AT&T released two new wireless connectivity options today, one being a 3G USB adaptor from Sierra Wireless, and the other, a Hybrid ExpressCard modem. The former rocks Mac and Vista compatibility, while the latter is limited to just Windows Vista applications.
The Sierra Wireless Aircard 875U 3G USB adaptor is marketed as a universal adaptor (everyone has a USB port, but not necessarily a PCMCIA or ExpressCard slot) for wireless broadband connectivity. The 875U works on HSDPA, EDGE, GPRS, and even global 3G UMTS networks. But, the best part is that the USB adaptor allows slot-less MacBooks to pull down 3.6 Mbps data streams around the world! Pick yours up from AT&T starting May 7th, for $50 (after 2-year contract, of course).
The Hybrid ExpressCard modem – the Option GT Max 3.6 Express – brings HSDPA and EDGE support to the ExpressCard slot in your notebook. With a handy little flip-up antenna, you can grab some quad-band EDGE and tri-band HSDPA goodness, wherever you may be. But, being a slot-based application, the MacBook option is, well, not an option – not that it would matter, since this thing doesn’t do Mac OS X anyway. Expect to pony up $50 (after contract) to AT&T for some Windows-only broadband action!