Gizmodo
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giz explains
Giz Explains: What AT&T's 7.2Mbps Network Really Means
AT&T's contribution to the improved overall speed of the iPhone 3GS—their upgraded 7.2Mbps network—is nearly as important as Apple's. But 7.2 is just a number, and AT&T's network is just one of many. Here's where it actually stands. More » -
e3 2009
Gizmodo's Mission Critical E3 Gear
Essential to our E3 coverage: Canon's 5D Mark II's made our liveblog shots effortless and awesome in any light , Sprint's 3G network was our crucial lifeline in the bowels of convention centers, and UCC Black powered us. -
sony vaio p
Sony Vaio P Modded To Accept SIM Cards, 3G via HSDPA Connection
The Vaio P comes with EV-DO hardware, but an enterprising modder has tweaked everyone's favoritemakeup compactnetbook to accept HSDPA SIM cards too, for 3G connections from AT&T. It's not for beginners, though. -
notes
The One Very Un-Pro Thing About The New Unibody MacBooks' USB Ports
When I pulled my MacBook Pro out for its first field run at CES, one limitation I hadn't previously anticipated arose. It's something you should consider if you're using anything larger than standard USB plugs. More »
46,086
By John MahoneyComment by burninator: use a usb dongle. I blame ATT for the fatty usb plug, not Apple their farts smell like roses mixed with... 17 Responses | Other threads
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ev-do
Sprint Novatel EX720 EV-DO ExpressCard Now Comes With PC Card Adapter
While we USB is our interface of choice for 3G laptop cards, 'cause it'll work on anything and we switch laptops a lot, some people might still wanna leave a USB port free and fill up a standard PCMCIA slot instead. So Novatel's EX720 Rev-A ExpressCard for Sprint, one of the first Rev. A ExpressCards, has been refreshed and now comes up with a PCMCIA adapter for $70 after rebate—the adapter alone would run you $50. It's also got one touch activation, though you've still gotta install from a CD, unlike newer 3G cards. [EVDO Info]
1,482
Comment by bosskev: I use exactly this card in my MacBook Pro's ExpressCard/34 slot. While I don't use it as often as either... 5 Responses | Other threads
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xohm
Xohm Tested Out in Baltimore: Beats EVDO, Unsurprisingly
Laptopmag went ahead and tested out Xohm WiMax goodness, now that it's live in Baltimore. They jammed an ExpressCard Xohm into a Sony Vaio laptop, and compared it to a Kyocera EVDO card running on Verizon, at a spot where both signals were strong. The conclusion? Xohm beats EVDO for speed when doing intensive downloading, such as streaming video, or large file transfers—the top download speed they found for Xohm was 3.05Mbps while EVDO managed just 1.43MBps. So far so groovy, and Laptopmag gave a few more thumbs up to the system, like how it auto-connects when you plug in the adapter, and the daily subscription options. But this isn't much of a surprise—it's designed to be faster—and for now Xohm's coverage is severely limited, to say the least. Check out the link for the full picture. [Laptopmag]
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By Kit EatonComment by SpyderMS: Nice, I would definitely sign up for this if it were in Phoenix. Their "Pick 2" option is perfect, and... 2 Responses | Other threads
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wireless internet
Chrysler Gearing Up For In-Car Wi-Fi In 2009 Models Via Autonet
Chrysler is poised to be the first car manufacturer to offer built-in internet access in its vehicles. The service, called Uconnect Web, uses existing wireless data networks for internet access it then shares with devices in the car via Wi-Fi, essentially turning your car into one big hot spot. The core device, which costs $499 to install, can take advantage of WiMAX or EV-DO networks where available through a service called Autonet. The service will sell for $29 a month. We like the idea for some things, like getting traffic and weather updates on the fly, but is the world ready for motorists that are even more distracted while driving? [Twice via CG]
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By Matt HickeyComment by LouisaPriapus: For the past 2 years I've had wifi in my car, a Honda Civic, by using a Top Global Mobile WiFi... more » | Other threads
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cellphones
Official: Verizon Wireless Absorbing Alltel to Become Largest US Carrier
We mentioned it yesterday, but now Verizon Wireless is kissing and telling: It will pay around $6 billion for Alltel, adding 13 million customers in 34 states to the Verizon subscriber ranks. That should put Verizon's total at 80 million—high above AT&T's last-reported 71 million customers. Though Alltel and Verizon share the same phone technology, Alltel serves rural markets that Verizon had not built out, so it should mean some nice network expansion too, and "seamless transition" for Alltel customers. Seems like the merger will be completed by the end of the year, and all things will be harmonious and groovy by the second year. We're not seeing many problems with this—it's certainly no Sprint-Nextel fiasco. Jump for press release with financial mumbo jumbo.
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sprint
The Fine(ish) Print on Sprint's 5GB Data Cap
Yes, the upcoming 5GB cap on Sprint's data plan is twue. While heartbreaking, it's not all doom and gloom—according to these details from Cnet, at least Sprint won't be a total dick about it. Besides having an easy way to monitor your slurpage at Sprint.com, "going over once in a while is OK" and they'll be checking usage "using a rolling, three-month basis." But, if you go over two consecutive months, your ass may get terminated. They're still looking at options for people who need more data (like us), which hopefully they'll bring out soon. [Crave] -
rumor
Oh No: Sprint Capping "Unlimited" 3G Data Service at 5GB
We've raved on Sprint's EV-DO data service more than once, in no small part because they were the only carrier to have truly unlimited 3G data, while AT&T and Verizon capped their service at 5GB. Our love affair just might be over. According to a leaked update of their terms of service, effective July 31st, they'll be enacting a 5GB cap as well. More » -
3g
3G Networks Reviewed: AT&T Is the Fastest
Computerworld took Verizon, Sprint and AT&T's 3G data services for a spin all around the tri-state area—500 points in NY, NJ and CT—with data cards from everyone and an X300 to determine the king of 3G. Surprisingly (or maybe not), AT&T was the snappiest of the bunch in both average (755Kbps) and top data speeds (1.6Mbps). Of course, there's more to consider: As we've said, only Sprint gives you unlimited data freedom; Verizon and AT&T have 5GB caps (they're squishy, but they're there). Also, EV-DO has a bit wider coverage area. But if you're mostly roaming around the NYC area, it looks like AT&T might be the new go-to, especially if speed is your main concern. [ComputerWorld] -
blackberry
AT&T Confirms First Dibs on BlackBerry Bold
AT&T told our friend Sascha at PC Mag that it would be the first carrier to sell the new BlackBerry Bold. Others may very well follow this year, and judging from the fact that the hardware specs include room for T-Mobile, Sprint and Verizon, they most certainly will. AT&T also said that it's got exclusivity on international 3G usage—Sprint/Verizon's EV-DO isn't as universal as AT&T's HSDPA—and the ability to use the BB in Japan and South Korea. [Gearlog] -
rumor
Rumor: T-Mobile Lusting To Buy Sprint
T-Mobile may be smallish in the US, but it's owned by German giant Deutsche Telekom, a company plenty powerful enough to buy up Sprint if it wanted to...and the rumor mill says it may want to. The Inquirer points out the obvious network issues that might arise. After all, what do you get when you cross a GSM network barely on HSDPA but harboring LTE aspirations with a CDMA/EV-DO franchise who's experimenting with WiMax while lugging a legacy iDEN network around for God-knows-what-reason? [Inquirer] More » -
macbook air
Hacked MacBook Air With Built-In 3G Wireless
This is what every MacBook Air needs: built-in 3G wireless. In order to get this goodness into the MBA, Jordan Bunnell busted up a Verizon USB727 Air Card and soldered it up with the MBA's unused USB controllers on the motherboard and used a little bit of voodoo to get power flowing to the card. There's a little bit more elbow grease to get the antenna ports situated and the card crammed in there nice and properly, but as you can see, it pays off. Check out the whole nerdy process in detail over at his site, though our heart's a little too faint to attempt the feat. [Get Listed Locally via engadget]
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Comment by nick800: is that how fast verizon 3g is? how fast is at&t 3g going to be? more » | Other threads
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giz explains
Mobile Term Madness: LTE, WiMax, EV-DO and More Explained
We've been talking a lot about emerging mobile tech lately, tossing around crazy acronyms and words like WiMax, LTE, 3G,G-Spot, EDGE and whatnot. A lot of you probably already know this stuff cold, but in case you don't, here's the quick and dirty guide to what you need to know. More » -
cellphones
Unlimited Voice and Data Plans Forcing Carriers to Make Networks Better, Faster, Stronger
Carriers are finding out that a side effect of offering unlimited voice and data plans is that people tend to use them more. Great, right? Not if their backend can't handle the new flood of traffic. One of Sprint's VPs told a panel at CTIA that "the increase in unlimited data and voice plans exponentially increases the backhaul requirements of 2G and 3G networks" so they're being forced to upgrade their network with higher speed pipes, like fiber. (AT&T already had its 3G wake-up call.) This is good for us, because it means faster, more reliable data services. More » -
cellphones
Verizon Promises In-Home Cell Boosters This Year, But For How Much?
Femtocell, femtocell, femtocell. Get used to it, because it's a word you'll be hearing a lot of from now on. Yesterday, Verizon Wireless promised to offer broadband-connected mini cell towers (yep, femtocells) to customers in 2008. We're told that products such as the EV-Do model just introduced by Motorola and Airvana are intended for home use, not just in offices. There will be a cost of some kind for the hardware, possibly along the same lines as your monthly cable-box fee. The question is, how much more will you pay to get guaranteed cell voice and data reception in your home? [AP] -
umpc
Hands On HTC Shift EV-DO
HTC had their Shift UMPC on display here at CTIA, which packs Sprint EV-DO, an 800 MHz Celeron processor, 1 GB RAM and a 40 GB SSD into a tidy $1500 package. After getting touchy feely with it for a few minutes, I found it wasn't half bad. I was especially impressed by the proprietary HTC SnapView interface that runs on top of Windows Vista, and provides quick access to weather, calendars and emails (similar to the Windows Mobile 6.1 homescreen that it's based around). More »
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Comment by hanswurst0815: Is that a fingerprint reader on the screen's lower right? more » | Other threads
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cellphones
Motorola and Airvana To Make High-Speed Cell-to-Broadband Boxes
One of the ugliest named cool new technologies is the "femtocell," a desktop-friendly cell tower that connects to your broadband network to add cell service where it otherwise might be crappy. Today Motorola and Airvana announced that they are partnering to build CDMA femtocells that provide standard 1xRTT and high-speed EV-DO connectivity. It's not clear whether this would be geared for the home, like Sprint's Samsung Airave (which, though cool, apparently doesn't do EV-DO). This one might be more for businesses, but we hope that changes—and that Verizon follows Sprint's lead and picks it up—because I would love to have the ability to add cell service to my home as needed. Wouldn't you? [Airvana] -
laptops
HTC Shift Vista UMPC Coming in EV-DO Flavor
It's only been a couple weeks since the Windows Vista-capable HTC Shift UMPC was just released in the US and it's already getting an EV-DO version for you to hook up to Verizon or Sprint (theoretically). LaptopMag's review of it mirrors what we've seen in European reviews of the device (it's been out there for a few months): it's got a cramped keyboard, slightly slow CPU, short battery life and weak Wi-Fi. It probably won't replace your normal laptop if you're traveling, but if you're packing light, it makes for a workable alternative. [Amazon via LaptopMag] -
sprint
Confirmed: Sprint Mogul Gets Rev. A and GPS-Enabling ROM Update
Sprint Mogul's ROM update will be available for direct download later today, confirming yesterday's rumor. As expected, the update includes EV-DO Rev. A, GPS capabilities, and other tweaks and fixes. Laptop Magazine found faster music and web page downloads, as well as an upload speed boost of 105 Kbps in their test of the update. In other news, the iPhone still has EDGE. [Mogul update, Laptop, AP] -
3g
Pocketable Sprint 3G Wireless Router Coming March 1
A tipster just filled us in on this Sprint PHS300 Personal Hotspot USB device, made by Cradlepoint, that's essentialy going to be an EV-DO to Wi-Fi hotspot in your pocket. According to our tipster, it'll be available on March 1. More »
17,814
By Jason ChenComment by angellt: if you already have a Mogul or plan on getting one, this is a waste of money. i'll repeat the other... more » | Other threads
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macbook air
Best MacBook Air 3G USB Modem Novatel U727 for Sprint?
The MacBook Air's single USB port is a finicky, tight fit, and lots of stuff—like a lot of 3G modems—just can't squeeze into the space, which is a big deal for mobile-focused notebook. Om Malik had already ordered his Air before that revelation came out, so he tried to make do with Novatel's U727 USB modem for Sprint's network. And surprisingly, it fit, "without problems." More » -
cellphones
Qualcomm To Build Universal Super Chip for GSM 3G, EV-DO and 700MHz Roaming
Everybody is getting into the cellphone industry's new spirit of openness. Google pushes for open networks for the 700MHz wireless network to be, Verizon answers the call with a pledge to make its network available to all technology, and now Verizon's longtime companion, Qualcomm, has unveiled a chip that will be the heart of one hell of a universal, Android-friendly super phone. More » -
gadgets
Mysterious HTC CLIO200 Data Device Appears on FCC
The closest HTC device we could match this to is the Shift, a UMPC device that runs both Vista and Windows mobile—but the connection's tenuous at best. What we do know is that the butt-side of this thing has air vents and a battery pack, which makes us think that this is a data-device instead of Sprint Mogul or Verizon XV6800 WM6 phone. Whatever it is, it looks like it has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0, CDMA, and EV-DO, with enough going on inside to need air vents. Another thing that needs air vents? Our armpits, because we still haven't showered today. [FCC]
1,468
By Jason ChenComment by CCNA1AB: Its the shift look at the video that you posted before you start sending out Rumors of new devices more » | Other threads
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cellphones
Verizon Switches to GSM's Side For Ultra Highspeed 4G Technology
Verizon Wireless today announced it would support "Long Term Evolution" (LTE), the super fast 4G technology currently in testing from Nokia and its European friends in the 3GPP group, and operating at a blistering 100Mbps. It's certainly hot technology, but one seen as an extension of GSM's high-speed packet technology. This is a rejection of CDMA's EV-DO (which has a faster Rev. C that could have been rolled out) and a definite rejection of WiMax, which has been Sprint's chosen 4G technology. As dramatic as the shift is, it's not totally surprising when you look at Verizon's historic lack of compatibility with its European co-owner, Vodafone, an early LTE supporter. It also fits with Verizon's new pledge of openness: presumably this means interchangeable SIM cards for easier-to-swap phones and mobile devices. (Press release with lots of nice details after the jump.) More » -
amazon kindle live
Amazon Kindle E-Book Reader Launch (Live)
Jeff Bezos is about to launch the Kindle e-book reader at a hotel in NYC, and we're in there blogging live. Here's a gallery of Bezos plowing through device features. Jump for the play-by-play. More » -
official
Amazon Kindle Official Details: $399, "Whispernet" EV-DO, the "iPod of Reading"
There's a lot to digest in Newsweek's seven-page all-out feature. Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos sums it up: "This isn't a device, it's a service." Kindle starts shipping tomorrow for $399 and is "a perpetually connected Internet device" running off of EV-DO—it calls the service "Whispernet." It's totally computer independent: You browse for books (88,000 at launch) and buy them in a "one-touch process," it comes with a personal Kindle email address and it can browse the regular internet—keyboard sounds useful now, doesn't it? More »
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Comment by GOKOR: @strider_mt2k: I agree, at least add a rudimentary web browser. Nothing fancy, just a web browser. more » | Other threads
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homegrown
R/C Stoner Van Streams Live Video While Truckin' (Video)
Built and demonstrated by our very own Nick McGlynn, this webcam-mounted R/C Volkswagen bus streams video live via a hidden Sony Vaio laptop with Sprint EV-DO card. Unfortunately for Nick, the camera is fixed facing forward, limiting its upskirt potential. Oh well, there's always V(W) 2.0. [Justin.tv]
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Comment by thebear91: I wonder how many of the motorist expected it to go BOOM! more » | Other threads
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wireless
Qualcomm Gobi 3G Chip Goes Both Ways: EV-DO or HSDPA
Qualcomm's new Gobi 3G chip can hook up to either EV-DO or HSDPA networks, making things a bit easier for both notebook/UMPC manufacturers and consumers, who won't necessarily have to shop for devices around their cellphone company if they want internets from the sky. The chips are available as of today, so Qualcomm thinks they'll hit the street in devices around second quarter next year. There's no WiMax compatibility, however, which is something of a shame since it just joined the 3G family. [AP/Yahoo!] -
laptops
HP and Sprint Bundle EV-DO Support in Compaq Laptops
HP and Sprint are adding built-in EV-DO Rev. A support to four of HP's Compaq notebooks, the 2710p, the 6510b, the 6910p and the 8510 series. The press release says integrated support, and we've checked with HP and confirmed that it really is integrated EV-DO support inside the laptops and not just a bundled EV-DO card. You'll still have to pay a Sprint Mobile Broadband service charge though—no freebies here. [Businesswire] -
cellular modem
Novatel MC727 USB EV-DO Modem, World's Smallest, Has MicroSD Slot
Now you can hook up to wireless broadband cellular service with this Novatel Wireless Ovation MC727, the world's smallest EV-DO Rev. A USB modem that's soon to be available on both Sprint and Verizon. Besides just being small, this one adds an extra twist: It has a microSD flash memory slot, letting you slip in one of those thumbnail-sized cards with up to 4GB of storage on board. So now you can store your files, photos and videos, keeping them handy right there where you need them. More »
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Comment by SuperH: Problem with T-Mobile is that you're likely to connect to GPRS. It may be cheap, but you're getting speeds... more » | Other threads
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battle of the network protocols
Download Race Between Helio Fin, iPhone, Sidekick, and RAZR2
Our friends at Wired put a stopwatch to a four-way download race between the Helio Fin, iPhone, Sidekick, and RAZR2 with HSDPA. Of course, they wanted to see which one would load Wired.com the fastest in a straightforward race of phones that have different methods of downloading. Before going to the next page to see how they finished, see if you can accurately predict which one of the phones won this impromptu race. [Wired] More » -
upgrades
Verizon Upgrades Entire EV-DO Network to Rev. A
Take that, AT&T! Take that, EDGE! Take that Jobs, and anyone else who wears black mock turtlenecks! Everywhere in Verizon's current EV-DO network, downloads are jumping from 600kbps to 1.4Mbps, with uploads cruising around 500kbps and 800kbps. That's only 8 seconds to download a 1MB file. Or more scientifically, quite fast. More » -
review
Sprint Mogul Hands-On
Like we said in the announcement, the Sprint Mogul by HTC is more than a worthy successor to the Sprint PPC-6700, an aging device that's ready to be let out to stud little smartphones. But how good is it really? Pretty darn good, in the grand scheme of Windows Mobile handsets.
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wireless
Sierra's AirCard Can Double-fist EV-DO and GPS
So what if you've got a fancy EV-DO card? Sierra Wireless' new AirCard 597E not only brings Sprint's EV-DO Rev A to your laptop, but GPS as well. More » -
here's hoping
Rumormania: Apple Putting 3G into MacBooks?
This rumor seems to come out of nowhere, but the combination of wishful thinking and high-end technology is what makes it so good. AppleInsider says a source told them Apple will integrate 3G access into a MacBook model. Other laptop makers have already introduced the trend into their business and "luxury" models, but Apple is supposedly integrating the card into the display, which saves space and increases performance. More »
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By Jason ChenComment by EVDOInfo: EVDOinfo.com staffers have already determined that current intel macs already support EVDO through the same slot used for airport cards. Check... more » | Other threads
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oqo hack
How to Replace Your OQO Model 02's EVDO with HSDPA
There's no doubt this hack will terminate your warranty, but if you wanna replace your OQO Model 02's built-in EVDO card with an existing HSDPA card, read on. It'll take some disassembling and a little soldering, but it's possible. All you have to do is pop out the Novatel EV620 EVDI mini PCIe card and slide in your Novatel EU870D/EU860D HSDPA mini PCIe card. And if you're intrepid enough, you can even replace the Toshiba HDD for a Sandisk SSD. Check out the link to see how the former is done. More »
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Comment by qryptiq: hey Tnkgrl, tahnks for the write up. I am intersted in buying the OQO Model 2 and cannot see myself spending... more » | Other threads
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wireless
Verizon Admits Capping EVDO, Removes "Unlimited" From Marketing
Verizon, long rumored to be capping their wireless EVDO broadband service, finally copped to capping the connection at 5GB of transfer per month. While before they used to advertise that you could have "unlimited" access, what they really meant was that you could check your email and do basic surfing, but otherwise you'd be breaking their terms of service. I guess they've finally decided to be a little more honest in their advertising, so it looks like "unlimited" is no longer a menu option. More »
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By Adam FrucciComment by AbundantChoice: I think the big beef many people have with the "unlimited" wording is the sales associates in their Verizon storefronts... more » | Other threads
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cellphones
Helio Ocean Video Walkthrough
Craving some more one-on-one time with Helio's new dual slider? The guys at PhoneScoop got an in-depth video of Helio's Ocean including a look at the phone's features and interface. The new Web browser (which lets you view full Web pages) looks especially cool. Combine that with their all you can eat EV-DO/text messaging plan and the Ocean looks like a nice option for the Net-addicted. More »
ev-do
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