Computer maker Dell has announced it is now offering integrated mobile broadband options from Sprint in selected Dell Latitude, Precision, and XPS notebook systems in the form of the Dell Wireless 5700-S mobile broadband EVDO mini-card. The solution fits into Dell’s HyperConnect wireless offerings alongside mobile broadband options from Verizon and Cingular, enabling mobile users to connect to the Internet without doing the old bob-and-weave through traffic hoping to find a Wi-Fi hotspot. Sprint’s EVDO network offers bandwidths of 400 to 700 Kbps, with peaks of 2 Mbps.
“Offering Sprint’s Mobile Broadband capabilities to Dell customers means many more notebook users can utilize the benefits of accessing information while on the go,” said Danny Bowman, Sprint’s VP of product marketing. “Dell is a leader of mobile broadband technology in the computer industry and we look forward to helping provide more accessibility and a great experience for Dell customers.”
The Dell Wireless 5700-S mini-card will be offered as an option with Dell Latitude D420, D620, and D820; the Dell Precision M65 mobile workstation; and the Dell XPS M1210 notebook. Sprint’s mobile broadband service is available in “more than” 220 major cities and 486 airports in the United States. Data plans vary, but customers signing on for $59.99/month data service for two years will be eligible for one month of free service—Dell is touting that on its site as “free” service. The EVDO card itself is priced at $179.
