Do Not Get The Iburst Usb Modem

[hitmeoverhere]

Unless you really have no option. I had the PCMCIA modem in my Powerbook and it worked pretty well, getting 100% in some places in my house. It worked in the car while travelling etc. It worked almost anywhere. I love iBurst.
Then I ordered the Macbook Pro, which has no slot PCMCIA slot instead it has this new standard called an Express/34 slot, so I was forced to exchange my unit for the usb one.It's bright orange! Ok no big deal. Its comes with a FREE laptop antenna, which worried me right away. Then I plugged it in... IT IS USELESS! I am lucky to get reception anywhere in my house, the only time it works is with the extra antenna stuck up in the window where i get a constant 100% and the speed is really good.
I haven't tried it outside yet because it it just so fiddly and just ruins the whole portability as far as i'm concerned. Imaging whipping out your modem with a cable attached, with an antennae and cable, i say, a coffee shop. Then moving the antenna to try get reception? Not happening. You cant connect it to an Airport either (its usb), so at least i could move around my house freely. Sigh oh well hope they release an Express/34 version but I doubt it! Luckily I'm on month to month contract so what are my options? 3G is ok but you gotta sign a contract, who wants that?. Are there any other options? I'm in Cape Town...

 

[rooijan]

What was Apple thinking?

WTF? No PCMCIA? Major problem. A quick google trip on the information superhighway reveals lots of people who share your pain.

I found a little box with a PCMCIA slot and a USB cable. Might enable you to go back to the PCMCIA modem, but the manaufacturer does not supply Mac drivers!

Here is the description anyway:
http://sewelldirect.com/U-111-USB-to-PCMCIA-Adapter-16-Bit.asp

This adapter lets you turn any USB port into an available PCMCIA slot for select PCMCIA 16 bit cards (please refer to specifications for supported cards). Need more PCMCIA slots or don't have any available? The USB to 16 bit PCMCIA adapter is for you.

The adapter is specifically made for wireless data cards, meaning you can access the internet through your data card on a machine that does not carry a PCMCIA slot. The device will run on laptops or desktop PCs (no Macintosh support available).

 

[Ekhaatvensters]

That sounds bad.. but if you are having a good experience with Iburst do you really want to waste all the money you spent on both modems and still buy a new one for 3G/HSDPA?

I guess you have no choice if USB doesnt work out for you. There are a few USB to PCMCIA converters, but that get a bit clumsy too.. you have to place the modem somewhere carefully as its only attached by USB cable.