For those of you looking to additionally mobilize your life and get yourself an Internet fix wherever you are, you’ll be glad to know Sierra Wireless announced a new USB modem (Compass 885) and a new ExpressCard (AirCard 885E), both HSPA enabled. The only problem is that you won’t actually be able to use HSUPA all that often, until your mobile operator buys the necessary gear and enables it.
Still, it’s just an announcement at this stage and we’ll have to wait for “mid-2008” when both AirCard 885E ExpressCard and the Compass 885 USB modem are scheduled to hit the streets. Then we’ll all enjoy in data speeds of up to 7.2 megabits per second on the downlink, and up to 2.0 Mbps on the uplink (software upgradeable to 5.76 Mbps uplink as future improvements become available)… Full release after the jump.
PRESS RELEASE – Sierra Wireless has added two new products to its lineup of HSPA mobile broadband modems. The AirCard 885E ExpressCard and the Compass 885 USB modem are small, full-featured, offer the latest high-speed mobile broadband technology for use worldwide. Both products are on display for the first time this week in the Sierra Wireless pavilion (AV99) at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.
The Sierra Wireless Compass 885 tri-band USB modem for HSPA networks packs more features in a smaller volume than any current counterpart. Designed to offer a flawless user experience, the Compass 885 USB modem includes TRU-Install software installation to simplify setup, a microSD memory card slot to expand its functionality, and a laptop clip accessory to provide flexibility in use. Compatible with mobile broadband networks worldwide, the Compass 885 USB modem is the only product in its class to include a connector for an external antenna, allowing users in remote areas or fringe network coverage to extend and strengthen their connection to the network.
With a more compact ExpressCard design, the AirCard 885E is an ideal wireless modem for people who regularly travel with a notebook computer that includes an ExpressCard slot. Its durable, fixed antenna design with no moving parts offers a reliable wireless connection, and with TRU-Install software installation, customers are up and running quickly with no need for an installation CD.
“Product design has become increasingly important to customers, both in form and in usability,” said Trent Punnett, senior vice president of Marketing and Corporate Development for Sierra Wireless. “The Compass 885 and the AirCard 885E are designed to deliver a great user experience with the latest mobile broadband technology, support for future upgrades, and the superior durability and performance expected from Sierra Wireless products. In addition, the products look great, and set a new standard for industrial design in this category.”
The Compass 885 USB modem and the AirCard 885E ExpressCard support tri-band HSPA/UMTS with receive diversity on all three bands, and quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM, making them ideal for world travelers. Both products offer peak data speeds of up to 7.2 megabits per second on the downlink, and up to 2.0 Mbps on the uplink (software upgradeable to 5.76 Mbps uplink as future improvements become available). They are compatible with both Windows and Mac notebooks and desktops and offer GPS support for location based services such as local search and navigation applications. Both the AirCard 885E ExpressCard and the Compass 885 USB modem are scheduled for commercial availability in mid-2008.
For more information about the Sierra Wireless AirCard 885E ExpressCard and the Compass 885 USB modem please visit http://www.sierrawireless.com/product.