Express Card option for Telecom NZ (CDMA)

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caldazar

459 posts

Ultimate Geek

#10329 16-Nov-2006 16:51

With the lack of an Express Card option for Telecom and their lack of interest in offering a solution.... I'm considering cancelling my account (I can't use it anymore! - No PCMCIA slot) and getting an Express Card with Vodafone.... will I regret the move?

Does anyone know if an Express Card will be available soon on Telecom?

I know there is the GTRAN which has a usb port but none of the Telecom stores seem to know it exists...

[Moderator (MF): moved to Telecom New Zealand]

1 | 2

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#52675 16-Nov-2006 17:11

If you live in 3G coverage there should be no issues (2G will be a bit slower than dial up)

Just a note all 3G sites are HSDPA but only the main centres at this point are running full speed out of the main centres in 3G covergae speed will be a bit lower. By March 2007 they will all be full speed Like Auckland Wellington Chch

http://www.vodafone.co.nz/coverage/3g/maps.jsp?image_id=1_1&item=3g

Map is a bit out dated and many more 3G (HSDPA) sites have been turned on since this was released

(Moderator edit (BG) - Added hyperlink )

Jama

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#52676 16-Nov-2006 17:18

Telecom will launch an Express Card sometime in Q1 2007. In the mean time you can obtain a Gtran card with a USB cable off any Telecom dealer. If you are unsure where to go the Gtran distributor is Advanced Portable Technologies in Wellington website

johnr

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#52677 16-Nov-2006 17:18

First Merlin XU870 HSDPA Test Results on Vodafone.

Also cokemaster using HSDPA for the first time

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/cokemaster

(Moderator edit (BG) - Added hyperlinks )

Jama

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#52678 16-Nov-2006 17:22

johnr: First Merlin XU870 HSDPA Test Results on Vodafone

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/blog.asp?blogid=1&blogcatid=&pageno=5

Hardly impressive. Caldazar you might want to wait for RevA.

johnr

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#52681 16-Nov-2006 17:28

Rev A may have seen it and used it already

The vodafone novatel card supports up to 7.2 mbps (as advised in the media this should be here early next year)

caldazar

459 posts

Ultimate Geek

#52682 16-Nov-2006 17:28

Hmm, well I've spoken to probably 6 different Telecom staff (in stores and at the Wireless Data Helpdesk) - even after asking specifically about purchasing a GTRAN they were not able to help me.

Twice in different stores, it was suggested I sell my PCMCIA card on Trademe - and they couldn't offer another solution. With that sort of advice, this is why I'm considering a switch.

johnr

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#52683 16-Nov-2006 17:32

caldazar do you mind advising me what part of NZ you would mainly use the data card

7.2 mbps may even be the end of this year

http://computerworld.co.nz/news.nsf/news/B1988ED62827600CCC2571DC0015EC6E

(Moderator edit (BG) - Added hyperlink)

AliExpress

Shop now on AliExpress (affiliate link).

caldazar

459 posts

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#52686 16-Nov-2006 17:56

Hi johnr, most of the use will be in various parts of Auckland.

johnr

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#52688 16-Nov-2006 18:10

Should be good all round

If you any other info just ask

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
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#52697 16-Nov-2006 19:46

Ok, ok... Calm down folks. Johnr, I know you want to get campers on the Vodafone side of the fence, but the OP asked about an Express Card for CDMA and if one was coming. I think the answer is "if you can't find the information you need from a Telecom dealer, contact the guys at APT. If you can't find anything there (I doubt it), then you should think about alternative network operators".

I think it sounds better than keep flooding the punter with something like "c'mon move now to Vodafone, don't explore the alternatives".

Back to the normal programme now.

tonyhughes

Hawkes Bay
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#52708 16-Nov-2006 20:43

thats a real shame that none of the Telecom dealers (they are privately owned stores) know about the Gtran - they have ALL been told, by way of internal electronic mailouts, several times.

If they read off a monthly pricelist, they wont see it, because unlike the Sierra cards, its not a subsidised device (i.e. you pay full price, and dont get the option of a lock-in contract to reduce the hardware cost).

Its a good unit. Call APT directly, or just tell any Telecom dealer to order one from APT for you (they can ALL do it).

nzbnw

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#52764 16-Nov-2006 23:56

caldazar: Hmm, well I've spoken to probably 6 different Telecom staff (in stores and at the Wireless Data Helpdesk) - even after asking specifically about purchasing a GTRAN they were not able to help me.

Twice in different stores, it was suggested I sell my PCMCIA card on Trademe - and they couldn't offer another solution. With that sort of advice, this is why I'm considering a switch.

TRS stores are able to order this product for you if required, how ever as listed on the APT website the price of the card is $652+GST. I am supprised how little some dealers actually know about these things, but they can order this for you, and if they dont/wont PM me and I'll see if I can help you there.

nzbnw

tonyhughes

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#52772 17-Nov-2006 08:05

a dealer that *wont* would probably be a dealer in *trouble*.

if they dont know about the gtran, tell them to do a search on "The Hub"

nzbnw

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#52899 17-Nov-2006 23:44

tonyhughes: if they dont know about the gtran, tell them to do a search on "The Hub"

Just did a confirmation search and "The Hub" does not contain any information on the GTRAN data card.

BigFella

105 posts

Master Geek

#52916 18-Nov-2006 10:03

freitasm: Ok, ok... Calm down folks. Johnr, I know you want to get campers on the Vodafone side of the fence, but the OP asked about an Express Card for CDMA and if one was coming. I think the answer is "if you can't find the information you need from a Telecom dealer, contact the guys at APT. If you can't find anything there (I doubt it), then you should think about alternative network operators".

I think it sounds better than keep flooding the punter with something like "c'mon move now to Vodafone, don't explore the alternatives".

Back to the normal programme now.

To be fair to Johnr, the OP did say he was considering a change, and whether we would regret it - all he provided was info regarding the sort of performance he could expect. Then the usual inter-telco willy-waving commenced....