Gizmodo: sierra wireless

Sierra Wireless's AirCard 402 Is an Interchangeable PC-Card and ExpressCard

Andi Wang — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:00:13 EDT

If you've ever found yourself on the road where you needed a PC-Card and ExpressCard but only had one in your hand, the AirCard 402 was designed to fit both PC-Card and ExpressCard slots.

With data speeds of up to 3.1Mbps (download) and 1.8Mbps (upload), this card also uses TRU-Locate GPS technology for location based services including local searches and navigation. Although it is not the first two-in-one broadband adapter, it is the first of its kind from Sierra Wireless. It's also durably built with higher file-transfer speeds, and it seems to be the only one without a chunky adapter, giving it a low profile and making you look less geeky. [Product Page via ExpressCard-Info via Engadget]

Sierra Mercury: AT&T's Smallest, Sveltest 3G Data Card

matt buchanan — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 17:40:00 EDT

Sierra's latest USB 3G data card, Mercury, is the smallest, smokiest little card in AT&T's otherwise obese lineup. Obviously spawned from the same DNA pool as its Sprint-y cousin, but with the chrome and black look AT&T is fond of lately. Like the Compass, the drivers and AT&T's software are loaded on the stick, so you don't need a CD to install it, and it has a microSD slot. Theoretically, it should deliver the same excellent performance. Better still, it's free with a two-year contract. [AT&T, AT&T]

Lightning Review: Sierra Wireless 597 Slim EVDO Card

Adrian Covert — Thu, 15 May 2008 14:52:51 EDT

The Gadget: Sierra Wireless' Compass 597 offers the same 3G mobile broadband as its 595u counterpart, but in a much smaller package.

Price: $50 (w/ two-year activation and current Sprint web special — $250 normally)

The Verdict: Like other cards in the Sierra Wireless line, the 597 has a microSD reader, GPS, and 3G data speeds. But the two things worth focusing on are the size and software package. It's about half the size (in length and thickness) than the Sierra 595u, making it easy to carry around and set up. It doesn't fold up like the 595u, but it's unobtrusive enough that it doesn't really matter. It also has a soft orange glow coming from a light at the top, which could either be nice or annoying depending on preference.

The Sprint software works on Mac and PC, and is really worth using on the go. It allows you to tap into the GPS function to display current position, search for streets and locations or display the rate at which your moving. And it shows reception strength in decibels.

Speaking of reception, the 597 antenna is as good as any of the other Sierra products, though we haven't been able to compare reception to the similar Novatel U727 card. But all in all, The Compass 597 is a solid mobile broadband choice. [Sprint]

Verizon Wireless just announced the availability...

Wilson Rothman — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 12:14:00 EDT

Verizon Wireless just announced the availability of the Sierra Wireless AirCard 595U EVDO Rev. A USB Modem for $179 after $50 mail-in rebate and two-year contract. (Service is $60 per month.) Our own Charlie White has already tested the Sprint edition of the 595U, and calls it "freedom on a stick."

Sierra's AirCard Can Double-fist EV-DO and GPS

Louis Ramirez — Tue, 22 May 2007 12:40:26 EDT

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.

It has a built-in antenna that supports GPS navigation through Sprint's network. There's no pricing yet, but it's expected to come out mid-June with support for PCs and Macs (as long as your notebook has an Express Card slot). – Louis Ramirez

Update: This isn't the only card with the GPS functionality. Other cards have it too.

Product Page [via Electronista]

Two New Sprint EVDO Rev. A Cards: Pantech PX-500 and Sierra Wireless Aircard 595

Brian Lam — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 15:42:04 EDT

Sprint looks to be on track to launch their faster Revision A EVDO network in the fourth quarter of this year. They've already announced one card, here are two more.

The Pantech PX-500 will go for $200 or free with a 2 year commitment.
The somehow higher-end Sierra Wireless Aircard 595 will go for $250, or $100 with 2 year commitment. [Pictured above]

Both are PCMCIA cards, and both will take advantage of the EVDO network now at 400-700 Kpbs, as well as the faster 450-800kbps Rev. A network.

What makes the Sierra more expensive? A durable built in high performance antenna, apparently. So, we'll take the cheaper one, kthx.–Brian Lam

Sprint Announces Plans To Expand EV-DO Revision A-Capable Device Portfolio [Sprint]

Sierra Wireless EVDO/HSPDA Aircards for High Speed Cell Data By USB

Brian Lam — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 19:41:12 EDT

Yesterday, Sprint unveiled their first revision A. EVDO high speed cellular data card. That card came in the aging PCMCIA form factor, so we couldn't use it in our Macbook Pros. Here's a cludgy fix to that problem: EVDO and HSPDA cards that work over a USB cable. EVDO, is the broadband-like speed that Verizon and Sprint are peddling, while HSPDA is the Cingular flavor. The hardware looks nice, as you can see from the photos. The Aircards even have docks. But dangling a USB peripheral from your laptop isn't just inelegant, it's the digital equivalent to toilet paper on your shoe...Something I'd consider dragging around all day long if the average speeds in the 400-800Kbps range are to be believed.

I'll make a prediction: Within 5 years, all high end laptops will be sold with integrated broadband. What do you think?– Brian Lam

Sierra Wireless EVDO/HSPDA Aircards [Macworld]

Sierra Wireless Voq for $159

johnb — Thu, 15 Sep 2005 12:39:46 EDT

Fine reader Mike sent us news that WOOT is selling the Sierra Wireless Voq for $159+$5 shipping. While we hated the Voq when it came out—I appreciate the effort, but the execution was a bit odd and a bit pricey—we love unlocked GSM smartphones that cost less than dinner and a movie. I suspect these will be sold out in about 50 seconds so hurry on up.

Front Product Page [Woot]