Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Just got a new Apple Macbook Air version 2, and wanted to be really really flexible when traveling, so I added this new USB 3G card to the mix. The card is only a few weeks old at this time, and so the Mac drivers have to be downloaded directly from the manufacturer's website, as AT&T only includes the Windows drivers in the package. I can understand in the rush to get the card out they probably focused on the more widely used windows drivers, and I had no problem downloading the latest mac driver and instruction sheet from the manufacturer's website.
I did run into 2 stumbling blocks. First this thing is bigger in real life than the picture would make it seem. I thought it would be more like my small USB memory cards in size, and so when I saw it for the 1st time at the AT&T store I was a little surprised how big it is. In fact it's too bulky to fit into my Macbook Air's USB Port - there is just not enough clearance, so I had to buy a USB extension cable, which actually kind of worked out ok because I can put it nearer the window and away from the computer for better 3G reception.
The other stumbling block was a misleading direction in the otherwise very clear installation manual to leave the "APN" field blank on the Mac software. I wasn't able to connect even though everything looked good to me and the AT&T tech on the phone until he asked what the APN was set to. Turns out for AT&T, they use "isp.cingular" in all lower case with no user-name or password as the APN for all the data connect cards. Once I set that up I was working fine, with very decent 3G speeds.
So it seems to work fine so far after a few days of use now, and I finally have that go anywhere laptop experience I was always wishing for.
Click Here to see more reviews about: AT&T Quicksilver USB Connect Card (AT&T)
Keep your laptop connected to the Internet wherever you roam with the AT&T USBConnect Quicksilver 3G modem, one of the smallest USB modems available and offering support for tri-band 3G connectivity--perfect for global roaming (additional charges applicable). The Quicksilver's four-click swivel mechanism is designed to work across different USB port layouts and to protect the USB connector when not in use, and there's no protective cap to lose.
The AT&T USBConnect Quicksilver is the first USB mobile broadband device to use the Icera Livanto chipset, providing the latest features in one of the world's smallest HSPA USB devices that weighs just 1.2 ounces. Based on the global standard for wireless--GSM--the Quicksilver provides access to not only the nation's fastest 3G network but also to international data roaming in more than 150 countries, with 3G available in more than 60 of those countries.
It seamlessly works between AT&T's 3G BroadbandConnect and EDGE networks, and it offers USB plug-and-play operability with automatic installation of AT&T Communication Manager software. It also features a multicolor LED status indicator built-in swivel.
AT&T Service This AT&T USB 3G modem requires an AT&T DataConnect plan. It can handle high-speed data connectivity via AT&T's 3G mobile broadband data network, which is available in most major metropolitan areas. The AT&T 3G network uses the dual-band UMTS/HSDPA 850/1900 MHz network, and this USB modem is also compatible with 2100 MHz 3G networks (found in international territories). The AT&T 3G network provides download speeds ranging from 700 Kbps to 1.7 Mbps, and upload speeds ranging from 500 Kbps to 1.2 Mbps. This makes it possible to enjoy a variety of feature-rich wireless multimedia services, and it gives you the advantage of offering simultaneous voice and data services.
In areas where the 3G network is not available, you'll continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. Providing average data download speeds between 70-135Kbps, it's fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go.
Specifications
Dimensions: 2.6 x 1.0 x 0.7 inches
Weight: 1.2 ounces
Technology: GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA
Frequency: 850/900/1800/1900 MHz (GSM/GPRS/EDGE); 850/1900/2100 MHz (UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA)
Data Transmission: Edge/GPRS Class 12 (typically 70-135 Kbps download / 60-80 Kbps uplink); HSPA typically 700 Kbps-1.7 Mbps download / 500 Kbps-1.2 Mbps uplink
Operation System: Microsoft Windows Vista, XP, 2000 (Plug-and-play); Apple Mac OS X version 10.4 or later (support through download from AT&T web site)
Antenna: Internal Antenna
Power consumption: 5.0V
USB 2.0 connectivity
Multicolor LED status indicator built into swivel
Note that 3G service is not available in all areas.
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