A Boingo pass for when you're near a hotspot, EV-DO for when you're not. That's the gist of
Helio's latest product, dubbed "Hybrid" -- only their third since
launching earlier this year -- and the first dedicated to data device from the MVNO (and among the first data devices from any MVNO, so far as we know). Technically, Hybrid is more of a package than an actual device, composed of a rebranded Sierra Wireless Aircard 580, EV-DO service, and WiFi access (provided by Helio pal and
Sky Dayton venture Boingo, of course) with Helio's "Hybrid Connector" software calling the connectivity shots. Though the concept doesn't seem to go after the same core demographic as the MVNO's handsets, the $85 package deal could still be a compelling one for folks that maintain separate WiFi and 3G data accounts. Look for Hybrid to be available for a nice, round $0 on two-year contract through Fry's locations and Helio's site directly.
posted Oct 4th 2006 6:02AM
great idea!!
Not that the two year contract matters, seeing as I don't see Helio lasting a whole lot longer.
ExpressCard por favor.
So does that $85 include your handset with minutes?
If not why even go for this.
I wish Helio would pull out a WM5 device and offer a good price point for phone and data, i.e. cheaper than verizon.
the EULA says that "unlimited use does not mean unreasonable" yadda yadda yadda..their "unlimited" service only gives you a 160 MB allowance...http://www.helio.com/page?p=terms...chapter 10
http://www.helio.com/page?p=terms the last one got messed up
Meh, their just using the buzz word "Hybrid." I'm surprised it's not the "HD Dual-Core Vista Pod Blu HDDVD Super Res 360 Wee...service"
rolfo87
The EULA is for device/"phone" users, and does not apply to the EVDO/WiFi Hybrid Card.
"---> ALL
Yeah thats a load of bull......upload is sub 56k. With sprint and usb cable I get the same thing for $15 bucks!
Watch out! Helio's 'Unlimited' plan, is TERRIBLE!
Read "Hell No, Helio!" at http://evdoinfo.blogspot.com/2006/10/hell-no-helio.html
Gain even more EVDO INFO at http://www.evdoinfo.com and http://www.evdoforums.com !