They also have card-reader slots, for MemoryStick Micro and microSD cards. Most interestingly, the 400g version has integrated GPS and an NMEA 2.0 interface, so you can slip it into your PC or Mac, and pinpoint your location live in Google Maps. Available late this year, but you'll have to wait for pricing info. Full press release below.

SONY ERICSSON PRESS RELEASE June 17, 2008

Sony Ericsson launches two new dual function USB modems to keep you ahead of the game

Sony Ericsson unveils the MD400 and MD400g - the first HSPA USB modems of their kind from Sony Ericsson not only providing high speed broadband but also a combined M2 Memory Stick Micro(TM) and a microSD(TM) slot brought together in a stylish and attractive design. Apart from an in-built antenna, an innovative additional swivel antenna optimizes the performance when in use. When closed, it covers and protects the retractable USB connector. The MD400g also has an in-built GPS receiver which automatically shows the user's current location.

Singapore, 17th June 2008 - For people on the move keeping in touch via the internet with colleagues, clients, friends and family is a necessity. Now Sony Ericsson gives users the speed they need in a stylish way with its two new modems complete with HSPA technology. Users can receive 7.2Mb/s in download and up to 2.0Mb/s in upload speeds. This means that sending attachments via email such as images or video content can be sent up to five times faster than before.

"The MD400 and MD400g are high performance and stylish devices that enable you to have all your essentials at hand even when you are out of reach from broadband at home or in the office. The USBs are simple, quick to install and the multiple technologies guarantee internet access every time," said Johan Tysklind, marketing director mobile computing at Sony Ericsson. "The combined M2 Memory Stick Micro(TM) and the microSD(TM) slot really makes these products stand out from the crowd and the MD400g even includes a GPS receiver."

Sony Ericsson MD400/MD400g - the world on the move
HSPA technology - up to 7.2Mb/s download and 2.0Mb/s upload
First USB modem with combined M2 Memory Stick Micro(TM) and microSD(TM) slot
In-built antenna complemented with an additional swivel 'Diversity' antenna maximizes reception performance and boosts data transmission
Innovative mechanical design allows the swivel antenna to also protect the retractable USB connector when the modem is not in use
USB modem - can be used in any PC, laptop or desktop
In-built GPS receiver and GPS utility (MD400g) which can link directly in to Google Maps(TM) and mark current location
PlayNow shortcut link - just a click away from entertainment
Auto-install
Auto configuration
So whether you are a professional that needs internet access anytime of the day, a student away from the library or even someone taking advantage of nice weather in the park the MD400/MD400g range can give you the broadband access you need from any mobile location.

- ENDS -

At a glance:

MD400 Mobile Broadband USB Modem, MD400g Mobile Broadband GPS USB Modem

Compact size, 70 x 28 x 15 mm (open)

Weight 28g
Dual antenna solution featuring Receiver Diversity optimisation which ensures highest possible data rates. the USB connector retracts when the swivel antenna is folded. Completely closed it covers the port

Combo M2 Memory Stick Micro(TM) and microSD(TM) slot
GPS (MD400g): Integrated GPS receiver (NMEA 2.0 interface)
HSPA: Up to 7.2 Mb/s, downlink. Up to 2.0 Mb/s, uplink
HSPA/UMTS: Triple band 850/1900/2100 MHz
EDGE/GPRS: Quad band 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
Operating Systems: MS Windows® 2000, XP, Vista, MAC-OS X supported
Features/Enablers: Sony Ericsson Wireless Manager
Auto-installation and auto-configuration: Multi color LED illumination indicating communication status (and GPS status - MD 400g)
25 supported languages
Sony Ericsson update services
Combo M2 Memory Stick Micro(TM) and microSD(TM) slot
In-built GPS receiver inc. GPS utility (MD400g)
PlayNow(TM) icon - a click away from entertainment
Colours: Exquisite Ebony, Lustrous White

Availability: Globally available Q4 2008

Legal
1) Facts and features may vary depending on local variant.
2) Talk, standby and video call times are affected by network preferences, type of SIM card, connected accessories and various activities e.g. games. Kit contents and color options may differ from market to market. The full range of accessories may not be available in every market.

© Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, 2008.

[Sony Ericsson]

It's also a Class 1 Bluetooth device, so you've got a theoretical range of 100 meters. Couple that with the Callpod Dragon and you've got a 100 meter headset setup that connects itself. Give it to your parents so you won't have to teach them over the phone how to connect a Bluetooth headset.

Check out Callpod's first ad spot for their Chargepod below. It's actually pretty neat and shows non-techies why it's useful for them.

To take advantage of its multiple tuner capability, though, you'll have to add another tuner to your PC to complement the one inside this USB dongle. Also keep in mind that its tuner snags HDTV signals over-the-air, so if you don't have good TV broadcast reception in your area, the ReplayTV Personal HD is not going to do you much good.

Price for the software and hardware will be $99.95, and the company didn't say exactly when it would become available, but said it would be sold at online retailers and direct from ReplayTV.

Press release from ReplayTV:

REPLAYTV INTRODUCES "PERSONAL HD" SOLUTION FOR THE PC WITH HDTV, MULTI-TUNER AND IPOD SUPPORT

- "Personal HD" To Be Demonstrated at Pepcom Holiday Spectacular on September 19th in NYC. -

New York, September 19, 2007 — ReplayTV®, the pioneer of personalized digital video recording, today announced its new "Personal HD" all-in-one solution for the PC with HDTV, multi-tuner, and iPod® support.

Bringing hardware & software together to give consumers a living room quality DVR experience on their PCs, "Personal HD" goes the extra mile and easily makes shows "Good-to-Go." With ReplayTV Personal HD, shows can be taken on the road to watch on Apple iPhoneTM, video iPod, iPod nano, iPod touch, iPod classic and other portable devices. Additionally, shows can easily be streamed over Apple TVTM.

ReplayTV's popular DVR technology lets you pause live TV, rewind, skip ahead, find and record all your favorite shows on your PC with living room quality ease and reliability. Sit back with the included remote control, or lean forward with your mouse or keyboard.

"Customers are going to be thrilled with the new ReplayTV Personal HD," said David Riley, Director of Marketing at ReplayTV. "You can now take your shows with you on the new iPod nano, iPod touch, or iPhone as well as the older video iPods! ReplayTV's intuitive menus, ease of navigation, powerful searches, and our channel guide that works the way you want have always been popular. And now we are offering a tuner, antenna, and remote for an all-in-one solution. ReplayTV Personal HD is a terrific hardware/software solution at a great price."

The complete package includes a USB 2.0 ATSC/NTSC hybrid tuner, HD antenna, remote control, USB cable, software CD, Quickstart guide and one year of ReplayTV Electronic Program Guide service (annual EPG fee thereafter: $19.95 per year). ReplayTV Personal HD is slated for shipment this fall.

Complete Hardware/Software HD DVR Solution for the PC!
The all-inclusive ReplayTV Personal HD package includes a powerful, easy-to-install USB 2.0 ATSC/NTSC hybrid tuner that requires no additional power and provides off-air HDTV reception*.

The included remote control provides easy access to the intuitive ReplayTV on-screen interface and all of the system's powerful search features, and stores nicely in a PC-MCIA slot.

Most importantly, the system's reliable, easy-to-use software, including useful ReplayTV features such as "overlap manager" and show-based recording, ensures that a user's favorite shows will be available for enjoying anytime!

Among the many advanced features included in ReplayTV Personal HD are:

• Integrated iPod Support: With the new iPod support, users can watch high-def television via their Apple TV or take programs with them for viewing anytime anywhere via many popular models of the iPod including the iPhone.

• Multiple-Tuner Support: Multiple shows can be recorded at the same time if additional tuners are installed (not included). In addition to the included ReplayTV tuner, ReplayTV Personal HD also supports leading tuners from Hauppauge, ATI, and Pinnacle.

• Smart Channel Guide: ReplayTV Personal HD makes the Channel Guide work for you. You can place your favorite channels at the top of the guide so you can easily and quickly see what's playing on them. You can always tell what's being recorded because the time bar features a record indicator so you can plan what else you want to watch or record - with absolutely no guesswork.

• Powerful Search Features: ReplayTV Personal HD makes finding compelling content a breeze. Find your shows within seconds, such as primetime shows, season premieres, and finales. Easily capture shows that feature favorite actors, directors, and genres. ReplayTV Personal HD organizes shows by airing, making it easy and quick to pick your favorite series to record.

• Recorded Shows: ReplayTV's innovative Recorded Shows screen presents the latest shows you've recorded — What's New — right along with all your episodes grouped by show. This organizing principle makes navigating through hundreds of shows fast and accurate. And when it's movie night, ReplayTV organizes all recorded movies under one tab.

Availability and Pricing
ReplayTV Personal HD will be distributed at major online retailers and direct from ReplayTV. It can be purchased for the suggested retail price of $99.95., which includes a ReplayTV high-definition USB tuner with dual tuner support.

ReplayTV Personal HD is compatible with terrestrial antenna, most analog cable and select digital cable and satellite set-top boxes.

Product Page [Newegg]

It's a thumb-sized USB device that you plug in and instantly open up your computer to as many as seven Bluetooth-enable cellphones, keyboards, headsets, and anything else. The Bluetooth will set you free. – Charlie White

Mustek's dongle that gets rid of cable clutter [Sci Fi Tech]

Bluetooth Game Dongle [Ever-e]