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AT&T prepping Option and Sierra Wireless modems for HSPA+ launch

by Chris Ziegler, posted May 25th 2009 at 3:08PM

We know that HSPA+ (also known as HSPA Evolution, depending on who you ask and which side of the bed they got up on that morning) is in the mix for AT&T ahead of LTE, and in order to make that launch a successful one, good data cards are a must. It looks like two of the cards coming out of the gate later this year will be the Option 393 -- an unassuming USB modem with a retractable plug and integrated microSD reader -- and the Sierra "Triple Lindy," a dual form factor ExpressCard in the same vein as the AirCard 402. The 393 will top out at 14.4Mbps down and 5.76Mbps up, while the Triple Lindy really burns rubber with 21.1Mbps down and 11.5Mbps up. Of course, all those speeds are purely theoretical -- but if we can even average 10 to 15 percent of that in real life, we're in good shape.

Gallery: AT&T prepping Option and Sierra Wireless modems for HSPA+ launch

Freescale's i.MX515 netbook chip now supports Android and Xandros

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Feb 18th 2009 at 2:11AM

When we first laid eyes on Freescale's five-core i.MX515 processor this January, we hoped it was all it claimed to be -- promising an extremely cool machine with a low power budget and a price point that'll take your next netbook down near the fabled $199 range. So far, so good: the Pegatron machines we peeped at CES fit the bill quite nicely, and now ZD Net is reporting that the Cortex-A8-based chip supports the HyperSpace instant-on OS, specially optimized 3G HSDA data modules from Option and Wavecom, and both Android and Xandros. Of course, none of this will be of any help to you if you're married to Windows -- but then again, even if you are we wouldn't really blame you for wanting a little Linux on the side. Especially if it comes in a sweet package like this.

Option's GlobeSurfer X�1 turns USB modems into WiFi hotspots

by Sean Cooper, posted Feb 16th 2009 at 3:01AM

You can definitely feel the oncoming rush or portable WiFi hotspots now that we've got products like Novatel's insanely slick MiFi on the way to market, and now Option's stepped up with its own flavor. While the end result is the same as Novatel's offering, to get the GlobeSurfer X·1 surfing any kind of 3G data network, you'll need to add a USB 3G modem of your own. Designed as a home of office connectivity device to enable printer sharing, local network sharing, and access to back up services that leverage an existing USB 3G card -- or at least we assume. We'll get more on this as soon as we can find one

Option GlobeSurfer III wireless 3G router asks, 'am I pretty?'

by Joseph L. Flatley, posted Jan 23rd 2009 at 5:04PM

We've seen a few 3G routers in our day, and now Option's back with its newest, aimed at homes and small businesses. The GlobeSurfer III was designed to look like something you'd actually want in your house (whether or not they actually hit the mark is your call -- the company used the word "stylish" so much in its PR that we felt we had to mention it) and the management software is meant to be easy enough that even networking novices could get their collective heads 'round it. Based on the Qualcomm 7225 chipset, this guy boasts HSUPA uploads up to 5.76 Mbps and downloads up to 7.2 Mbps. Also part of the deal is a USB port for sharing hardware over the network -- perfect for serving up media, sharing printers and the like. Pricing and availability to be announced.

Continue reading Option GlobeSurfer III wireless 3G router asks, 'am I pretty?'

AT&T and Option launch USBConnect Quicksilver

by Darren Murph, posted Oct 15th 2008 at 7:18AM

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.

Compal's MID slider with global HSPA/EDGE data -- first UMPC it, now you don't

by Thomas Ricker, posted Aug 19th 2008 at 5:20AM

Compal's been a vocal supporter of Intel's MID followup to the tragic UMPC platform ever since It was announced in April of last year. Hell, the Taiwanese ODM even dedicated a team to crank out all the devices expected in the first half of 2008 but never came thanks in part, to Intel's Atom slippage. Now Compal looks ready to toss a MID to consumers (either direct or through a third-party manufacturer, it's not clear) with the unveiling of this handheld at Intel's IDF in San Francisco. The QWERTY slider packs GPS, a Linux-based OS with media player, browser, eMail and IM clients, and Option's GlobeTrotter Connect and GTM501 HSPA data kit offering tri-band HSUPA/HSDPA and quad-band GPRS/EDGE connectivity the world-over. No pricing or availability has been announced but we hope to hear more later today.

Update: Ah ha, it's the same reference design used by Aigo's Patriot, aka, M528.

Gallery: Compal's MID slider with global HSPA/EDGE data -- first UMPC it, now you don't

[Thanks, Stuart L. and LosOutlandos]

AT&T offers free Option GT Ultra and GT Ultra Express HSUPA cards (must sell soul)

by Thomas Ricker, posted Feb 14th 2008 at 7:18AM

Check it data fans, AT&T just announced a pair of new HSUPA LaptopConnect cards from Option. The GT Ultra goes type II PCMCIA while the GT Ultra Express is, you guessed it, destined for ExpressCard34 slots. Both cards are tri-band UMTS/HSPA 850/1900/2100MHz and quad-band GPRS/EDGE capable for BroadbandConnect speeds of about 600Kbps to 1.4Mbps on the way down or 500Kbps to 800Kbps back up the tubes. Those bands should get your suit connected in some 140 countries spanning the US, Europe, Japan and Korea. The cards are Mac and PC compatible and will set you back ~~$50~~ 0$ (for a limited time starting tomorrow) plus a two year contract of at least $60 per month. After you mail-in the appropriate rebate forms of course... which you'll probably forget to do.

Ford to make HD Radio available on almost all new vehicles

by Joshua Topolsky, posted Sep 26th 2007 at 1:06PM

Just when you thought your radio carrier headaches had gone away -- bam -- Ford starts offering HD Radio on almost all of its new vehicles. That's right, according to a recent press release, the automaker -- which just showed off its new Sync system -- has plans to equip (should you so choose) a large percentage of its 2008 Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles with the new high definition "standard." HD Radio -- if you'll recall -- is free, and broadcasts on about 1,500 stations in the US, but offers higher quality audio than standard FM, in addition to features like track ID and extra "piggybacked" channels (called HD2). On top of the inclusion of the systems in new vehicles, Ford says that its 2005, 2006 and 2007 models can be retrofitted with the receivers, thus giving your old jalopy a sheen of newness heretofore unseen.

[Via Autoblog]

Option's GlobeTrotter Express HSUPA card wins FCC approval

by Donald Melanson, posted Aug 14th 2007 at 2:39PM

Option has already done quite a bit of bragging about its various HSUPA and HSDPA offerings, but it looks like the company now has one more cause to pat itself on the back, as its GlobeTrotter Express HSUPA card has netted the all-important FCC approval. According to the company, that makes it the first such card to do so, paving the way for it to be released in the U.S. Apart from the ExpressCard form factor, however, the card is pretty much in line with the company's HSUPA USB adapter, with it boasting 7.2 Mbps download speeds and upload speeds approaching 2 Mbps, along with support for tri-band UMTS operation and compatibility with quad-band EDGE and GPRS. While there's nothing to hold it back now, there unfortunately still doesn't appear to be any word on a price or release date.

Globesurfer ICON USB HSDPA modem adds support for US networks

by Nilay Patel, posted May 5th 2007 at 2:41AM

Following up on its previous Globesurfer ICON, which was Europe- and Asia-only, Nova Media's new Globesurfer ICON 7.2 Ready kit updates the included Option modem to the now-standard USB key form factor and, more importantly, adds a dash of that sweet 850 and 1900MHz UMTS action -- making it usable on AT&T's HSDPA network and T-Mobile EDGE in the States. Other than the hardware change, though, the package is basically the same: OS X and Windows software (OS X users get Nova's launch2net utility with 300 preloaded network configurations), HSDPA / UMTS 3G / EDGE / GPRS support with download speeds up to 7.2Mbps on HSDPA (384Kbps up) and 220Kbps on EDGE (80Kbps up). Sadly, Nova says that speeds will be slower when connected to 850 and 1900MHz networks. Of course. Look to drop about €299 ($406) for the ICON Ready at the end of May.

Nova Media intros Mac-ready GlobeTrotter Express 7.2 card

by Sean Cooper, posted Apr 24th 2007 at 1:38PM

It's refreshing to see high tech wizardry with Apple flavor hitting the shelves; if you have a hankering for travel and need fast connectivity no matter where you go, the GlobeTrotter Express 7.2 Ready has you covered. This Mac-compatible ExpressCard will bring triple band HSDPA / UMTS -- up to 7.2 Mbps -- and quad-band GSM / GPRS / EDGE to your Book, and thanks to the "Zero-CD" feature, drivers and software are auto-magically installed from the card's memory on first use (no worries, Windows users, you are covered here as well). The simple "launch2net" software provides instant detection and configuration of 300 network providers around the globe, meaning less time spent fiddling with APNs and passwords and more time online -- we know your provider's support team and accounting depts. will love this feature. The Nova Media site shows this as pre-order right now for roughly $400 US, but it should start shipping in early May.

[Via Macworld]

Cingular adds Globetrotter GT MAX to 3.6Mbps stable

by Chris Ziegler, posted Dec 20th 2006 at 3:50PM

If the promise of 3.6Mbps downstream data (eventually, anyway) on the wings of Cingular's HSDPA network gets you out of bed every morning, but the AirCard 875's bulbous antenna is enough to make you want to cry, just feast your eyes on this little number. Option's Globetrotter GT MAX is the latest (and only second) data card to hit Cingular with support for the higher HSDPA data rate, while still preserving a veritable who's who of backward compatibility (GPRS, EDGE, and plain ol' UMTS) on four GSM and three WCDMA bands. Unlike the aforementioned AirCard from Sierra Wireless, the Globetrotter has a nifty little retractable antenna that'll likely be a hit with road warriors weary of removing modems from their slots when trying to pack the PC away. Look for the Globetrotter GT MAX to be available today from Cingular for a nice, round $49.99 after rebate on a two year agreement.

[Via PHONE Magazine]