Sprint prepping first MBA compatible aircard

Posted: 15 May 2008, 14:02, by Brian K.

Categories: CDMA CDMA Sprint Sprint Bookmark

Share this page:

Discuss 5

Sprint prepping first MBA compatible aircard

We have learned that Sprint is preparing to launch the Novatel U680 mobile broadband card, which will be the first card compatible with the MacBook Air's notoriously frustrating single USB port. Currently, MBA users have to use a clumsy USB extension cord which means the card is more likely to get tangled in something or unplugged. With the U680 users will be able to plug directly into the USB port, meaning less clutter and less to carry. The Rev. A device is billed as "zero install," which really means that the user simply pops the card in and it does all the work, there is no need for a CD instillation. It is compatible with Windows XP/Vista, Mac OS X and even Linux. No further specs are available right now, but if it is anything like recent Novatel and Sprint USB cards, it will be GPS capable and feature microSD expansion. The $249.99 retail price means new and upgrade eligible customers can expect to pay $99.99 with a two year agreement.

Share this page:

Discuss5

Prev news
WiMAX is ready for prime time 15 May

Next news
Alltel adds 1M subscribers, commits to LTE 15 May

5 Comments
Follow Following

Post Comment
View options
Close
Show comments: Display mode:

1. (unregistered) posted on 20 Oct 2010, 01:42 0 0

thats good news

Reply

2. jamesvillan22 posted on 15 May 2008, 18:28 0 0

OMG!!!!!!!! ur kidding me!!??? verizon aircards are all ready compatible with it! lolol truely sprint sucks!!

Reply

3. (unregistered) posted on 15 May 2008, 18:35 0 0

any aircard is technically compatible. this card will actually FIT into the port without extra cables. right now there is no aircard that does this. hence, this will be the FIRST to be compatible with the mba design. no ones talking about s/w here

Reply

4. EVDOguy (unregistered) posted on 16 May 2008, 08:19 0 0

That is the Franklin CDU680, which has been sold on the Sprint network for the last 6 months (from clever dealers who knew about it). The Compass 597 USB already works great with the MacBook Air.. The Franklin CDU680 has a rotating USB connector, BUT when inserted into a MBA, does not rotate like it does in all computers. More info on the CDU680 and Compass 697 at: http://www.evdoinfo.com/cdu680 http://www.evdoinfo.com/compass

Reply

5. Pings (unregistered) posted on 22 May 2008, 19:56 0 0

What about the VZW USB 720 that has been out for so long that VZW has already discontinued it . God, Sprint, and ATT will say anything.

Reply

Want to comment? Please login or register.