Mobile Modems, PCMCIA, Express and USB options

Forums › Laptops and mobile computers › Mobile Modems, PCMCIA, Express and USB options

nzbnw

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Topic # 14157 18-Jun-2007 21:59

Hi First off, I think I have got the forum correct. I didn’t want to place in Telecom or Vodafone, UMTS or CDMA as it is generic.

I have already tried for myself to answer my questions, but unfortunately Google on this occasion was not my friend entirely. So feel free to help me if you can.

What I want to know if what are the advantages of USB, Express and PCMCIA Mobile Data Cards? Would you purchase an Express or PCMCIA card over a USB option, assuming price equality? Also has anyone used any of the Sierra 595/595U EVDO Mobile Data Devices with a Mac? Cheers

nzbnw

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bradstewart

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Reply # 75112 18-Jun-2007 23:33

Personally I would go for USB simply because you can the use the device for a desktop as well as laptop. Very convenient

Evinta

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Reply # 75116 18-Jun-2007 23:37

USB, for the above reasons.

Never used one though as my laptop has all three main connections i would need.

grant_k

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Reply # 75139 19-Jun-2007 09:55

If I was buying an EV-DO or HSPA mobile modem, and had the choice, I would go for USB as well, for the reasons given above. Also, if the coverage is a bit dodgy, a USB modem lets you position the device for best signal strength (e.g. by a window), whereas the PCMCIA / Express Card devices are tied to your laptop, which may not be in the best position for optimum signal strength.

Having said that, if you want the tidiest most portable solution, and are mostly going to be using the device in areas with good signal strength, PCMCIA or Express Card is the way to go because there aren't any trailing cables.

nzbnw

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Reply # 75160 19-Jun-2007 13:31

Yes, I understand the usefulness of a USB device, but the reason I ask is, for example with the Vodem, I don’t hear too many positives about it, but I hear hardly anything about the PCMCIA option?

nzbnw

grant_k

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Reply # 75161 19-Jun-2007 13:43

nzbnw: ...for example with the Vodem, I don’t hear too many positives about it, but I hear hardly anything about the PCMCIA option?

It seems like the RF design of the Vodem is not so good, hence the achieved speeds are less than the PCMCIA (VMC) options.

However, the VMC cards are dearer, so it is possible that not too many people use them, especially given the very limited areas where decent HSDPA coverage is available.