It sure took 'em long enough but Apple finally got right with the
Lord WWAN. The latest software update brings official
Novatel ExpressCard and USB modem driver support (like the
XU870 HSDPA card pictured) for HSDPA and EV-DO cards. The drivers work with the latest intel-based MacBook and MacBook Pros on Cingular, Sprint, and Verizon Wireless networks. Just give your Software Update a nudge and say goodbye to those suspect driver hacks you've downloaded from the forums.
P.S. -And yes, for those paying close attention there's an unannounced Verizon Rev. A ExpressCard, the V740.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ed @ Feb 21st 2007 9:03AM
The Macbook doesn't have an expresscard slot!
xunker @ Feb 21st 2007 9:18AM
Quoth Software Update:
"Novatel Wireless Ovation U720 USB Modem (USB Adapter, EVDO Rev. A)"
Doug Gilbert @ Feb 21st 2007 9:16AM
I saw the drivers get downloaded on an update earleier this week, then realized of course no slot on my new Macbook, how about a USB adapter for the PCMCIA card? a clugey solution but acceptable .....kind of. How about a Bluetooth connection to my HSDPA handset (with an intelligent rate plan....like for the PCMCA card....$70 unlimited).....and God forbid make it available in Canada on Rogers!!
Hans Allis @ Feb 21st 2007 10:18AM
Tried this with my Vodafone branded XU870 on a MacBook Pro. After rebooting my system acted strange (as in: the icons on the upper right are flashing on and off). When I ejected the card, it kernel paniced on me. I uninstalled the Vodafone software, but it still won't do anything.
Maybe it's because I still have a PIN code on the SIM card, but that shouldn't be causing kernel panics, should it ? :)
mike @ Feb 21st 2007 10:30AM
uhhh... i think these are those ugly things you see sticking out of PC laptops... er... fugly... why would I ever buy something like this when my Macbook has all that shit built in?
whatever...
Hans Allis @ Feb 21st 2007 10:46AM
Wow, you have HSDPA connectivity built right into your MacBook ? Awesome, I gots to get me one of those :P
Daydalaus @ Feb 21st 2007 11:31AM
Same thing, Using a Novatel XU870 in a macbook pro (even without SIM card) and i get the flashing icons.
Daydalaus @ Feb 21st 2007 11:33AM
You don't need an express card slot, almost all the cards come with an PCMCIA adapter.
alfredm @ Feb 21st 2007 11:39AM
They do? What expresscards come with a PCMCIA adapter? Can you tell me where to buy one of these adapters?
Robin @ Feb 21st 2007 11:55AM
"uhhh... i think these are those ugly things you see sticking out of PC laptops... er... fugly... why would I ever buy something like this when my Macbook has all that shit built in?
whatever."
Uh you get the dumbest thing I've heard so far today award. LOL Uhhh dude, MacBooks do not have WWAN antennas built in. Lenovo and Toshiba just started implementing them into the laptop in 2007 and PC cards have been around for over three years now!!! Face it, the Mac is lagging behind. Software and hardware are LIMITED because you're at the mercy of Jobs' benevolence. Well... so am I, do a degree, but I'm smart enough to have a tablet pc and a Mac so I get the best of all worlds.
AwayBBL @ Feb 21st 2007 12:09PM
alfredm,
novatel offers pcmcia and usb adapters
http://www.novatelwireless.com/products/accessories/index.html
kinimod @ Feb 21st 2007 12:41PM
I've been using the U720 with my Macbook for a few months now. Sprint released the drivers not too long ago and it works great.
Before that I was using my Samsung M500/Sanyo M1 via bluetooth for an EV-DO connection with no complaints.
Tyme @ Feb 21st 2007 1:20PM
Wow, I knew Apple was good, but not that good. They added an express card slot to my MacBook through a software update... Even better than the 802.11n update...
j/k...
tfstone @ Feb 21st 2007 3:30PM
Same thing here. Flashing icons and kernel panic. Why no support for t-mobile?