Rogers to carry 7.2Mbps ExpressCard modem
updated 03:50 pm EDT, Tue March 18, 2008
Rogers 7.2Mbps ExpressCard
Canada's Rogers Wireless will be the first carrier in carrier in the world with a new ExpressCard modem, Novatel has announced. The Merlin X950D is a quad-band GSM/EDGE and tri-band HSPA modem, able to fit into both 34 and 54 ExpressCard slots. Notable however is that the modem supports not only 2.1Mbps HSUPA, but 7.2Mbps HSDPA, twice as fast as most 3G networks worldwide. Rogers has yet to launch 7.2Mbps speeds, but is rumored to be testing the technology in limited fashion.
The modem is compatible with Windows, Mac and Linux systems, and can be hooked up to USB and PCMCIA ports using an adapter. Pricing has not been announced, but it is expected to ship in the summer, alongside the company's existing MC950D USB modem.
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Joined: Aug 2007
Connectivity
I've been asking for this laptop card since Novatel released it. Rogers website still doesn't show this device so I don't know where Electronista is getting their info. Anyway what's great about the Merlin X950D is that it fits Expresscard/34 slots used by Apple Macbooks as well Expresscard/54 slots used on some Windows laptops. Also this GSM 3G laptop card is firmware upgradeable which basically extends the lifespan of the device.