Option today unveiled its first ExpressCard wireless data card, the GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2. ExpressCard technology is the latest hardware expansion based on the PCI-standard for mobile computers. GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 is currently sampling and initial shipments to leading network operators are scheduled for January 2007.
The GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 is also packed with latest technology. Operating on multiple frequency bands, the GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 is capable of connecting in virtually every country worldwide. The GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 automatically scans networks for HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE and GPRS in order to establish the fastest possible connection. With 7.2 Mbps HSDPA, the GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 delivers true wireless broadband performance, while dual-antennae Advanced Receiver Technology sustains faster and more stable connections over wider coverage areas. For launches before availability of HSDPA 7.2 Mbps networks, the product can optionally be provided with HSDPA 3.6Mbps and boosted to 7.2 Mbps via a simple firmware upgrade. In all cases backward compatibility ensures HSDPA connections at lower data rates of 3.6 Mbps and 1.8 Mbps or UMTS connections up to 384 Kbps.
Jan Callewaert Option’s CEO said in the press release: “The GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 builds on Option’s leadership in 7.2 Mbps HSDPA while anticipating customer demand for more compact devices as notebook vendors embrace the ExpressCard format. With the Windows Vista-capable EXPRESS 7.2, Option has created a device that addresses three key drivers of the portable computing market over the next few years: ExpressCard format, Vista capable and fast wireless connectivity.”
When the EXPRESS 7.2 is inserted into the ExpressCard slot of a laptop, Option’s patented Zero CD technology automatically loads all necessary software and drivers from the data card itself: no software needs to be installed from a CD-ROM. An optional ExpressCard adapter ensures the EXPRESS 7.2 is compatible with legacy PCs having the Type II PC Card format slots.
Product Highlights
• Card Type: ExpressCard/34
• Miniature External Antenna Connection
• Easy installation with the Plug ‘n’ Play zero CD® installation
• High throughput
• HSDPA and UMTS: up to 7.2 Mbps downlink and 384 kbps uplink
• EDGE/GPRS/GSM: up to 247 kbps
• Global connectivity
• Triple band HSDPA/UMTS (850/1900/2100 MHz)
• Quad Band EDGE/GPRS/GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
• Advanced Receiver Technology, incorporating dual-antenna Receiver Diversity and Equalisation, ensures best possible performance at all times, even at the edges of network coverage.
• Compatible with nearly all modern Desktop and laptop PCs equipped with Microsoft OS (2000, XP, XP Pro and Vista) and MAC OS X.
Option has not yet announced pricing.
More info: http://www.option.com/products/globetrotter_expresscard72.shtml
Related articles:
Sharing your Apple MacBook Pro’s EVDO connection with Parallels Desktop for Mac – November 14, 2006
Novatel debuts first EVDO ExpressCard for Apple MacBook Pro – April 17, 2006
Apple MacBook Pro, ExpressCard and EVDO – January 14, 2006
Where can one find a listing of available Expresscard/34 products?
I want to recommend a Macbook Pro to a friend, but he needs mobile wireless access and I can’t show him where to get cards.
ok. so i want one.
but i dont understand how it works:
is all i need to do is put my 3G SIM card into this and it works?
All the info you need for you mac is at evdoinfo.com
Have fun – I Love mine Verizon V640
i dont think the site you write about says anything about how this card from Option works.
your site provides info about Verizon and is limited to a USA carrier.
again, does the Option expresscard work by simply putting in a carrier’s SIM?
You don’t put a sim card in these – they are set up by the networks – I was giving the info to Steev for reccomendations for his friend – There are many options overseas – just very few her in the states..
The only information I have seen on the card has been about the service and speed. I haven’t seen any technical information as far as options are concerned because the card hasn’t officially been released by Cingular but is sold through independent agents.
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1997112,00.asp
http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/02/novatel-xu870-hsdpa-expresscard-previewed/#comments
http://www.option.com/products/globetrotter_expresscard72.shtml
This is pretty cool for the road warrior. Imagine not having to worry where to get connected.
Hopefully in a few years this will be the norm and we all can play.
So, will it work with my Sprint account?
“Option’s patented Zero CD technology automatically loads all necessary software and drivers from the data card itself: no software needs to be installed from a CD-ROM.”
When I first plugged in my Sprint card into my PCMCIA slot, there was no need for an installation CD. With OS X, I just plugged it in and just worked.