Do 3G data cards support EDGE?

[redarrow]

Hi all,

Even though I don't have 3G in my area (neither Vodacom or MTN), I'm considering a prepaid data card, as it's more convenient than a cellphone plus I'm often enough in area's that do have 3G - so I may as well get it where/when I can.

I was just wondering suddenly if these cards support edge? I've never heard it mentioned before. With a bit of luck I may have edge in my area.

Alternatively is there any sort of thing like a gprs/edge/3g usb dongle? - Which would be even better.

 

[rpm]

Hi Redarrow

The new HSDPA cards support HSDPA, 3G, EDGE and GPRS. Last I heard they will be avilable in shops soon...maybe V3G can confirm the dates...

Regards,

RPM

 

[redarrow]

Thanks rpm,

I hadn't even given the HSDPA cards a thought actually,
and I was only planning to buy a 3G card in about 2-3 months time (when I have the cash ) so in that case I reckon I'll go for one of those instead.. hopefully they'll be out by then..

Thanks

 

[vodacom3g]

There is a whole range of new 3G/HSDPA terminals under development by the card manufacturers, including laptop-embedded (especially for ic.. ), express card and USB.

We expect to see some samples in the next 2 to 3 months. The embedded market seems to have caught a wakeup call with every major laptop manufacturer forming some sort of alliance with a card manufacturer, so it seems like 2006 is going to be the year of the embedded 3G/HSDPA.

 

[redarrow]

Re: Usb hsdpa dongles, I just found (after some googling) the "Option GlobeSurfer":
http://www.everythingusb.com/option_globesurfer_icon.html
There's not much info there, but it looks interesting

 

[redarrow]

Ahh Cool
Just found the thingy on Options web page:
http://www.option.com/products/globesurfer_icon.shtml

Wonder how much a gizmo like this'll cost ?

 

[redarrow]

Speaking of linux support, I suppose the HSDPA cards will most likely work as well? - Seeing as they're basically upgraded versions of the 3G card...
I would hate to spend a couple of grand on a card only to find it doesn't work...

 

[mancombseepgood]

Yep...

IMHO USB is not the best for comms... for some reason speed disappears somewhere between the onboard hub and the dongle - maybe some hw fundi can explain this phenomenon. Or maybe I've just had (many) bad experiences...