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Verizon MiFi 2200 EV-DO hotspot leaks out, will sell like Canadian bananas
It's not quite as sexy as the brushed aluminum version we saw back in December, but these leaked images showing a Verizon-branded Novatel MiFi 2200 personal hotspot are certainly enough to get the blood pumping. If you don't recall the concept, the MiFi is a battery-powered EV-DO router the size of a credit card that can provide network access over WiFi for up to four hours on a charge. There's still a lot of details up in the air here, like how many devices can connect at once and the max data rate, but if this thing comes in anywhere close to its estimated $200 price tag we'd say a lot of those answers might not matter. Couple more pics at the read link.
Sprint's 2009 roadmap comes to light, packed with goodies
There aren't terribly many surprises in the latest roadmap docs leaked out of Sprint, but there are a couple -- and we finally have some target launch windows around a few of the more anticipates devices we've been expecting this year. Perhaps least surprisingly, the Palm P100 -- that's the Pre for you lay folk -- is still on track for the second quarter of the year, which could mean anything between April and June. Staying in the landscape QWERTY smartphone realm, we'll see the HTC Cedar (or Willow, depending on which slide you're looking at) and a new Samsung Ace -- creatively named the Ace II -- in the second and third quarters, respectively. The landscape HTC Rhodium will likely replace the Touch Pro in the third quarter, and the hotly (and we do mean hotly) anticipated BlackBerry Niagara will be hitting in the same three-month period.Things are getting interesting down in the dumbphone realm, too, with both the Instinct Mini and a true Instinct successor -- the Dash with an HVGA display -- in the pipe. The Sanyo 2700, dual-slide Samsung Cello, and the Samsung Chianti (which looks suspiciously like a Propel) will all follow the Rumor 2 down the text-centric path, and a handful of new ultra-basic devices will fill in the bottom of the range. For data, Sprint will be launching Novatel's totally awesome MiFi portable hotspot, which warms our hearts. What doesn't warm our hearts is the utter void of Android devices here -- but we can hold out hope, and as always, all of this is subject to change. Stay tuned![Via Boy Genius Report]
Novatel Wireless' GSM MiFi 2352 premieres with Telefonica Espana
While lacking the decidedly stylin' brushed metal housing seen in its CDMA sibling, we're alright with the Novatel Wireless MiFi 2352, as it brings the GSM. Running a Linux-based OS, the MiFi can support up to five users connected within a 10 meter (roughly 30 feet) range using a SIM card from your provider (in this case, Telefonica Espana) to grab a data connection and share that over WiFi. Plans are afoot to add apps to the device adding functionality like email sync, VPN connectivity all stored on internal memory or through the up to 16GB of expanded microSD memory. While the PR we've seen doesn't give the nitty-gritty specs involved here, we'd go out on a limb and suggest that 3G has to be in there, and at a price point that'll make it attractive enough to pick up as a data only device. Oh, an hopefully some sort of access control can be arranged, as having the entire world near you stealing your internets would hurt.%Gallery-44790%
Novatel Wireless announces Ovation MC995D HSPA modem
The Novatel Wireless MC995D is blue, it swivels, offers 7.2 Mbps down and 5.76 Mbps upload speeds, yeah, sign us up. Novatel's Ovation MC995D USB modem launched today building on the goodies we've seen in the past, offering a speed boost, and switching out the standard design with some minor tweeks. Featuring support for up to 32GB of removable microSD memory, multiple frequency (sadly, no specifics here) HSPA / GPRS / EDGE connectivity, and built in installation software for Mac, Windows, and Linux. Look for it at a carrier near you sometime in Q2 of this year.
Novatel's MiFi passes FCC in GSM flavor
We're not going to even try to hide our enthusiasm for Novatel's upcoming MiFi router; honestly, what's there not to love about a credit card-sized sliver of metal that routes 3G over a little cloud of WiFi for a few hours on a charge? Nothing, that's what -- but you sure couldn't detect any enthusiasm out of the lab that dryly put a prototype through its paces in preparation for FCC approval. This one's a little weird and not entirely appropriate for North American use, featuring 850 and 1900MHz EDGE plus 1900MHz HSPA (there could be some foreign bands thrown in there, too, but the FCC doesn't give two craps about those, so they typically aren't listed). We're not sure why there wouldn't be any 850MHz HSPA if they're doing 1900, but there'll undoubtedly be a number of MiFi models released for different locales and carriers, so we're not going to break a sweat about it. Yet.
Hands-on with Novatel's MiFi 3G hotspot
We've talked about the svelte silver -- and a black version is in the works -- MiFi card and of course CES gave us a chance to put one to work. And, well, what can we say, it works as advertised. While we've not had a chance to speedtest it, hide it in the darkest corners of the temporary Engadget Mansion or otherwise abuse it, we know we want. Launch is expected sometime midway through 2009 on some US CDMA carrier with two GSM / HSDPA variants coming shortly after. Short video of it doing its blinky thing after the break.
Novatel MiFi proves "3G hotspot" and "sexy" can coexist
Our EV-DO ExpressCards are looking a whole lot frumpier (and less functional) today now that Novatel's shown off this hot little metallic number, the "MiFi" mobile 3G hotspot for getting high-speed data to you and your closest friends on the go. Routing your choice of EV-DO Rev. A or HSPA over WiFi, the slab is about as wide and long as a credit card -- goodness -- and features an internal battery that'll allegedly be good for four hours of use or forty hours of standby on one charge. The MiFi is scheduled to blast off in the first half of 2009 for roughly $200 through carriers and retail channels, which means we can finally look forward to ditching our N78 with Joikuspot and a couple hundred dollars worth of spare batteries.
Novatel Ovation MC950D set to burn up the aisles at Fido's shop
Seeing as Fido now has data plans worth mentioning, it only makes sense that we start to see some new products appear that'll let its Canadian customers use -- and abuse -- those plans. For speedy data download, the cross platform -- Windows XP / Vista / 2000, MAC OS X, and Linux -- USB Ovation MC950D will fit the bill handily at outrageous 7.2 Mbps down and up to 2.1 Mbps upload speeds. Connectivity is handled via a tri-band HSPA, quad-band EDGE, radios and the driver install, manuals and such for the supported OSes are in the stick itself. We didn't get any word on pricing or availability, but the parent company Rogers will let you take one home for as little as $49, so we're betting that's not too far off what you'll pay at Fido.
Rogers slated to get Novatel X950D and MC950D data cards
Rogers seems set to sponge as much cake as they can out of your overtaxed mobile pockets with the announcement of two new HSPA data devices, the Novatel X950D and MC950D. We've seen the USB-friendly MC950D pop up before, but as a refresh: it rocks 7.2 Mbps triple-band HSPA, supports most popular OSes, quad-band GPRS / EDGE, and may well still be the world's smallest HSPA USB modem. The X950D, however, will be making its worldwide debut on the friendly Canadian provider's network, and we're sure a goodly pile of Canadians will be whooping it up at this news. Sporting triple-band HSPA, Mac and Windows-friendly, quad-band GPRS / EDGE, Novatel's newest express port product also features backwards compatibility with a handy PCMCIA adapter. Pricing on both is apparently the same: $49.99 on a three-year contract. Of course, with data rates what they are, that $50 is definitely gonna get you in a whole heap of trouble if you don't mind your bits.
Novatel rolls out Ovation MC930D HSDPA / HSUPA USB modem
Those looking for a little HSDPA / HSUPA action with minimal protuberance from their laptop now have a new option to consider from Novatel, which has just announced its new Ovation MC930D USB modem. Measuring a scant 70 x 25 x 12 mm, this one promises to give you the usual peak download and upload speeds of 7.2 Mbps and 2.1 Mbps, respectively, along with worldwide connectivity on any HSDPA / HSUPA network supporting the 2100 MHz band. If you're struggling to stay connected, you can also bust out the included Dual USB Y-cable to boost the power if you're in a weak signal area. No word on a price just yet, but that little detail shouldn't be a secret much longer, as the modem's set to hit retailers sometime this month.[Via I4U News]
Sprint, Verizon prep Novatel USB727 modem with microSD slot
Users of previous-generation USB modems from Sprint and Verizon -- the gargantuan USB720 comes immediately to mind -- know that they're a little on the portly side (and that's being kind). If you're going to have this huge mass hanging off the side of your lappie, it'd be nice if you could at least pack some additional functionality into it, right? Novatel appears to have heard both complaints, offering up the new USB727 in a significantly more attractive package that's nearly an inch shorter and half an inch narrower than its predecessor. Oh, and the "additional functionality" comes in the form of an integrated microSD slot supporting cards up to 4GB, making you feel a little less bad about having an unsightly black object protrude from your PC's otherwise clean lines. Naturally, the USB727 -- known simply as the U727 on Sprint -- supports both networks' EV-DO Rev. A airwaves, promising downlink speeds in the range of 600kbps to 1.4Mbps and uplink at a brisk 350 to 500kbps (that's Sprint's claim, anyway; Verizon says 500 to 800kbps). Verizon customers can pick it up online immediately for $100 after rebate on a two-year contract while Sprint gets it next month for "as low as" $80 on contract.Read - Verizon USB727Read - Sprint U727 (press release)
Toshiba's Tecra M9 laptop to get HSDPA?
Granted, nothing looks to be set in stone just yet, but if FCC documentation leads to results, Toshiba's Tecra M9 could be getting HSDPA. Apparently, the FCC has tested a version of the lappie with a WWAN module built right in, and more specifically, the test reports show that a module manufactured by Tyco Electronics is the culprit. The "CDMA Cell-PCS Module" reportedly supports GSM 850/1900, GPRS, EGPRS, WCDMA 850/1900, and WCDMA+HSDPA, and while we've no idea when these newly-equipped machines will be launching, it ought not be long now.[Via PCJoint]
Sprint's roadmap for remainder of '07 outed, too?
Following a thorough run-through of Verizon's plans for the rest of the year, this broader peep into Sprint's near future than we've seen before -- if real, anyway -- means that we now pretty much know everything there is to know about the wide world of CDMA here in the States for the next few months. It's a warm, fuzzy feeling, ain't it? Anyway, let's have a look: Palm is said to come swinging in with two, the 500 on the low end with a $99 price point on October 14 and an 800w ("w" stands for Windows Mobile 6 here, friends) up top -- though the latter doesn't grace shelves until Q1 of '08. Novatel gets down with an updated version of the U720 dubbed U727 (what else?) come September 30. Sanyo meanwhile should add the S1 candybar to replace the SCP-4930 on October 14, but November 4 is allegedly when things really start to heat up. That day should bring the LG LX260, RIM BlackBerry Pearl 2, HTC Vogue, and the UTStarcom PX-00, a low-cost Rev A data card to replace the PX-500. The Motorola Q9c -- possibly with GSM international roaming -- should drop by a little later in November, while a dual-mode CDMA / GSM rendition of the Samsung BlackJack replaces the IP-830w early next year. Again, this is all unconfirmed, but it seems plausible enough. We'll throw up any corroborating info as we get it.[Via Slashphone]
Novatel's MC950D, world's smallest USB HSUPA modem
We've noticed that 3G USB dongles tend to be behemoths, hanging like unfortunate growths off the sides of otherwise-attractive laptops -- so, needless to say, we're happy to hear that a manufacturer is making a conscientious effort to tighten up the dimensions a bit. Novatel Wireless is triumphantly claiming that its new Ovation MC950D is the world's smallest HSUPA modem -- though HSUPA's still pretty rare, so that doesn't necessarily mean much -- with downstream speeds topping out at 7.2Mbps and a healthy 2.1Mbps upstream. No word on partners or an exact release date, but Novatel says the device is in its "final testing stages" (across the pond, seemingly) with commercial availability coming later in the quarter.
Toshiba Portege R400 getting HSDPA too?
GSM fanboys, rejoice: Core Duo News was trawling the FCC website when they caught the EV-DO-packin' Portege R400 convertible tablet making another run through the certification process, but this time around, it's looking to get an HSPDA modem cleared for takeoff. This being the FCC and all, we can't tell if any of the other specs on this 12-inch, somewhat underpowered notebook have changed along with the 3G standard, but we think it's safe to assume that the only difference is a Novatel PCI Express Mini Card taking the place of whichever Verizon-compatible modem was once there. So grab your checkbooks, Cingular and T-Mobile subscribers, because there's a good chance that the re-spec'ed R400 will hit the scene any day now. And if not, hey, it's never too late to jump on the CDMA bandwagon.[Via Core Duo News]
Verizon announces Novatel V740 EV-DO Rev. A ExpressCard
We heard tell of this little guy last month when Apple let the model number out amongst newly supported WWAN products -- so what's this Verizon V740 card got going for it other than explicit Mac support? Well, EV-DO Rev. A, of course. Built by Novatel, the V740 is here to replace the V640 in ExpressCard/34 duties for Verizon, with beefier bandwidth and a dearth of aesthetic changes. The card will be hitting retail on March 30th, and looks to be going for $110 with two years of service -- cheaper than Sprint's EX720 offering, but Verizon will get you in the end with those hefty data charges.
Novatel's Merlin EX720 ExpressCard hits Sprint shelves
The world just became a little less of a cold, dead, meaningless (or at least data-less) wasteland for Sprint customers rocking ExpressCard slots (of either the /34 or /54 variety) thanks to the official release of Novatel's Merlin EX720 modem on Sprint's website. Riding atop Sprint's glorious EV-DO Rev. A airwaves, the EX720 should deliver up to 1.4Mbps down and 500kbps up to virtually any ExpressCard-equipped device that needs it (MacBook Pros included), provided that the requisite $179.99 (after contract and rebates) has been forwarded to the appropriate bean counters over at your network. We can almost picture Cingular and T-Mobile folks seething -- for what it's worth, we feel your pain -- but hey, Sprintheads, go get your WWAN on.
Apple (officially) supports Novatel HSDPA and EV-DO cards -- finally
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]
Novatel revs up its line with new HSDPA / HSUPA offerings
Novatel's keeping us in the bits pretty well lately, what with those Rev A dongles on Sprint and Verizon, and that XU870 HSDPA ExpressCard hotness. Now they've got a trio of hot new accessories, including a pair of HSDPA devices: the Merlin X950D ExpressCard and the Ovation MC870D USB Modem. The X950D offers up global tri-band HSUPA and quad-band EDGE/GPRS, and works in ExpressCard/34 and 54 slots. The real hotness is the 2.1Mbps HSUPA uploads, and those 7.2Mbps downloads aren't bad neither. There's also built-in GPS. On the USB end of things, Novatel's Ovation MC870D (pictured) does 7.2Mbps HSDPA, but apparently doesn't match those hot upload speeds in the X950D. The dongle is Europe centric, hanging out on the 2100MHz band, so Americans will have to look elsewhere. Novatel is also announcing two HSDPA embedded laptop modules for OEMs, the EU870D for Europe and the EU860D for North America. Luckily for those of us wondering where North American USB HSDPA is on this list, Novatel is launching the Merlin XUA-1 ExpressCard to USB adapter, to let you use those cards with any old USB 2.0 port. No word on price or release dates for any of this stuff, but this should be enough to get us salivating, we suppose.
Novatel's Merlin EX720 launches on Sprint's Rev A network
Hot on the heels of Novatel giving a bit of Rev A love to Verizon with the USB720 comes the company's tailored-for-Sprint version of the adapter, the Merlin EX720 ExpressCard. Nothing too special here, aside from its ability to hit up Sprint's Rev A EV-DO network for average upload speeds of 300 to 500Kbps and download rates topping out around 1.4Mbps. Interestingly, it does tout Assisted GPS (A-GPS) location-based capabilities, which should allow users to locate nearby "restaurants, gas stations, banks, etc." without having to input their current address. The card itself will play nice with Windows 2000, XP, and Vista, and even Mac OS X users won't have a problem utilizing the Merlin on their shiny MacBook Pro, and if all goes as planned, you should see these cards popping up in Sprint retail channels in just a few weeks.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
