Minimax is here - new USB CDMA EVDO modem

Forums › Mobile handsets › Minimax is here - new USB CDMA EVDO modem

bbman

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Topic # 8512 5-Jul-2006 20:14

This is the latest modem addition to the Telecom EVDO stable in NZ.

Works a treat and is not much bigger than a matchbox - see link http://www.rtwireless.co.nz/Documents/Minimax%20NZ%20Brochure%201.pdf

I would doubt if any Telecom dealers have any knowledge of this modem though, Telecom are as of yet not promoting or launching to the dealers, i think because they have a massive stockpile of Aircard 580's to sell.

Telstra have been selling 3/1 of these modems versus the PCMCIA cards in Aussie because they have superior signal gain than PCMCIA cards and they also work in a vairety of machines including desktops and MAC's.

Good option for those wanting a decent mobile data solution when outside of full coverage.

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johnr

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Reply # 40532 5-Jul-2006 21:09

Here is some more

Also support GPRS/WCDMA/HSDPA and CDMA EV-DO

http://www.3g.co.uk/PR/June2006/3243.htm

freitasm

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Reply # 40533 5-Jul-2006 21:20

I saw the minimax sometime ago. It's taking some time to reach the market...

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pland

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Reply # 40545 5-Jul-2006 22:17

John R

the Huawei device looks interesting - and it looks like it supports up to 3.6M on hsdpa , all the other hsdpa devices seem to be 1.8M limited.

Do they have a similar evdo usb device ?

nzbnw

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Reply # 40555 5-Jul-2006 23:03

mjsit&t:I would doubt if any Telecom dealers have any knowledge of this modem though, Telecom are as of yet not promoting or launching to the dealers, i think because they have a massive stockpile of Aircard 580's to sell.

I doubt you will see this modem for sale via Telecom (with a subsidy that is), as this device is just EVDO Rev0, and with RevA just around the corner, it's unlikely Telecom would switch from it's existing 580 Aircard.

I have also seen this CDMA modem sometime ago, great concept, but EVDO RevA would make it a more attractive offering.

mike

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Reply # 40556 5-Jul-2006 23:21

Where can I get one and how much? Cheers.

nzbnw

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Reply # 40558 5-Jul-2006 23:28

mike: Where can I get one and how much? Cheers.

I suggest you see RT Wireless; http://www.rtwireless.co.nz, as posted by *mjsit&t*

Cheers

Jama

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Reply # 40566 6-Jul-2006 08:35

mjsit&t: i think because they have a massive stockpile of Aircard 580's to sell.
Telstra have been selling 3/1 of these modems versus the PCMCIA cards in Aussie because they have superior signal gain than PCMCIA cards and they also work in a vairety of machines including desktops and MAC's.

You are so wrong on all counts!!!

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bbman

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Reply # 40575 6-Jul-2006 09:46

Jama, please explain.

As mentioned below my first entry, another member stated that reasoning for not promoting or subsidising the minimax was because of Rev A. That i can understand and makes sense, although Rev A is still some time away and theres a lot of market selling time between then and now.

But re the Aussie info please prove me wrong.

Telecom promotes the Sierra wireless Aircard 580 as it's flagship device yet the Gtran 6210 and now the Mini max both out perform this card on reception alone plus they both have USB connectivity to both Desktop and Mac. PCMCIA is hardly the answer now!

I have used all three devices, the Sierra wireless is certainly a distant third compared to the Gtran and Minimax offering.

It has taken an age for the Minimax to get through PTC, i would like to know why as it seems to perform very nicely for me.

Any way please correct me Jama

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Jama

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Reply # 40584 6-Jul-2006 11:37

Telecom does not automatically promote all CDMA devices approved for connection in NZ. There are lots of reasons for this which I wont get into. It has nothing to do with RevA.

Again there are lots of reasons for the preference of AirCard and a PC Card is still the biggest selling device format. The AirCard does feature an external antenna connector so overall it does have better coverage characteristics than similar devices.

Telstra chose the MiniMax to address the rural market for broadband where ADSL did not exist. They called the service 'bush broadbrand'. Most users on this service have PC's not laptops.

Telecom promote CDMA as 'mobile broadband' not as a DSL substitute. Being mobile generally requires a laptop.

Yes it did take a while to get through PTC. The approval was not held up by Telecom.

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bbman

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Reply # 40586 6-Jul-2006 13:02

thanks for the answers Jama

(Telecom does not automatically promote all CDMA devices approved for connection in NZ. There are lots of reasons for this which I wont get into. It has nothing to do with RevA.)
This is quite true, Gtran is a good example and it only got a shove when customers where complaining about the aircard lack of coverage.

Again there are lots of reasons for the preference of AirCard and a PC Card is still the biggest selling device format. The AirCard does feature an external antenna connector so overall it does have better coverage characteristics than similar devices.

Yes PCMCIA is still the biggest selling format - simply because they don't promote anything else.

Re reception and better coverage charecteristics, my clients & many dealers would beg to differ on this. Hence why the Gtran was subsidized for customers working in poor coverage.
From mulitple customer implementations and experiences the external antenna boosts the reception to that of a handset , unfortunately it is very fragile and the adpators break often, thats good for sales but not for customer satisfaction, these antennas are also quite expensive $129 upwards and not really appropriate for everyday use due to the cable and antenna required. The Gtran itself with extension USB cable gets better signal, the Minimax performs similar to a handset without extension antenna but does have the USB extension available.

I have also found and several clients and collegues have found that the HTC Apache /Harrier and Gtran cards work better in 1xRTT coverage as well, no matter where you are in relation to a site. I have 4 aircards to test and this is same on all. They work great in EVDO and in good coverage but there are certainly better options when you are moving about.

Note this is not a knock the Air card forum, just putting out there that it's certainly not the only or best option. Telecom makes decisions on whats best for Telecom. Oten the flag ship device is not the best, just the best for Telecom!

Telstra chose the MiniMax to address the rural market for broadband where ADSL did not exist. They called the service 'bush broadbrand'. Most users on this service have PC's not laptops.

True in respect to bush broadband, but USB makes more sense and covers Mac & desktops and and eliminates the need for the new express card that Dell and other laptop providers are bringing out. Being remote is not about just using laptops and PDA's, Telecom have yet to under stand this. Rev A and the opportunities it brings will change that thinking.

Telecom promote CDMA as 'mobile broadband' not as a DSL substitute. Being mobile generally requires a laptop.

Again true but watch this space, mobility is not just about using a laptop in a cafe or on the road, this will change and more people will want fixed wireless or different mobility solutions, ethernet routers etc are now surfacing and will become more and more popular, i already am experiencing this.

Yes it did take a while to get through PTC. The approval was not held up by Telecom.

I find that very hard to believe that Telecom was not the major reasoning behind a slow PTC approval, seriously!!. But i am sure refinements & changes where needed on the device as is always the case. Anyway it's here and hopefully several new devices soon in the mobility space that will come to market in the next 6 months.

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Jama

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Reply # 40589 6-Jul-2006 14:38

Believe what you want. Because I am involved in the process directly I will tell you again that Telecom did not hold up the MiniMax PTC.

Thanks for the feedback but not everything is as it seems. I am also directly involved in the product strategy which is built around what our customers want and not necessarily around what is good for or the preference of Telecom.

We recently announced that we will be launching embedded laptops and there are also other products on the horizon which is an acknowledgment that a 'one product suits all users' philosophy is no longer suitable for the diversity of our market and the requirements of our customers.

FYI - I sourced and approved our first EVDO ethernet router which is now being used in a multitude of solutions where DSL was unavailable or not economic.

Having worked in the mobile industry for a number of years I am more than aware of the direction in which mobile data is heading. It is no doubt exciting times for mobile data and I am sure you will agree that customer acceptance and uptake is increasing at a rapid rate.

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bbman

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Reply # 40591 6-Jul-2006 15:22

Thanks Jama , i am enlightened and re informed by your comments.

I mean no disrespect to yourself however there is so much politcal BS in Telecom when you look out side in that it is often hard to see past this.

If your involved directly in that area i am sure you must know who held up what, not really a big deal or the major point, Telecom hasn't instilled confidence from past experiences in other areas so i guess i would struggle to believe anything else - Networks is a prime example.

Aside from that atleast new devices like this are coming to market.

Glad to see Telecom has finally cottoned on to the fact that one device does not suit all,

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barf

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Reply # 40593 6-Jul-2006 15:56

Does the minimax work in Linux?
Can anyone reccomend a T3G adaptor that does?

I want to use T3G/EV-DO on my laptop but, if it doesn't work in Linux it would be useless to me.
(It would also be great for multi-homing and redundant internet connections if I could use it in Linux!)

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Jama

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Reply # 40594 6-Jul-2006 16:12

using an AirCard on Linux

Courtesy of Andrew McMillan from Catalyst IT

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jpwise

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Reply # 40764 10-Jul-2006 20:06

The Gtran GPC-6210 using the USB cable can be used also with linux. It's essentially seen as a usb acm device, then just point pppd at it, run a basic connect script, and set up the username, password etc.

Jp.

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