AT&T and Option launch USBConnect Quicksilver

AT&T and Option jointly announced the launch of one of the world's smallest HSPA USB devices today, the USBConnect Quicksilver. The latest in the carrier's line of LaptopConnect devices, this mobile broadband unit weighs just 1.2-ounces and can roam (for a price, of course) in more than 150 countries, with 3G available in over 60. Best of all, this USB modem actually looks halfway decent for the fashionistas that care, boasting an "intelligent" protective cap and a mildly curvaceous flair. Oh, and did we mention that it's available today at no cost if you ink your name to a two-year DataConnect plan of $60 or more? 'Cause it is.

[tanky @ Oct 15th 2008 7:31AM]

Fantasy !!extremely like this UBB Memory,check it out:pivotant 8 Go USB

[Flashpoint @ Oct 15th 2008 7:32AM]

When they make USB adapters, they should come with different shaped USB heads or a rotating connector so they don't have to stick straight out risking damage.

[THJ @ Oct 15th 2008 1:37PM]

I agree. As hideous as the Sierra 881u is, being able to ratchet the angle up and down for tight-fitting USB slots makes traveling and/or dealing with strange laptops (I'm looking at you MBA) much easier.

[happy_penguin @ Oct 15th 2008 2:05PM]

Yeah it's a big fat thing just waiting to be broken off. My last adapter was PCMCIA which is fine when you have the slot. Just a little antenna sticking out the side which looks nice but it has limited application so I "upgraded" to the Sierra USB thingy. Still, I'm not sorry I did it.

[happy_penguin @ Oct 15th 2008 2:38PM]

Oh, and I forgot to mention. It's USB. If you need a way to adapt for fit just use a USB extension. After all, U means universal.

[Adam @ Oct 15th 2008 7:33AM]

And you only get 5gb a month data transfer. Not good if you would use this as your primary way to get online.

[THJ @ Oct 15th 2008 1:40PM]

Yes, they are meant to be secondary connections, not replacements for DSL/Cable/FiOS home installs.

I've gone over the 5GB/mo soft-cap a few times on extended trips, and never heard a peep from AT&T (no letter, no disconnection, no degradation, etc).

[J @ Oct 15th 2008 7:34AM]

I still think it's ridiculous that we get charged these absurd prices for roaming for both phone calls and data. I can't imagine that the costs for routing calls to a different network are anywhere near what we pay.

[Alexandre Emond @ Oct 15th 2008 7:45AM]

At that price, It's gonna be cheaper to go the old way: buy newspaper, magasine, CD and DVD than download it for free.

[Alexandre Emond @ Oct 15th 2008 7:50AM]

Also, up to now, I really enjoy Telus undisclosed, unmetered, unlimited tethering ;) (shhhh, don't pass the word).

[Dakota @ Oct 15th 2008 7:03PM]

Why doesn't AT&T get more 3G, oh, I don't know, IN THE UNITED STATES?

Seriously, AT&T shouldn't be boasting their international coverage so much if their national coverage (especially 3G) is so poor.

[Jash Sayani @ Oct 15th 2008 9:22AM]

Wow!! Will they ship it internationally if it works in my country....?

[vannyx @ Oct 15th 2008 10:39PM]

In this day an age, we have caps on data plans and we have to sign up for 2 years. why cant i have a monthly flat rate pricing. Why cant i have a card that chooses the best network at the best rate at the best speed for my location. Why cant business reach customers no matter what network they are on or what provider and vice versa. Why cant providers work out a affordable transactional rate so the end user doesnt have to notice. Why dont we a have unified communications platform that just works no matter where i am.

I guess i should stop asking why.

[Jerone @ Oct 16th 2008 4:18PM]

Just signed up for a laptop plan yesterday with ATT. If you bring in your card you only have to sign a contract for 1 year. If you buy one with the ATT discount it's 2 years. Also it's $175 to get out of your contract. Also this a separate contract from your phone, it actually is like getting a second line on your plan (but just for data).