Canada Vancouver : Sierra Wireless announced the latest addition to the company's AirCard(R) product line: AirCard USB Wireless Modems for EV-DO Revision A and HSDPA networks. Based on Sierra Wireless PCI Express Mini Card embedded modules, the stylish and compact AirCard USB modems can either plug directly into the USB ports of both notebook and desktop computers, or be connected through a docking cradle. This offers an alternative for customers without PCMCIA card slots, and allows them to move a single wireless data service between multiple computers to save costs.

The AirCard 595U for EV-DO Revision A networks is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2006. Shipments of the AirCard 875U, for use on HSDPA networks, are expected to follow in the first quarter of 2007.

"Our USB modems will allow customers to use a 3G wireless connection for all their connectivity needs, or with other devices besides their notebook computers," said Trent Punnett, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Development for Sierra Wireless. "With a sleek design that includes several carefully considered features - such as an integrated battery and a docking cradle - to improve the overall performance and user experience, Sierra Wireless AirCard USB modems are a strong addition to our comprehensive product portfolio."

Compatible with both Microsoft Windows and Mac OS X operating systems, the AirCard 595U and AirCard 875U are pocket-sized for mobility (3.7 x 1.5 x 0.8 in.; 93 x 39 x 20 mm) and offer customers an alternative to both PCMCIA- and ExpressCard-based solutions. An internal battery ensures optimal performance in fringe areas, while built-in GPS functionality allows for delivery of location-based services such as local searches and navigation assistance.

Users can choose to plug the modem directly into a single USB port, or use the included docking cradle, which enables the device to move seamlessly between a fixed and mobile environment and offers the added benefit of allowing it to be optimally located for the best possible antenna performance in a given location.

AirCard 595U

The AirCard 595U USB modem, built using the Sierra Wireless MC5725 PCI Express Mini Card embedded module, is designed for EV-DO Revision A networks and offers maximum data speeds of 3.1 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 1.8 Mbps on the uplink. For use in areas where an EV-DO Revision A network is not yet available, the AirCard 595U is also compatible with widely available EV-DO Release 0 and CDMA 1X networks.

AirCard 875U

The AirCard 875U USB modem, built using the Sierra Wireless MC8775 PCI Express Mini Card embedded module, supports peak theoretical data rates of up to 3.6 Mbps on HSDPA networks and is upgradeable to support future network upgrades providing peak data rates of up to 7.2 Mbps. With support for HSDPA and UMTS on the 2100, 1900, and 850 MHz frequency bands, as well as support for EDGE and GPRS on the 1900, 1800, 900, and 850 MHz frequency bands, the AirCard 875U offers international 3G network roaming on networks worldwide.

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