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Cellular PC cards

Discussion in 'Community Broadband & Computers' started by Twriter, Mar 30, 2005.

  1. Twriter

    Twriter Get a Mac!

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    I'm looking for a PC card that will give me internet access through a cellular provider. Hopefully access that is faster than a standard dial-up modem.

    I currently use T-Mobile as my cellular provider and they have a Sony Ericsson card (GC-79) that can connect to their network AND also function as an 820.11b card. Unfortunately, the card's max speed on the T-Mobile network is 56 Kbps, which is just a hair faster than a standard dial-up modem. A good sign is that they dropped the price, so I'm hoping they have a faster card coming out soon.

    Does anyone else have experience with cards from other cellular providers? Also, do you know if they work with Mac OS X?

    Thanks!
    --- John B.
     
  2. neilz

    neilz New Member

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    I use Cingular, and their card does give you a faster speed than dial up, you have to use the accelerator software that is included to reach better than 100kbps on their EDGE network. I only use it when I have to, that is, when I'm not near an open wireless network, or a customer where I can use a cat5 connection. In other words, last resort !! From what I can see on their website, its Windoze only. It seems the only Sony Ericsson card that is Mac compatable is the GC79, and it'll work on Cingular (with a chip replacement) but it won't reach the EDGE network speeds, as its GSM only.

    However, there is some new technology coming out that should improve these speeds. I believe Verizon is offering it right now, but in only certain markets.



    Neil Z.
    Resident since 1999
     
  3. flynnibus

    flynnibus Well-Known Member Forum Staff

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    the verizon service is here in the metro area and is 'broadband' speeds. Last time we played with it it was great (testing in reston area).

    -Steve
     
  4. Twriter

    Twriter Get a Mac!

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    Thanks Steve.

    The Verizon tidbit was the nugget I needed to get some better information. Here's what I've found out so far:
    * All the cellular wireless carriers have a slow-speed PC card available.
    * All the cellular wireless carriers are working on broadband speed PC cards. The generic term for this is "3G".
    * Verizon has their service already running, and it uses EVDO technology.
    * EVDO is used in CDMA networks, and other CDMA carriers (AT&T, Sprint) either have EVDO service available in some markets or will have it soon.
    * T-Mobile is a GSM carrier, so it can't use EVDO. The GSM equivalent is called UMTS. T-Mobile's UMTS plans in the US are not currently public, but they are not expected to have it available until late 2006 or early 2007!
    * In the meantime, T-Mobile is bringing out a service using EDGE technology, which is faster (100-130 Kbps) than their current service (56 Kbps) but is not equivalent to EVDO (300-500 Kbps) or UMTS (2 Mbps). The current guesstimate for EDGE is fall of 2005.
    * Verizon charges $80/month for unlimited EVDO service.
    * Verizon's EVDO coverage is NOT the same as their cell phone coverage. Currently Reston, Washington D.C. and many other major cities have EVDO coverage. Unfortunately for us, Ashburn is just outside their EVDO coverage range. No information is available yet on AT&T and Sprint's EVDO coverage areas.
    * Their is a Mac OS X driver for the Verizon-Novatel 5220 card. It is available for download, and Apple has actually bundled it in OS 10.3.3 and newer. Verizon doesn't sell the Novatel 5220 card directly, but it can be purchased elsewhere. Verizon is selling the Novatel 620 card, and a Mac OS X driver is currently in development.
    * Verizon is very Windows-centric and supports only Windows operating systems for their cards. Although the cards will work with Mac OS X and Linux, Verizon does not acknowledge it. Other carriers have similar OS-blindness.

    --- John B.
     
  5. Pictor Guy

    Pictor Guy New Member

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    To add to Verizons EVDO option... the LG VX8000 supports EVDO and I'm guessing with the data cable you would be able to connect with your phone without the need for an additional card. But you would tie up your cell. Verizon should have the Motorola E815 out in the June/July time frame and that will support EVDO and bluetooth. So far they haven't disabled bluetooth for DUN type connections (at least not on the 710). So that should be a good option for OSX users as well as the few BT enabled Windows notebooks out there.

    __________________________________________________________
    Some software money can't buy. For everything else there's Micros~1
     
  6. neilz

    neilz New Member

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    FWIW ... when I had AT&T on their GSM service, I was able to use my phone and my PC card when I was on vacation in Scotland. I moved my service to full Cingular when I needed to replace a lost phone. The new PC card's EDGE service is faster than the AT&T card, but is also usable in Europe and South America.

    Don't know if you travel overseas, but its something to consider since CDMA is being phased out in Europe.



    Neil Z.
    Resident since 1999
     

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