http://www.teardown.com// This channel delivers analysis reports of home networking, notebook computer, information appliance, and entertainment products. These products reflect the growth and co-mingling of always-on Internet access, television, gaming, telephony, and mobile computing for the wired (and unwired) environment of home and work. Significant discounts are available with the purchase of a Channel License . © 2010, UBM LLC en-us Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:03:00 -0500 Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:03:00 -0500 Mobile Computing and Connectivity Channel 60 ]]>The Huawei UMG1691 USB dongle for wireless data supplies connectivity for both HSDPA and EDGE networks. The UMG1691 also supports both quad-band GSM and W-CDMA (Band IV) networks. The built-in T-Mobile software provides the interface for connecting to cellular networks as well as WiFi. (Although WiFi is not part of the unit, the software will serve to control an external WiFi source.) Other notable features include an external antenna connector and a microSD card slot enabling the device to be used as a memory stick. The pivoting USB connector allows more flexibility in placement and could improve connectivity when a more vertically oriented antenna is used. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1581 Dec 30, 2009 17:03:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1581 ]]>The dual-mode U300 USB Modem offers WiMAX 2.5GHz and CDMA-EVDO RevA 800/1900 MHz service for Sprint customers. The WiMAX service coverage is limited to relatively few US cities as of late 2009 but the 3G access, with claimed download speeds from 3 to 6Mbps, is available nationwide at a cost of $70/month with a two-year Sprint contract. The device is free to the consumer after a price reduction and $50.00 mail-in rebate. The EV-DO (CDMA) service is limited to 5GB of data transfers per month, but no such limit is imposed on WiMAX usage. The U300 modem is compatible with Windows Vista, XP, and 2000. The USB connector can be rotated to several different angles or clipped to the top of a laptop display screen using the included accessories. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1569 Dec 28, 2009 13:44:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1569 ]]>The MiFi 2200 Mobile Hotspot combines a 3G modem and WiFi router in a battery-operated, wireless, portable device that’s smaller than an iPod Touch. Once the device is activated and registered, a mobile broadband connection to the Verizon 3G network (where available) can be established by simply pressing the power button. The device allows wireless access to the Internet for up to five simultaneous WiFi-enabled users. The MiFi has an internal antenna and operates on 800/1900 MHz CDMA (EV-DO Rev. A) with 802.11b/g WiFi. The 1150mAh battery provides up to 4 hours of operation between charges (with one WiFi client) or 40 hours standby time. A service contract with Verizon Wireless is required. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1503 Sep 21, 2009 17:23:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1503 ]]>The Huawei UMG181 USB dongle for wireless data supplies connectivity for HSDPA and EDGE networks. The UMG181 includes support for both Quad-band GSM and W-CDMA as well as GPS though the GPS is not implemented in the T-Mobile configuration. Other notable features include an external antenna connector and a microSD card slot enabling the device to be used as a memory stick. The pivoting USB connector allows flexibility in dongle placement and could improve reception quality with a vertically-oriented antenna. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1515 Sep 21, 2009 11:54:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1515 ]]>Released in Europe in Q2 2009, the Nokia CS-10 Internet Stick is the approximate size of a USB thumb drive. With a laptop, the device allows connection to the Internet over both GSM and W-CDMA protocols. The device is preloaded with the required software, which automatically loads once the device is plugged into a USB 2.0 port on the host computer. A status LED on the exterior indicates if the device is functioning properly. The Internet Stick enables claimed download speeds of up to 7.2Mbps and upload speeds to 2.0Mbps. The W-CDMA/HSDPA frequencies are 850/2100 MHz, and the GSM/EDGE frequencies are 850/900/1800/1900 MHz. The device is compatible with the Windows XP, Windows Vista, and MAC operating systems. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1501 Aug 11, 2009 12:33:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1501 ]]>Announced by Sierra Wireless in 2008, the Compass 885 USB wireless modem, also known as Mercury at ATT, supplies connectivity for both HSPA and EDGE networks. The device was first released in the UK as the Compass 885 in July 2008, through O2. However, in September 2008, the device was released in the US under a new name: the USBConnect Mercury, via ATT. ATT reports maximum uplink and downlink speeds of 1.7Mbps and 1.2Mbps, respectively for the 885. Receive diversity for all three W-CDMA/HSPA frequencies is available. Other notable features include an external antenna connector that allows for signal bolstering and a microSD card slot that adds portable storage capability. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1293 Jun 17, 2009 14:07:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1293 ]]>At PT/Wireless and Networks Comm China 2007, ZTE rolled out several new products that operated on China’s new TD-SCDMA 3G network. One of those products was the MU318, a USB 2.0-based data card that functions on both the TD-SCDMA and GSM networks. The TD-SCDMA operating frequency is 2000MHz, with a download data rate of 384Kbps. The GSM/GPRS operating frequencies are 900MHz and 1800MHz, with a download data rate of 85.6Kbps. This compact unit measures 90.4 x 35.0 x 12.5 mm in closed position and weighs 35 grams. Also part of the design are the retractable USB connector and External Antenna. The unit is shipped with a USIM card and a shielded Power and Data Cable. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1348 May 27, 2009 13:18:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1348 ]]>The Inspiron Mini 9 (initially known as the Inspiron 910) is Dell’s answer to the ASUS Eee PC. This Dell netbook is about the same size as others in the netbook class uses the same processor (Intel’s 1.6GHz Atom), but is available with only a solid state drive. The unit analyzed is the base version, with a 4GB drive; 8GB and 16GB options are available with $100 upgrade to 32GB over the 4GB option. The unit also includes 512MB DDR2 SDRAM, an Intel Graphics Media Accelerator, and a wireless 802.11g Mini Card, and is powered by the Ubuntu 8.04 operating system. All units come with an 8.9” WSVGA LED (1024 x 600), a full keyboard, and a 4-cell, 32Wh Li-ion battery. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1325 May 1, 2009 12:33:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1325 ]]>The Samsung SWC-E100 is a WiMAX device that plugs into the ExpressCard slot of a laptop (or other host PC) to provide a mobile broadband connection. The SWC-E100 ExpressCard analyzed here is designed to work on the Sprint-Nextel/Clearwire XOHM network, though it may function on the very limited set of WiMAX deployments elsewhere. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1349 Jan 30, 2009 13:33:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1349 ]]>The UNDP-1 (Universal Notebook Data Platform) is a wireless card that enables data connectivity for notebook computers. It uses the PCI Express Mini Card format and supports WWAN connectivity for the CDMA2000 1x, 1x EV-DO, W-CDMA (HSDPA and HSUPA), and GSM/EDGE protocols, all in a single package. It also supports GPS position location (although this feature was not enabled in the unit tested). The UNDP-1 is a single-module solution for world travelers needing to maintain wireless connectivity while hopping between continents, carriers, and their geography-dependant bands and protocols. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1319 Dec 16, 2008 13:48:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1319 ]]>The Huawei E169 USB dongle for wireless data supplies connectivity for HSDPA, EDGE, and GPRS networks. Frequencies of 900/2100 MHz for HSDPA/W-CDMA are supported, along with 850/900/1800/1900 MHz for GSM/GPRS/EDGE. The highlight of the device is its claimed maximum data rate of 7.2Mbps for HSDPA services. The E169 also includes receive diversity for the 2100MHz frequency. Other notable features include an external antenna connector that allows for additional signal boosting. The E169 is also capable of being a memory stick, with the inclusion of a microSD card slot. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1310 Dec 1, 2008 12:27:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1310 ]]>The Huawei E160 USB dongle for wireless data supplies connectivity for HSDPA, and EDGE networks. Frequencies of 850 / 1900 / 2100MHz for W-CDMA / HSDPA are supported along with 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900MHz for GSM/EDGE. The highlight of the device is its claimed maximum data rate of 3.6Mbps for HSDPA services. E160 also includes receive diversity for the W-CDMA frequencies. Other notable features include an external antenna connector that allows for signal bolstering. Also included is a microSD card slot enabling the device to be used as a memory stick. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1303 Nov 26, 2008 12:39:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1303 ]]>The SATA7525-32 is a 2.5-inch, 32GB solid-state drive (SSD) offered by Mtron as part of their Pro 7500 series of flash drives. The Pro 7500 line was first shown at the IFA 2007 Consumer Electronics Fair in Berlin, Germany. The drives are available in 2.5- or 3.5-in form factors with storage capacities ranging from 16GB to 128GB. At the heart of these drives is 32GB of Single-Level Cell (SLC) NAND flash memory surrounded by an all-metal casing. Mtron claims to have the fastest solid-state drives on the market to date, with a reported average access time of 0.1msec, maximum read speed of 130MB/s, and write speed of 120MB/s. With no moving parts, lower power, and growing storage capacities, SSDs are becoming attractive to laptop and desktop users in both the enterprise and personal computing worlds. While the price of SSDs remains relatively high, newcomer Mtron seems to be a serious player in the SSD market alongside rivals Toshiba and SanDisk. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1284 Nov 11, 2008 11:33:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1284 ]]>The Chinese Academy of Telecommunications Technology, along with Siemens AG, has developed and now launched the TD-SCDMA (Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access) protocol in China. During Q2 of 2008 Datang Mobile (also known as DTmobile) began releasing a line of products that will operate on the new TD-SCDMA network, including the DTM5722 aircard featured here. The device is a PCMCIA Type II form-factor data card for use in laptops. Targeted at both individuals and enterprise users, the DT5722 achieves a claimed downlink data rate of up to 384Kbps on the TD-SCDMA network while also supporting GPRS for GSM-based data communications. An internal antenna is integrated into the unit along with a USIM card slot located on the side. The DT5722 comes with its own software. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1151 Sep 10, 2008 12:15:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1151 ]]>The Option GT Max 3.6 Express is a cellular network connection card used for wireless Internet access. The card works with newer laptops having an ExpressCard/34 form-factor slot, and is powered by ATT’s 3G-enabled Broadband Connect network. Global compatibility outside the US is available in countries where 3G UMTS or GPRS/EDGE networks are employed. Wireless downlink speeds of 3.6Mbps are claimed using HSDPA Category 6. The card features both an external flip-up antenna and an internal antenna, and uses advanced receiver diversity and equalizer technology for improved 3G performance. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1207 Aug 22, 2008 14:58:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1207 ]]>Sierra Wireless introduced the USBConnect 881 Laptop Aircard in November 2007. The 881 connects to laptops through a USB port and is designed for full compatibility with ATT’s 3G data network. The unit is shipped with ATT’s Communications Manager software preloaded, for plug-n-play installation and setup. The unit draws power from the USB interface, backed by a 3.7V Li-Polymer battery internally. Network specifications for the USB Connect 881 include UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA (850/1900/2100MHz) and GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900MHz). Software enabled switching allows the user to move easily to the laptop’s WiFi interface if need be. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1087 Aug 6, 2008 13:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1087 ]]>The Asus Eee PC line of inexpensive "subnotebook" computers combines WiFi connectivity with a basic array of computing functions and peripheral support, all in a package smaller and lighter than many a college textbook. The 2G "Surf" model is, as the name implies, aimed at the user who wants easy Internet features and a few popular functions. Equipped with a 2GB solid-state hard drive and 512MB DDR2 memory, this is clearly not a machine for computation-intensive applications. It is, on the other hand, a Linux-equipped, Windows XP-compatible terminal with a 7-inch color display (480 x 800), full QWERTY keyboard, and touchpad. Three USB ports, an Ethernet connection, and a VGA external-monitor port enable the unit to work well with a host of other devices. The 2G "Surf" adheres to the self-contained approach by providing a small microphone and a pair of stereo speakers, but also features external jacks for audio output and external microphone. Additional memory is accommodated via the SD/MMC card slot. Asus claims approximately 2.8 hours of active use from the rechargeable 4400mAh battery pack. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1113 Jul 16, 2008 14:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1113 ]]>Advertised as the world's thinnest notebook, the MacBook Air has a 13.3-inch widescreen LED-backlit LCD display, full-size keyboard, and large multi-touch trackpad. The ultra- thin design of the MacBook Air is the result of numerous size- and weight-shaving innovations, including a slimmer hard drive, no optical drive, strategically hidden I/O ports, and a lower-profile battery. The MacBook Air’s wireless capabilities include an 802.11n WiFi and Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR. Other features include a built-in iSight camera, microphone, built-in rechargeable battery and 45W MagSafe power adapter. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1031 Apr 8, 2008 13:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1031 ]]>This QuickTurn Teardown examines Gyrations Gyrotransport wireless free-space pointing and control device where a unique gyro transducer combines with Wireless USB devices and high-density NAND to deliver a useful and technically intriguing PC accessory with applications beyond just the PowerPoint presenter. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1063 Mar 31, 2008 13:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1063 ]]>The Merlin EX720 by Novatel Wireless is one of two Express cards that operate on the EV-DO Network and the only one using the Express Card 34 connector. The Express 34 (34mm wide) is the latest industry-standard connector for use on laptops. The Express 34, with its single row of 26 pins, replaces the 68-pin PC Card connector (two rows of 34 pins) and is smaller and lighter. Service for the EX720 wireless modem is offered through Sprint. Average upload speeds are 350 to 500 Kbps; average download speeds are 600Kbps to 1.4Mbps. The EX720 is A-GPS capable and outfitted with two antennas: a flip-up external antenna and an internal diversity receive antenna. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1012 Feb 29, 2008 13:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1012 ]]>The XO laptop – targeted at developing countries around the world- has a pivoting, reversible display that may be used in a tablet PC format. The display itself, is a color 7.5” dual-mode TFT display that can function in a monochrome mode allowing for longer battery life and better visibility in sunlight. The XO is housed in a dirt and moisture resistant enclosure which utilizes no fan or mechanical hard drive but instead all solid-state memory. At the heart of the XO is a 433MHz processor running a Linux based operating system. An integrated VGA camera, microphone and WiFi module allows for sharing images with other XO users. Powering the XO is a 6V, 3.8Ah LiFePO4 removable battery. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1009 Feb 28, 2008 13:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1009 ]]>The DWA-130 Wireless N USB Adapter from D-Link is designed to provide “a better wireless signal for your computer than existing wireless 802.11g technology.” It maximizes the speed and range of a wireless signal through the use of multiple antennas. Packaged as a “Wireless N” product, the DWA-130 adapter is compliant with IEEE draft 802.11n specifications and has data rates up to 248Mbits. It is also backwards compatible with legacy 802.11g and 802.11b systems. The DWA-130 plugs directly into the USB 2.0 port of a desktop or laptop computer, and may also be connected via the included USB cradle accessory for optimal positioning. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1000 Feb 25, 2007 13:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1000 ]]>The D-Link Xtreme N DWA-643 is an 802.11n series wireless card in the 34mm, ExpressCard format. It is claimed to have fourteen times the speed of 802.11g (that is, 756Mbps vs. 54Mbps) and six times the range. Reportedly, this is due to the implementation of the MIMO architecture and the new baseband/transceiver chipset. The DWA-643 also supports WEP, WPA, and WPA2 security encryption and is hot swappable. http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1014 Feb 21, 2007 13:00:00 -0500 Report http://www.portelligent.com/AllReports/product.aspx?reportid=1014