Updated, 6/28: Dell sent me a photo of the branded ExpressCard, at left, and made clear that the card will ship with something called the Dell Mobile Broadband Utility and not Verizon's VZAccess Manager software. Also, the new version of the Mac OS, 10.4.7, supports Novatel's S620 and V620 cards -- but not explicitly the XV620. Will this card work on non-Dell laptops? I'm going to have to get one in here to find out.
Original post, 6/27: Dell just released the first ExpressCard for Verizon's high-speed EV-DO network: The Dell Wireless 5700 Mobile Broadband ExpressCard. This is a rebranded version of the Novatel Wireless XV620 that I tested back in April, and it will sell for $179 on Dell's Web site by the end of this week. When I tested Novatel's prototype, it was blazing fast and got excellent reception.
The new ExpressCard standard replaces old-school PC Cards on many new laptops, including models from Dell, Lenovo, HP and Apple. Up until now, though, there have been no cards for high-speed cellular networks that fit in the new machines, forcing people to hook up cell phones via USB cables to use as modems or use laptops with integrated cellular connectivity. ExpressCards are typically faster than phone-as-modem connections, and more flexible than an integrated cellular laptop.
The 5700 will come with 30 days of free Verizon service, after which you'll have to pay $59.99/month if you have a Verizon voice plan, or $79.99/month if you don't.
You won't need to buy a Dell laptop to buy this ExpressCard, but I assume it will only come with Windows drivers, so Mac users will still be left out in the cold. As soon as I get one I'll try it with a MacBook Pro, though. There's still no word from Verizon or Sprint on the release of their own versions of the card.
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June 27, 2006 11:13 AM
Very anxious to see what happens when you plug it into your MBP. Keep us updated!
June 27, 2006 12:34 PM
I've loved my Verizon card that is not supported on the Mac but just works. When I bought it from Verizon, the sales guy said to make sure that I installed the drivers first or else it would break the card. When I discovered that it only had Windows drivers on the CD, I went back and asked about Mac support. After waiting about 10 minutes for the guy to come back to the front counter, I got antsy and just pushed it into the slot with not drivers loaded. Voila! It just worked. The guy soon came back to the counter and said, Sorry, it won't work in your Mac. I laughed and left knowing that this is just the way of the world.
June 27, 2006 12:36 PM
I'm very much looking forward to what kind of luck you have using this with the MacBook Pro! Good luck! Hmm...59.99 a month for the plan to use it, eh? Not TOO bad, I suppose, if I'd use it all the time...
June 27, 2006 7:42 PM
necesito comprar tarjetas red express y telefonos cdma como treo 650, 700 pocket ustedes las pueden enviar a mexico saludos fernando leo sainz
June 28, 2006 4:07 AM
to Robert Ameeti, i just went to Verizon and they had no clue what would work for the new MacBookPro,...do you have a model # of the card you used ? thanks
June 28, 2006 11:51 AM
Dell Wireless 5700 is on Dell.com. I just ordered one. Link http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&cs=19&sku=313-4357
June 28, 2006 12:08 PM
MacOS X 10.4.7 contains drivers for this card... pop in the card, and it just works (better than with the Windows junk) !
June 29, 2006 6:03 PM
Today, PCMag.com Executive Producer Robyn Peterson sits in for Jim Louderback, who will return to...
July 4, 2006 9:24 AM
I am no where near as excited on the express card. I just got a new dell laptop and went to put in my wireless card.. didnt fit!!!! I had exppressly asked that it would have the PC slot for wireless data cards.. "oh of course was the reply" Now the laptop is useless on the road.. and in order to get going I have to buy a new card.. from dell and have to go with their chosen carrier.. Careful .. its maybe good to be on the leading edge, but it would be nice to know you are going there..and what is available.
July 17, 2006 3:12 PM
I just received my dell card. Mac OS X 10.4.7 did not recognize this card. It does not work. Although the indicator blinks. It works fine in BootCamp's XP partition.
July 17, 2006 6:33 PM
Got it today 7/17/2006 OK I have been using the PC 5220 PCMCIA card (Over 3 years) since verizon started this service. Now this service been a life saver... and a nightmare at times. So when I saw this come in today and put on my desk I said "OK am I ready for a nightmare? or should do this tomorrow" Well here is how it went. 1. I load the software 2. Put the card in my E1705 3. Call dell and tell them I already have an account so they give me an 800 for Verizon and say "Give verizon the number off the back of your card and your all set" Now lets stop for a second I have to tell you I rolled my eyes at the dell guy and said "A huh yeah right" ....OK lets move on 4. I call verizon and give them the new number off the Dell card. The rest was a dream!! Click on the sofware... click connect lightning fast I am on the Net! This thing flies I live in a Small New Hampshire town and I am only getting 2 bars and I love it! At 2 bars this card blows away my PCMCIA card with 4 bars!. Get this card!! I cant wait to see what speeds I get when I am at 4 bars in Boston!
July 21, 2006 4:48 PM
Is there any kind of adapter for this new card? I have a Toshiba laptop also and need wireless data access with it. Am currently using a Sprint Merlin S620 card that obviously will not work with my new Dell (and no, they did not tell me about the Express Card when I bought it, only after I got it and my card would not fit the slot!). I don't want to have two accounts for wireless service at $70 each. Help!!!
July 31, 2006 11:14 PM
I ordered one from Dell late last week and, after going through the whole process, was told the estimated ship date isn't until AUGUST 31! That's not very helpful. I didn't cancel the order, but I will if I can find a card somewhere else first.
August 2, 2006 2:36 PM
It would be great if someone can confirm that the Dell Wireless 5700 Card works with an Intel MacBook (or Pro). I've been messing with this for weeks and the information on the net is sketchy at best. I'm in the same boat having ordered a 5700 from Dell but it won't ship until Sept 7.
August 7, 2006 10:37 PM
Anyone know if the Dell ExpressCard is the same as the one Verizon is selling now? I was under the impression that they are the same, just different drivers.
August 11, 2006 12:15 PM
Guys, Do I take it that the EV-DO card only works with certain service providers (or perhaps only one)? This doesn't help me much in Ireland where no Cellphone Company has any Express Cards available, nor any plans to introduce one. Pretty upset now that I bught a Laptop that didn't take an old fashioned Data Card.
August 19, 2006 1:26 AM
Just takes a little hacking. http://www.evdoforums.com/about2875.html&highlight=5700+macbook+pro