AT&T USBConnect Turbo and Velocity are carrier's first LG and GPS modems, respectively

Location-based services have finally melted our brains to the point where we're completely useless without immediate and constant access to Google Maps or a reasonable facsimile -- we couldn't fold a paper map if we tried, and even if we could, we'd spend an hour looking for the pulsing blue dot. That's why we're so delighted to hear that AT&T has finally outed its very first GPS-enabled USB modem, the USBConnect Velocity from Option, that includes a so-called Option GPS Control Panel for injecting your whereabouts into popular services like Yahoo and Bing (Google, curiously, isn't mentioned). The other newbie to the lineup is the USBConnect Turbo -- AT&T's very first modem from LG -- with an "ergonomic design" and versatile connector for even the most awkward ports (MacBook, we're looking straight at you). Both devices will be available on the 7th of the month; the Turbo will be free on contract after rebate while the Velocity comes in at $29.99.

[Evan Posted Mar 4th 2010 1:14PM]

Can't we already do this on our phones? Who shells out for laptop data and doesn't have a smart phone?

[bolezhinkov Posted Mar 4th 2010 1:19PM]

@Evan

when you get your phone through work with a limited data plan and still need mobile options after you're off the clock!

[R Posted Mar 4th 2010 1:40PM]

@Evan
Not everyone enjoys web browsing on a tiny cell phone screen.

[crawdad689 Posted Mar 4th 2010 1:34PM]

2 year contract on USB modems is FTL. Seriously.

[albinomexi Posted Mar 4th 2010 1:50PM]

iPhone does it. You can tether for free anyway if you jailbreak it

[ashram Posted Mar 4th 2010 2:22PM]

um... my at&t sierra wireless 881 supported gps after a firmware update AND using the sierra wireless software. and yes, it was real, "look it's got 6 sats locked gps."

the newer ones didn't.

[Delmont Posted Mar 4th 2010 2:34PM]

Which one is which one?

I want one for the new AT&T pay as you go for one day deal with my laptop. Anyone have a preference?

Thanks

[pingeling Posted Mar 5th 2010 4:05AM]

@Delmont The right one is the Option stick

[fastm3driver Posted Mar 4th 2010 5:09PM]

When will you be able you buy one for $50 and then pay as you go?

[Delmont Posted Mar 5th 2010 7:10AM]

@fastm3driver

So the Option stick is the better one to get?

Thanks for the reply.

[Delmont Posted Mar 5th 2010 7:25AM]

@fastm3driver

Try this link: http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/t-launches-prepaid-mobile-broadband-offerings/2009-11-23