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The 2006 Engadget Awards: Vote for Peripheral of the Year
Now's your chance to cast your ballot for the 2006 Peripheral of the Year! Our Engadget Awards nominees are listed below, and you've got until 11.59PM EST on Sunday, April 15th to file your vote. You can only vote once, so make it count, and may the best tech win! The nominees: Apple wireless Mighty Mouse, Belkin Cable-Free USB Hub, Logitech MX Revolution, Microsoft Xbox 360 HD DVD drive, Nintendo Wii remote, Verizon V640 ExpressCard EV-DO. %Poll-269%
D-Link lets loose Xtreme N ExpressCard, PCI Express card
We first caught sight D-Link's new 802.11n (or "Xteme N" as they like to call it) ExpressCard when it passed through the FCC in December, but the company's now finally letting the rest of us get our hands on it, along with a similarly "Xtreme" PCI Express card. As we knew before, the DWA-643 ExpressCard boasts compatibily with 802.11b/g networks in addition to the speedier 802.11n, along with support for all the usual security measures, but no support for Macs. The PCI Express model (DWA-556) will give you those same specs with the added benefit of three external antennas, although that of course comes at the expense of being tied to your desk. Both are available now, coming in at $119.99 for the ExrpressCard model and $149.99 and PCI Express one.[Via I4U News]
Transcend intros 16GB SSD for ExpressCard slots
While we're always looking for a way to shave precious milliseconds off of our boot time, and Vista's ReadyBoost feature has proven somewhat effective at this task, it's not likely that you'll find us spending over a thousand bucks to add Transcend's 16GB SSD ExpressCard to our laptop anytime soon. Obviously you can also use the new card for storage, but unless you really have mission critical apps that need blazing fast access times, you're probably better off spending that $1,337 (ya, really!) on a 10,000 RPM HDD or bags and bags of delicious candy. And if you really need to scratch that ReadyBoost itch, a $30 thumb drive should do you just right.Update: Transcend just wrote us a rather angry note claiming that the price we quote here is way off. Straight out of the horse's mouth, this 16 gigger will only set you back $256.45, with a 2GB version available for as little as $50.
Creative's Sound Blaster X-Fi gets ExpressCard makeover
Creative's long-standing X-Fi lineup is set to take on yet another member, as the company unveils a truly mobile form that will utilize your oh-so-lonely ExpressCard slot. Sure, you could've been enjoying the X-Fi niceties on your lappie for some time now via the external USB module, but the forthcoming iteration tidies up the breakout-box mess by cramming the bulk of the magic right inside your laptop's casing. The Xtreme Audio Notebook card touts an optical out / headphone jack, optical in / microphone port (seen after the jump), and a connector to sync up the presumably included external module, which will likely add even more connectivity options for use in park. Sadly, there's no word yet on when this device will hit store shelves, nor how much it'll cost you when it finally does, but if you've managed to hold off on buying one of the less glamorous external options in hopes of this one becoming a reality, you're probably sold regardless.[Via DailyTech]
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.
DuelAdapter brings PC cards to your laptop's ExpressCard slot
Yeah, it's all fine and good that the world is moving to ExpressCard, but you have to admit that it can be mighty frustrating when you can't use any of your old PC cards (like that EV-DO card you've had for a couple of years now) with your brand new ExpressCard-only laptop. Anyway, if you're looking for something to help you manage the transition, Duel Systems is coming out with the DuelAdapter, a PC Card-to-ExpressCard adapter that works with both Windows XP and OS X machines and is said to work with most types of PC cards.
Apple update reveals ExpressCards for AT&T, Verizon
If you're one who's been waiting on that newer 3G ExpressCard wireless modem for that newer laptop that has shunned the older PC Card expansion slot for the newer, smaller ExpressCard expansion format, you're about to start giggling with glee. It looks as if Novatel's V740 EV-DO Revision A ExpressCard and XU870 HSDPA ExpressCard are coming to Verizon Wireless and AT&T respectively, if a clue from a recent Apple MacOS X update is any clue. We just love it when software updates spill the beans on about to be released products -- especially when said updates lead to official releases. Don't you?[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
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]
Option GlobeTrotter Express 7.2 gets FCC love
If AT&T plans to roll deep with 7.2Mbps HSDPA this year, we reckon they need some equipment on store shelves, so FCC approval of Option's GlobeTrotter Express 7.2 certainly bodes well. Besides tri-band UMTS / HSDPA and quadband GPRS / EDGE, the card features a nifty zero-CD installation feature that copies drivers directly from the card itself. No word on release -- or whether AT&T will even carry it, for that matter -- but we're guessing we can find a few MacBook Pro users out there who are about ready to raid the FCC's offices and swipe this thing today.
MSI's GX700 gives way to Intel 965PM and NVIDIA NB8P
It's no secret that CES gave way to a smorgasbord of new kit for us all to drool over, but it seems that MSI showcased two forthcoming technologies that weren't exactly set for public unveiling. NotebookReview happened to take a gander at the innocent looking 17-inch GX700, and in the process of admiring its expansive WSXGA+ display and Core 2 Duo processor, they also noted the strange black line crossing out the Intel 965PM chipset feature, which is supposedly the yet-to-be-disclosed "Crestline" chipset that will support the Santa Rosa (er, Centrino Pro) processor platform. Additionally, the lappie sports a full-size keyboard, dual-layer DVD burner, 4-in-1 card reader, 802.11a/b/g, Bluetooth, an optional DVB-T tuner, ExpressCard slot, audio in / out, and curiously enough, an NVIDIA NB8P graphics card, which also lacks a formal announcement of its existence. Of course, both of these mysterious components could face naming changes or technical revisions before getting official, but it's fairly safe to assume that we'll be seeing a new chipset / graphics card finding homes in laptops here before too long.[Via Laptoping]
Launch2net Mobile Connection Manager
At Macworld, Nova Media (which we previously mentioned for expanding phone support in iSync) demonstrated their launch2net, a new piece of software that might be very handy for the globe-trotting MacBook (Pro) user. It's a connection manager that allows you to get online with a variety of GSM ExpressCard and USB devices. It automatically handles "all necessary network settings" to get online with, according to them at least, a single click. This could be very useful for using ExpressCard devices that don't have built-in OS X drivers.It's a bit pricey at €75 (~$97), but a demo is available.[Via Macsimum News]
Kensington 7-in-1 ExpressCard Media Reader
Kensington's 7-in-1 ExpressCard Media Reader fits nice and snug in your ExpressCard notebook (we're looking at you MacBook Pro owners) so you can pull off pictures and what have you at USB2 speeds, nary a cord in sight. ExpressCard EVDO users might want to consider another solution but if your ExpressCard slot is barren and lonely, Kensington's got $40 worth of something for it.
D-Link DWA-643 Xtreme N Notebook ExpressCard gets by FCC
Looks like D-Link has hopped on the draft-N bandwagon and slammed the pedal down, as it's been releasing a flurry of 802.11n-compatibile gear of late. Yet another piece of kit that should hit US shelves soon is the firm's DWA-643 Xtreme N Notebook ExpressCard, which has just received that coveted stamp of approval from the FCC. The card sports backwards compatibility with 802.11b/g networks, WPA support, and works solely on Windows machines -- of course, this shouldn't bother you Apple laptop owners that much anyway. Per usual, the FCC isn't one to spill the beans on pricing or availability details, but we shouldn't have to hold out too much longer now that it's crossed the biggest hurdle.[Via Laptoping]
Griffin ExpressCard 5-in-1 reader out
There are others like it, but this one is from one of our favorite vendors: Griffin has released an ExpressCard/34 reader for SD, Memory Stick/MSP, MultiMediaCard, xD, and also (assuming you haven't lost your card adapter) Memory Stick Duo/Micro, miniSD, microSD, and the other MMC flavors. Naturally tangy and faster than your average USB bear; pick one up for your favorite MacBook Pro-toting photographer. $30 direct from the big G.
Hagiwara Sys-Com's 8GB ExpressCard is ReadyBoost certified, just like most flash drives
With Vista's consumer launch right around the corner, it's little wonder we're seeing ReadyBoost branded devices starting to pop. Thing is, Vista's ReadyBoost cache technology works with many, inexpensive flash-based devices (SD cards, USB 2.0 thumb drives, etc) sporting between 256MB and 4GB of storage, and capable of a modest 2.5MB/sec throughput for 4K random reads and 1.75MB/sec throughput for 512K random writes. So of course, Hagiwara Sys-Com's "ReadyBoost certified" 8GB ExpressCard/34 supports Vista's new smart caching technology with a smokin' 32MB/sec read and 22MB/sec write. Thing is, if you're buying the card for ReadyBoost gains, then 4 of that 8GB is "wasted" since the FAT32 filesystem limits the ReadyBoost.sfcache file to a 4GB max. However, if you're on the hunt for fast, flash storage, then maybe 8GB for ¥52,800 (about $451) on down to 1GB for ¥7,980 (about $68) sounds killer to you -- or not with 8GB USB 2.0 drives now hitting for about $150 online. Regardless, dropping that fat wad on additional RAM and not "ReadyBoost certified" products will probably give you more bang for the buck.[Via Impress]
Siano announces SuwonExpress ExpressCard for mobile TV
Israel's Siano Mobile Silicon has announced a new accessory for those looking to bring a little mobile TV action to their laptop ExpressCard-style, with its SuwonExpress card set to make its official debut at CES in January. The card is based on Siano's own SMS1000 chipset, which will let you pick up all the usual mobile TV signals (stuff like 1seg, notwithstanding), including DAB, DAB-IP, T-DMB, DVB-T, and DVB-H, as well as standard VHF and UHF bands. You also won't have to worry about standing out from the crowd while you rig up a goofy-looking antenna, with the SuwonExpress boasting a relatively discreet integrated antenna that can be extended when needed. As Siano's an OEM manufacturer, however, pricing and availability will depend on the companies that decide to pick up on the design, although Cyberlink (who also had a hand in the card's development) looks to be on track to be the first to deliver it as part of a software bundle sometime next year.[Via ExtremeTech]
Option's option for ExpressCard HSDPA
Nipping at the heels of Novatel's similarly-styled XU870, Belgium's Option Wireless Technology has announced its GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2. As the name implies, the ExpressCard promises 7.2Mbps downstream on the wings of your carrier's HSDPA airwaves -- if said carrier supports such blazingly fast speeds, of course, and as of right now 3.6 is as good as it gets. For what it's worth, the XU870 currently tops out at 3.6Mbps with a software upgrade to 7.2 slated for down the road, so the GlobeTrotter takes the strictly-theoretical speed crown in the meantime (and if the GlobeTrotter were actually shipping right now like the XU870 is, that'd be even cooler). Thanks to a nifty little feature Option calls "Zero CD," drivers for the card are embedded in the card itself, meaning that no separate driver installation is necessary when you shove this puppy into your lappie of choice. No word on availability yet, but with support for triband HSDPA and quadband EDGE, we wouldn't be surprised to see this one take the whole world by storm.[Via 3G.co.uk, thanks Bram]
