MacBook Pro owners have typically had to rely on USB-based modems to use third-generation (3G) cellular networks. Nova Media offers an ExpressCard HSUPA option [1] which can work with a MacBook Pro on AT&T's U.S. 3G network (and tons of networks in Europe), but which costs Γé¼299 ($438). The advantage of an ExpressCard is really the form factor, which hides most of the device other than the antenna - sometimes with an external booster option.

AT&T has now introduced what looks to be the same item from device maker Option [2], but fully within its subsidized grasp. AT&T's GT Ultra Express [3] works with Mac OS X 10.4.10 and later, and costs nothing (after two rebates are sent in) with a two-year subscription to AT&T's data service; that subscription runs $60 per month for unlimited usage. The card will cost $49 with the same contract terms after the second rebate stops being part of a limited-time promotion.

[image link] [4]

In an unrelated move, Nova Media announced at the same time that their launch2net software [5] (Γé¼75/$110) can provide a bit more control over these "new" devices from AT&T than does the free downloadable Mac OS X software. The Nova Media software provides statistics to monitor bandwidth rates and usage, as well as various connection controls.

[image link] [6]

The timing is nice, because this new card coincides with AT&T's announcement that they would increase upload speeds and add 80 cities (for a total of 350 cities) to their American 3G network deployment. (See "More Mileposts Along Road to 3G iPhone [7]," 2008-02-06. For an explanation of the various technology used in AT&T's network, see "Starbucks Deal Brewed with AT&T Has Hints of Apple [8]," 2008-02-12.)

The GT Ultra Express, along with an identically priced PC Card version called the GT Ultra, is tri-band for 3G flavors and quad-band for EDGE. This lets it work in what AT&T describes as 140 countries - watch those international roaming fees, however!

The Mac OS X software - in one version for 10.4.10, and another for 10.4.11 and 10.5.0 or later - can be downloaded from AT&T's support site [9].

[1]: http://www.novamedia.de/e_pages/e_produkte_gt_express_72.html
[2]: http://www.option.com/products/globetrotter_express_hsupa.shtml
[3]: http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/02-14-2008/0004755866&EDATE=
[4]: http://www.option.com/images/presskit/LR_GT_Express_401.jpg
[5]: http://www.novamedia.de/e_pages/e_produkte_mac_l2n.html
[6]: http://www.tidbits.com/resources/2008-02/l2n_main_back_en.jpg
[7]: http://db.tidbits.com/article/9448
[8]: http://db.tidbits.com/article/9458
[9]: http://support.option.com/att/

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