double as a card reader for the type of storage most frequently used with mobile phones.
Panasonic has announced that its “business-rugged” Toughbook T5 and Toughbook W5 notebook computers will feature built-in support for Sprint Mobile Broadband as of January 2007, including Sprint’s upgraded EV-DO Revision A wireless broadband services, where available.
The Toughbooks will feature the Wireless PCI Express Mini Card Embedded Module from Sierra Wireless; where Sprint’s Rev A EV-DO network is available, users can expect 450 to 800 Kbps of downstream bandwidth and 300 to 400 Kbps of upstream service; where EV-DO Rev A isn’t available, the cards will operate on the Sprint Power Vision Network. Theoretically, this means the units have wireless Internet access in more than 200 communities (with populations over 100,000) and 725 airports across the United States.
Cingular Wireless has announced its high-speed 3G wireless network offering high-speed data communications for mobile users in 16 metropolitan areas with rapid expansion expected throughout 2006.
Cingular’s network uses HSDPA (High Speed Downlink Packet Access) technology, which is based on the GSM/EDGE wireless communications standards. Cingular’s data service, dubbed BroadbandConnect is expected to provide average data speeds in the 400 to 700 Kbps range, with bursts coming in at over 1 megabit per seconds. BroadbandConnect is available to notebook computer users via a modem card, Cingular’s Communication Manager software, and a Data Connect subscription plan; modem cards and service plans will be available from Cingular in December, with compatible handsets becoming available in January. Cingular plans to roll out additional mobile broadband features and applications throughout 2006, including audio and video services.
Description courtesy of Mobile Planet:
The Voq Professional Phone is a new class of mobile phone that offers a flip-open QWERTY thumbpad, and easy-to-use software solutions for business users. Based on the Windows Mobile 2003 software for SmartPhone, the Voq Professional Phone incorporates the best features of a high-end mobile phone, a two-way messaging device and a personal digital assistant – in a single, compelling phone. The Voq Professional Phone provides outstanding voice and data capabilities for the mobile professional. VoqMail software adds low-cost, low-bandwidth, Always-there e-mail, delivering the best e-mail experience on a phone.
From Sierra Wireless’ press releases:
Sierra Wireless announced agreements with CellStar and Brightpoint to distribute the Voq Professional Phone in North America. A pocketable Windows Mobile-based Smartphone developed by Sierra Wireless, the Voq Professional Phone has successfully completed network compatibility testing on the AT&T Wireless GSM (Global System for Mobile communication) and GPRS (General Packet Radio Services) network, and will be commercially available to North American customers in July.
This confirms the rumours that have been flooding the net, speculating as to just who the mystery manufacturer is. Sierra Wireless are best known for making the AirCard range, which enable wireless access for laptop computers.
The Voq has taken the standard candy-bar phone orientation and applied one major innovation: a flip-out QWERTY keyboard lurking behind the standard numeric affair. This makes it an attractive proposition for those with larger data-input requirements, and differentiates the product from the Mitac flip-phone and the popular Canary / Tanager design of the SPV.
Sprint announced today that it has certified two CDMA 1XRTT rugged Panasonic (NYSE: MC) Toughbook laptops for use on the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network. Under the agreement, Panasonic willwork with Sprint to market and sell the CF-M34 and CF-28 Toughbook-series laptops through the PCS Business Solutions program, targeting field service and public safety organizations.
“Sprint is pleased to add two Panasonic Toughbook??, rugged Notebook PCs to the device line available to enterprise customers as part of the PCS Business Solutions Program,” said Phil Bowman, vice president of business marketing for the PCS Division of Sprint. “This new relationship further enhances our ability to meet the specialized needs of vertical and horizontal markets as well as maximize the efficiencies and productivity gains resulting from access to mobile applications via the enhanced Sprint Nationwide PCS Network.”
In conjunction with HP Services, AT&T Wireless Link+SyncSM software — part of the AT&T Wireless WorkWareSM solution — and Sierra Wireless GPRS AirCard modems, connection and synchronization from Compaq Evo notebooks or Tablet PCs can be achieved with just a touch of a button, enabling fast access to critical information.
“HP works to understand the needs of customers, offering greater flexibility and choice through its leading infrastructure and services capabilities,” said Peter Lawrence, manager for wireless solutions, HP Mobile Computing Global Business Unit. “Working with AT&T Wireless, HP is providing customers with a simple wireless solution to access critical information from virtually any location.”
Everyone wants to be an insider, and you can be one too! Choose your poison: sign-up for our Newsletter, join us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter. Do all three and you'll be swimming in the the latest news, reviews, videos and more gadget goodness!
Become a DT soldier! Join us on Facebook and share the best news, guides, videos and other cool information directly with all your friends. Some might even thank you for it!
Join the thousands and follow the best of us on Facebook.
Do you like information in small snippets? Then our Twitter feed is just for you. Follow Digital Trends and you'll be able to catch up daily on our latest content, or even interact directly with our team. Tweet Tweet!
Join the thousands and follow the best of us on Twitter.
That’s Right, Sign-up For Our Monthly Random Prize Drawings and You Could Be That Winner.
