Truth be told, there's nothing extraordinary about Sierra Wireless' latest EV-DO USB modem. It plays nice with Rev. A networks, includes a microSD slot, and comes with TRU-Install to simplify the setup procedure. Granted, it is "the only product in its class to include a connector for an external antenna (saywha?)," and it is remarkably small, so it's still worth a look if you're currently doing without. As expected, you'll reach downlink speeds of up to 3.1Mbps and upload speeds of up to 1.8Mbps, and the built-in GPS antenna is a nice bonus, too. Unfortunately, we've no idea how costly this one will be, but be on the lookout for a Q2 launch.

[Via MobileBurn]

We knew this thing was coming, and sure enough, Niveus has selected CES to officially launch its new Sierra Edition Media Server. The unit is housed in a slim, rack-mountable chassis (just over 1U in size), sucks down less than 180-watts and utilizes Intel's GM965 Express chipset / Core 2 Duo Mobile processor. As you can imagine, this one was designed to operate coolly and quietly (less than 30db noise), but it also features an optional HD DVD drive, up to 750GB of Seagate DB35 series storage and NVIDIA's GeForce Series 8 graphics with PureVideo HD technology. As for ports, you can expect digital / analog audio outs, Ethernet, four USB 2.0 sockets, a pair of FireWire connectors, and HDMI / DVI outputs to boot. Unfortunately, the media server will only be available to "volume integrators," and while pricing still remains a mystery, expect it to be available sometime during Q1.

Those keeping tabs on Niveus' outdoorsy naming system shouldn't be shocked to hear that it has chosen the Sierra Edition to follow the Rainier and Denali Edition Media Center PCs. Unfortunately, we've absolutely no information on what kind of hardware we can expect to find within this stylish box, but the firm has promised that it'll deliver "impressive Media Center functionality, digital content management, and superior convenience for the whole family." Keep an eye on this space for more, and feel free to join us in hoping for an HD disc drive of some sort to make an appearance when this thing gets official.

We'd heard it was coming, and now it's here -- AT&T's HSUPA network is now accessible to consumers who pony up for a Sierra AirCard 881 LaptopConnect card. The PC Card still supports HSDPA download speeds of 600 to 1400Kbps, but the upgrade to HSUPA means users can pump bits back up the tubes at 500 to 800Kbps as well. Customers will be able to score a free AirCard with a two-year data plan of $60 a month or higher until November 3 -- which is a shame for anyone outside New York, since HSUPA won't roll out to AT&T's other "select markets" until "later this fall."

We must admit, it's somewhat refreshing to see a set of Made for iPod speakers hit the marketplace that could potentially sound better than a poorly-amplified glorified tweeter, and Sierra Sounds' iN STUDIO 5.0 set is looking to up the ante by catering to the more discerning set. The pair of monitors are purportedly best matched in one's recording studio, as they feature an integrated 50-watt dynamic amplifier, built-in iPod dock, a pair of auxiliary inputs, S-Video output, and a fully enclosed power supply to boot. Additionally, users can control the action from afar with the wireless infrared remote, and Pod owners should be delighted that they can pick a set up in a black, red, or the oh-so-trendy white color scheme. Set to ship later this month, the iN STUDIO 5.0s will run you just under four Benjamins.

[Via iLounge]

While the Wintel crowd has been enjoying that Rev. A speediness for some time now (in certain locales, at least), the Mac faithful have been fairly well shut out up until now. Thanks to Sprint and Sierra Wireless, all that changes today, as the Seirra AirCard 595 PC Card now works in OS X 10.4 or later. The free Watcher Lite 1.0 software is currently available from Sierra's website, but before you go dashing out to pick up a card, you will still need a Windows-based machine to activate the device or have it pre-activated before heading into your Mac. Furthermore, don't plan on utilizing that ExpressCard slot either, as the only supported card thus far rocks a PCMCIA interface. Nah, Macworld hasn't hit full swing just yet, but this news is a real fine way to get things rolling.

For all you internet junkies out there (and if you're reading Engadget on a Friday night, we're referring to you), you'll be pleased to know that Intel's newest chipset for next-gen UMPCs are getting some 3G love from Sierra Wireless. This dovetails nicely with the announcement yesterday that Intel's Santa Rosa chipset would be also be getting some HSDPA action, but from cellphone giant Nokia. Intel also said that its newest ultra-mobile chip will be based on the Core 2 Duo, will only draw half as much power, and will measure just one quarter the size of the current chipset. Ok guys, we don't mind you shrinking the devices, but for the love of Gordon Moore, please don't make those screens any more squint-inducing.

Not a day's passed after we caught word of Sprint's launch of Novatel's S720 PC Card do we hear that Sierra Wireless has a proverbial one-two punch of WWAN modems up its sleeve, this time of the USB variety. First up in Q4 of this year will be the 595U, an EV-DO Revision A device topping out at a purely-theoretical 3.1Mbps downstream, followed by the quad-band GSM, tri-band HSDPA 875U humming along at 3.6Mbps in Q1 2007. Both USB modems look to be coming in sleek little packages with internal antennas and matching cradles, support location-based services, and have upgradeable firmware. If these things really look as slick as the press shots make them out to be, we may not be whining for a Rev A ExpressCard after all -- if the ship dates hold up, that is.

[Via Macworld]

We're a bit miffed that this new AirCard from Sierra isn't coming in an ExpressCard form, especially now that good number of the major laptop manufacturers (Dell, Lenovo and Apple to name a few) are sporting ExpressCard slots in their newer models, but HSDPA is HSDPA and we're glad to see it all the same. The device -- a bump to last year's 860 -- supports 3.6Mbps (theoretical) speeds, which is as fast as anybody is doing it right now, and should provide for more than a few WiFi shaming connections to those with the cash and the infrastructure to enjoy it. Along with tri-band HSDPA and UMTS, the 875 can do quad-band EDGE/GPRS, so road warriors beware: you're about to run out of excuses for lost connectivity -- we'd think this one over if we were you. No word on price or initial availability.