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Sierra Wireless intros Compass 597 EV-DO USB modem
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]
Digi Connect WAN 3G: yet another portable HSDPA / EV-DO router
Yeah, we're starting to feel slightly bombarded with portable cellular routers, but we can't help but crack a smile each time one of these wonderful creations rolls into the commercial realm. Today, we've got Digi unveiling its new Digi Connect WAN 3G, which is hailed as an upgradeable 3G WWAN router for "primary and backup connectivity to remote sites and devices." Besides supporting both EV-DO and HSDPA standards, it also aims to provide "a fast and easy Ethernet-to-3G wireless connection" and even includes a built-in VPN. Sadly, no price is mentioned, but we're sure the folks at Digi wouldn't mind coughing up that information if you called up with the right tone of voice.
Fujitsu updates its T2010 and U810 tablets
Your good friends at Fujitsu aren't leaving you high and dry this CES season -- oh no. The company is updating a few of its tablet PCs for your computing pleasure, two of which happen to be the T2010 and the U810. Both little dudes will now be sporting extra-speedy WWAN HSUPA, as evidenced by the large (and probably in charge) antennae sticking out of their respective sides. The new lappies will be available Q1 2008, though there's no word on pricing yet.
Latest Motorola MC70 blessed with GPS
It's been a tick since Motorola / Symbol's MC70 saw a notable refresh, but today Moto is announcing that the newest version of its rugged Enterprise Digital Assistant (EDA) will boast GPS capability. The firm claims that this addition will allow organizations with field-based employees to "track and manage dynamic, real-time tasking, as well as verify specific locations of activities and provide mobile workers with pinpoint navigation support to improve location-based productivity." Additionally, the device will still include barcode data and signature capture, WWAN, 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth, and should be available for sale worldwide in Q1 of 2008.
HP's WWAN-equipped Pavilion dv2500t now official
We've known for quite awhile that HP was conjuring up a dv2500 of some sort, but now the machine is ready to roll straight from the firm's webstore. Specs wise, you'll get a 14.1-inch WXGA BrightView display, your choice of Intel Core 2 Duo processors, between 1GB and 4GB of DDR2 RAM, a NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS, 802.11a/b/g/n, Bluetooth, up to 250GB of HDD space, and a dual-layer DVD burner to boot. Moreover, users can opt for an ExpressCard digital / analog TV tuner, 12-cell Li-ion battery, and integrated WWAN (supported by Verizon BroadbandAccess). You'll also find the usual array of ports, including FireWire, S-Video out, a multicard reader, 56k modem jack, Ethernet, VGA out, and a trio of USB 2.0 sockets. Interested? Get your order in now starting at $1,199.99, as machines are slated to ship out in just under a fortnight.[Thanks, Kevin]
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]
Sony adds WWAN to select SZ6 / TZ20 VAIO laptops
Those scouting a sexy new VAIO may be lured a tad closer to the SZ6- and TZ20-series, as Sony has recently announced that select models in both lineups will boast integrated WWAN capability. Dubbed everywair, the specially equipped lappies will reportedly be able to cruise the HSDPA highway thanks to twin diversity antennas "concealed in the lid," which purportedly "boost signal quality in marginal areas." Additionally, the SIM card will be inserted "directly into the laptop itself," and the included VAIO Smart Network software should make managing your connections a lesson in simplicity. Oh, and for those wondering, current models should hum along at a maximum of 3.6Mbps, but a firmware upgrade will boost that figure to 7.2Mbps "when the service becomes available."[Via JournaldGeek]
'All' Panasonic Toughbooks certified for Verizon's EV-DO Rev. A network
It's not like you couldn't get connected to an EV-DO network on a Toughbook before, but Panasonic and Verizon Wireless are making things uber-easy on us all by certifying "the full line" of rugged lappies for connectivity with Verizon's EV-DO Rev. A. Yep, the Toughbook 30, 19, T, W, and Y series of machines have now been admitted into The Network, which means that you can potentially download a presentation while surviving a hail storm at up to 1.4Mbps and send in your corrections whilst dodging tree limbs at up to 800kbps. The Verizon WWAN treatment will require users to purchase the Sierra Wireless embedded MC-5725 PCI Express card and VZAccess software, but the oh-so-important pricing information was casually omitted.[Via Slashphone]
Compal showcases prototype UMPC running Windows CE
Although it's still proudly donning the proverbial prototype badge, a nifty machine from Compal was spotted at Computex running Windows CE 5.0 in favor of the battery-draining XP or Vista. Simply dubbed the UMD (Ultra Mobile Device), this ultraportable supposedly pulled double duty as a smartphone and even played nice with HSDPA. Internally, it featured a 532MHz Freescale i.MX31 processor, 512MB of NAND Flash memory, 256MB of DDR RAM, a 4.3-inch WVGA display, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0+EDR, a slide out QWERTY keyboard, trackpad, hot keys, built-in speaker and microphone, a 1.3-megapixel CMOS camera, SIM card slot, and a miniSD slot to hold excess media. Additionally, it boasted USB connectivity, a headphone jack, a meager five-watt power consumption rating that enabled nearly five hours of battery life, and the obligatory media playing and Skype-friendly applications that you would expect on such a multifaceted device. Unfortunately, there's no way to tell whether Compal will come through on bringing this thing to market, but we're sure there's a niche that would be all over it should it eventually roll out.[Via Wired]
Lenovo's ThinkPad X61, X61s and X61 tablet PC get official
Hearing about Lenovo's ThinkPad X61 shouldn't come as a total surprise to anyone, but while leaked information always satisfies the pallet, official details on a few new machines in the X-series shouldn't hurt. The X61 tablet will sport your choice of a 1.4GHz L7300 or 1.6GHz L7500 Core 2 Duo CPU, a 12.1-inch XGA or SXGA+ display, up to 160GB of hard drive space, up to 4GB of RAM, an optional dual-layer DVD writer (UltraBase required), Intel's GMA X3100 graphics set, gigabit Ethernet, WiFi, Bluetooth, WWAN, a trio of USB 2.0 ports, up to eight-hours of claimed battery life from the eight-cell Li-ion, optional fingerprint scanner, an SD reader, and a PC Card slot with 34-millimeter ExpressCard adapter. The 12.1-inch X61s touts most of the same hardware as its tablet-based sibling albeit in a laptop form, while the X61 goes up to 2GHz with Intel's T7300. All of the aforementioned units should be ready to ship next month, and the ThinkPad X61, X61s, and X61 tablet PC will purportedly start at approximately $1,484, $1,474, and $1,779, respectively. More shots of Lenovo's latest after the break.
Current Intel Macs already support EVDO PCI Express Mini card
The guys over at EVDOinfo.com have discovered that current Intel Macs already support 3G EVDO cards. Basically what they did is rip the PCI Express Mini Airport wireless card out of a Mac mini and replace it with a previously activated EVDO PCI Express Mini card taken from a Novatel U720 USB EVDO modem. After installing the recent WWAN update (by bypassing the hardware check), the Mac mini recognized the card and established a connection to the Sprint network. They note that this makes the Mac mini an absolutely perfect carputer (except for some antenna issues).They speculate that this should work on the MacBook (Pro) as well, but obviously nobody wants to lose Airport connectivity to gain WWAN support. However, this does seem to show that there's no technical limitation to adding EVDO connectivity to next generation Mac portables.[via Digg]
Sony kicks out VAIO N30 laptop, sleek LA3 desktop
While details surrounding Sony's SZ series leaked long ago, the firm is now busting out two new machines in its VAIO lineup that we've yet to witness. On the laptop side, the N30 (pictured after the break) sports a carbon fiber frame, 15.4-inch WXGA display, Intel's GMA 950 graphics set, an Intel Core 2 Duo T5500 or T7400 processor, 2GB of RAM, a 120GB shock-mounted hard drive, dual-layer DVD burner, 802.11b/g, a bevy of bundled software including Office 2007 and Vista Premium, an integrated webcam, fingerprint scanner, and optional HSDPA via ExpressCard. On the desktop side, the LA3 shows off its stylish good looks and packs a 1.83GHz Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 CPU, 2GB of RAM, a 320GB hard drive, NVIDIA's GeForce Go 7600 graphics card, a 19-inch WSXGA+ LCD, 802.11a/b/g, and Vista Premium to boot. Of course, both systems are customizable to the hilt, but the April-bound VGN-N31M/W and VGN-N31Z/W will run you €899 ($1,213) and €999 ($1,347) respectively for the basics, while the base VGC-LA3 will ring up for €1,999 ($2,696) when it lands in May.[Via TrustedReviews]
3G option coming to MacBook Pros?
Not that any of this should be a surprise, but AppleInsider says that Apple may offer a "3G wireless" option on future notebooks. Citing an "unproven but seemingly credible source," the venerable rumor mongering site says that Apple has asked for a PCI Express mini-card adapter to integrate a WWAN module inside the display lid of some future Apple laptop. While the source would not state which 3G technology would be used or which laptop(s) would benefit, HSDPA in a MacBook Pro is certainly the most likely combination what with Apple's new found love-in with AT&T. Best part? Bluetooth back to your WWAN-enabled MacBook and you've got the world's first 3G iPhone.
Psion Teklogix's WORKABOUT PRO gets rugged with WinMo
We've seen handheld workhorses before, but Psion Teklogix is taking Windows Mobile 6 to the tough side in its new line of WORKABOUT devices. Offering users the choice of Windows CE 5.0 or WinMo 6 Classic / Professional, the WORKABOUT PRO C sports a full alphanumeric keypad, while the PRO S trims down by nixing the alphabet. Both units are powered by a 520MHz PXA270 CPU, and boast 128MB of Flash ROM, 128MB of SDRAM, optional 802.11b/g via a CF adapter, GSM / GPRS / EDGE WWAN connectivity, Bluetooth, a 3.6-inch VGA touchscreen, built-in speaker / microphone, and the obligatory dust, rain, and shock proof qualities that you'd expect on such a rugged machine. Additionally, a bevy of scanning expansion modules are included, and while pricing details aren't readily available, anyone that's likely to be interested in this one can just charge it to the corporate card and fuhgetaboutit.[Via PocketPCThoughts]
Lenovo's ThinkPad R61 / 3000 N200 laptops make debut
While Lenovo's ThinkPad T61 already showed off most of the the firm's newest laptop features, the R61 and 3000 N200 bring a little flavor of their own to the ever-expanding Santa Rosa funfest. These two tag along as some of Lenovo's "coolest, quietest, and longest running" lappies ever, and each sport the Top Cover Roll Cage (pictured after the break) that reportedly provides LCD support that's 20-percent stronger than previous models. The 14.1-inch R61 will sport an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, support for 802.11n and Bluetooth, Ultra Connect II, your choice of Intel or NVIDIA integrated graphics, a four-in-one media card reader, and an optional integrated webcam to boot. The budget-minded 3000 N200 opts for a 15.4-inch widescreen display, 802.11n, Ethernet, Bluetooth, an integrated fingerprint reader, five-in-one multicard reader, built-in camera / microphone, and Intel or NVIDIA chipsets running the graphical show. As with the T61, the R61 will land in mid-May for $1,249, while the N200 should hit shelves a few weeks later for around $1,099.
Lenovo's ThinkPad T61 laptop gets official
Just in case the leaked specs weren't solid enough for you, Lenovo has finally opened up and revealed the 14.1-inch T61 to the world. In what's being dubbed the "strongest, coolest, and quietest ThinkPad ever," the T61 comes sheathed in a magnesium alloy frame (Top Cover Roll Cage in Lenovo lingo), and touts an "improved cooling system, enhanced wireless connectivity with Ultra Connect II, and up to 15-percent longer battery life through its Battery Stretch control option." Furthermore, you'll find a WXGA+ display, a wide range of Intel's Core 2 Duos, up to 160GB of 5400RPM HDD space (or 100GB at 7200RPM), NVIDIA's 128MB Quadro NVS 140M graphics set, an optional Blu-ray drive, gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth, 802.11a/b/g/n, and even an option for WWAN connectivity via EV-DO or HSDPA; additionally, there's a four-in-one media card reader and your choice of Windows XP / Vista. It looks like the May timeframe we had heard about earlier will actually stay true in this case, and while you can price this bad boy as high as you can dream, the base machine will run you $1,399.[Via LaptopLogic]
Zepto's Znote 6625WD does DX10, HSDPA, and HD DVD
Considering that Zepto isn't exactly "the name" in full-blown gaming laptops, we certainly hope this one won't turn out like ones prior, but the Znote 6625WD purportedly packs a plethora of lavish innards if it proves legitimate. The 15.4-inch machine is based around Intel's Santa Rosa, er, Centrino Pro platform, and sports a WSXGA resolution, Core 2 Duo processor, 1GB of RAM, Bluetooth 2.0, NVIDIA's 512MB GeForce Go 8600 graphics card, DirectX 10 support, an optional HD DVD writer, 802.11a/b/g/n, HSDPA compatibility, and to top things off, an HDMI output. The company will supposedly be taking customized orders in May to satisfy your wildest dreams, and while the bottom-end of the bunch could land at around "$1,100 to $1,200," we imagine that some of the aforementioned luxuries will ratchet that right on up.[Via Laptopical]
Apple posts WWAN Support Update 1.0
Earlier today, Apple posted WWAN Support Update 1.0 for Intel-based Mac portables. According to Apple, this update offers support for the following: Available on the Cingular network: Novatel Merlin XU870 ExpressCard (HSDPA) Available on the Sprint network: Novatel Wireless Merlin EX720 Express Card (EVDO Rev. A) Novatel Wireless Ovation U720 USB Modem (USB Adapter, EVDO Rev. A) Available on the Verizon network: Novatel XV620 ExpressCard (EVDO Rev. 0) Novatel V740 ExpressCard (EVDO Rev. A) Novatel Wireless Ovation U720 (USB Adapter, EVDO Rev. A) Thanks, Alex!
HP teams with Cingular, offers up HSDPA-equipped nc6400 laptop
Built-in HSDPA isn't exactly a "must have" feature on laptops just yet, but it's getting there. Following Lenovo (not to mention the others) into the wild world of WWAN, the HSDPA-equipped nc6400 is HP's first endeavor into the 3G laptop realm. Teaming with Cingular, the firm has unveiled a nc6400 with "integrated UMTS / HSDPA connectivity," and also features your run-of-the-mill WiFi adapter and Bluetooth to boot. Although the machine touts Cingular compatibility, it will reportedly work with other EDGE networks as well, and apparently the specs on this otherwise ho hum business portable have remained the same. Weighing about 5.1-pounds, the Core 2 Duo-powered machine sports a 14.1-inch screen, 512MB of RAM, and a "starting price" of $1,599. Notably, HP states that current owners of the nc6400 can give their machine the HSDPA boost by adding an HP Broadband Wireless Module if you're down with the $59.99 monthly charge for unlimited domestic data, but folks looking to pick the new edition up have to wait until "late December."[Via CNET]
Dialogue's Flybook V33i reviewed
We've been salivating over Dialogue's FlyBook V33i for some time now. Finally, we've dug-out a review of this "dressed to kill" 2.6-pound tablet-style PC with smokin' suite of WWAN connectivity options including HSDPA / UMTS / EDGE / GPRS / GSM and EDGE / GPRS / GSM. Thing is, as the reviewer quickly points out, the V33i is not a tablet PC although you might be fooled by that rotating touch-screen. Instead, Dialogue goes with Windows XP and some Ritepen handwriting recognition software which, when coupled with the keyboard, means you "might not find that a disadvantage" -- just prepare to re-calibrate after each screen rotation. Although the 1.1GHz Pentium M is starting to show its age, the V33i includes a 64MB ATI Radeon XPress 200M which helps offset the load somewhat, albeit not enough for any serious gaming, but certainly enough for normal office-type usage. The Carrypad review also found the key pitch tight on the keyboard which took some getting used to and the stylus was just plain "terrible." Although they were stoked by the removable 2.5-inch hard disk which allows for DIY upgrades while the battery delivered an expected 2-2.5 hours under typical load. After four "privileged" days with the machine, Carrypad dubs the v33i a winner in terms of looks and performance particularly for those in need of an ultra-mobile PC with a full suite of fixed and WWAN connectivity options.