Announced: Novatel MC990D/MC992D (Small HSPA Modems / GPS Receivers / Flash Drives)
April 1, 2008
This week at the CTIA Wireless 2008 show, some interesting products rolled out.
Among them, a couple of tiny USB modems that allow for broadband internet access at decent speeds in most of the world, using HSPA, WCDMA,
EDGE and GPRS networks. They can download in the neighborhood of around 7Mbps and upload at around 5.75Mbps (assuming you have good connections). They have
built-in GPS receivers for directions/navigation, as well as doubling as flash memory/USB drive - they feature a microSD (Secure Digital)
slot that allows you to insert your microSD card.
According to Brad Weinert, president of Novatel Wireless, they were designed for travelers:
These latest additions to the Ovation product line were developed with these global travelers in mind, providing a variety of unique features such as an integrated antenna with receiver diversity and equalizer support to improve performance when on the fringe of a network.
The USB modems work with both Mac OS X and Windows. There is also a bundled USB cable that acts as an extension for those notebooks and ultraportable
devices that are not conducive to the modems being plugged directly in (some form factors may not have the USB slots in optimal
positions for these modems, such as the MacBook Air or some of the smaller 7″ or 5.6″ UMPCs).
Models:
- MC990D: World-wide Access, 900MHz, 2100MHz (Europe, Middle East, Asia, Africa)
- MC992D: North America Access, 850MHz, 1900MHz (AT&T, Fido, Rogers (Canada))
Size: 70 x 25 x 13.5 mm (2.76 x 0.98 x 0.53 inches)
They should be available starting Q3 through various providers.
Links:
- Press Release (Yahoo Finance)
- Gallery at BusinessWire.com
- Ovation Line from Novatel Wireless
Announced: Fujitsu Siemens ESPRIMO Mobile U9200
July 9, 2007
Fujitsu has announced the Fujitsu Siemens ESPRIMO Mobile U9200, a new ultraportable with a 12.-1-inch widescreen display (1280×800), weighing around four pounds (with weight saver). It offers up to 6 hours of normal battery life, 10 hours with the second battery. It’s based on Intel’s Santa Rosa GM965 platform and offers a choice of several CPUs: Intel Celeron M540 (2MB L2 Cache), Intel Core 2 Duo T7250 (2.0 GHz, 2MB L2), T7500 (2.2GHz, 4MB L2), and T7700 (2.4 GHz, 4MB L2). The T7250 is a new processor that was not expected until September of this year, and it does offer an 800MHz bus with a 2MB L2 Cache.
The graphics are driven by Intel’s X3100 GMA integrated chipset and Hi-Definition audio is provided by the Realtek ALC262 chipset. It has a built-in 1.3MP camera for conferencing.
In addition, it’s going to have 3G connectivity with a built-in SIM card slot that utilizes UMTS/HSUPA., as well as GPRS and EDGE depending on your wireless provider. It has 802.11n wireless as well (through the optional Intel Pro Wireless 4965 a/g/n chipset).
The Mobile U9200 is expected to ship later this year, in August/September, with a final price being set then.
OQO Model 02 - EV-DO Wireless (Verizon)
February 6, 2007
MobileWhack has a story up about OQO announcing that the OQO Model 02 has optional EV-DO Wireless WAN capability (for Verizon customers):
OQO Inc today announced that their critically acclaimedOQO 02 modelcomputer is now also available with EV-DO Wireless WAN capability and is compatible with the Verizon Wireless Broadband Access service. Thus users in the United States will be able to access their email, the Internet, and business and personal applications at speeds of 400-700 kilobits per second.
Fujitsu Q2010 - Better Microphone For Better Calls
May 23, 2006
Interesting article over at CNET News - Fujitsu is one of the first to put a “high performance digital microphone” in their new ultraportable notebook, the LifeBook Q2010.
Quote: The membrane in Akustica’s AKU2000 is a chip made on standard silicon processes. Ultimately, the chip could lead to better voice quality on Skype phones embedded in laptops or more distinct sound on video captured by digital cameras.
Obviously it’s not a make or break feature at this point, but as Voice-Over-IP/Digital Telephony starts to become more and more accepted, it will be. Some companies are experimenting with getting rid of what I would call “traditional” phones altogether and going to a digital system, that could even be tied to their notebooks. If your business line was tied to your notebook, and you were traveling and had access to some kind of highspeed internet connection, you could accept and make calls just as if you were back in your office, without having to worry about long distance, and without people having to try and track you down, etc.
Thinkpad X60 Series With Integrated EVDO
April 17, 2006
jkOnTheRun reports that the ThinkPad X60 series are shipping with integrated EVDO options, and speculates that the rumored ThinkPad X60 Tablet PC could be the first of the major Tablet PCs to ship with the EVDO communications option (not just the first of the ultraportable notebooks or Tablet PC hybrids either!).
This would be very newsworthy, as it shows the strength and abilities of the ultraportable/convertible form-factor (having a physical keyboard with Tablet PC functionality).
The ThinkPad X60 configuration site shows the EVDO options (CDMA2000 - Sprint and Verizon).
No word on Cingular options, or a timeframe for these to ship (rumors are May) or even if the Tablet PC versions of the X60 will ship (it’s a safe bet they will, the Tablet PC versions of the X40/X41s have proven popular).
Acer, HP to Join Dell, Fujitsu in Eventual 3G Service
April 7, 2006
Couple of stories concerning high-speed 3G mobile connections being built-in or bundled with upcoming laptops from Acer, Dell, HP, and Fujitsu:
The Register reports that:
Acer has re-iterated its plan to bundle Vodafone-branded ’super 3G’ HSDPA data cards with a pair of upcoming notebook PCs, pledging to introduce TravelMate and Aspire laptops with the cards in the coming months.
Dell announced three 3G-equipped notebooks last month, having already stated earlier this year - as Acer did - its plan to ship laptops with bundled HSDPA cards. Like Acer, Dell will offer Vodafone data cards…..Fujitsu Siemens is also planning to offer HSDPA-enabled notebooks this year, though it’s partnering with T-Mobile.
MobileWhack is reporting on HP’s plans to team up with Cingular to offer ‘BroadbandConnect:
The CTIA Wireless 2006 show is the perfect place for companies to demonstrate their cutting edge and innovative technologies. Some all see it the ideal platform to announce joint collaborative projects. Cingular Wireless and HP have just announced HP’s plans to incorporate Cingular’s BroadbandConnect in their renowned notebooks. HP claims to be the first company to provide users global 3G capabilities with its range of broadband wireless notebooks which will feature Cingular’s UMTS/HSDPA-based technology.
More information on current BroadbandConnect solutions from Cingular.
