Modems
Novatel U679 Turbo Stick
Novatel Wireless and Bell have collaborated to release the 4G LTE Novatel Wireless U679 Turbo Stick that provides Bell Mobility customers in LTE coverage areas mobile Internet download speeds as fast as 75 Megabits per second (Mbps). Known as the slimmest 4G LTE USB modem on the market today, the device features an internal MIMO receive antenna. What makes the Novatel U679 Turbo Stick more interesting is that it is also backwards compatible to both Dual Carrier HSPA+ networks (up to 42Mbps) or HSPA+ (up to 21Mbps). The 4G LTE Novatel Wireless U679 Turbo Stick retails for $59.95 on a three year contract, or for $199.95 with no contact. [Engadget]
Nova Media iCON 461 Unlocked 3G USB Stick Modem
Berlin-based Nova Media today introduced a new unlocked 3G USB stick modem, which can be used with most 2G or 3G networks around the world. Dubbed as the iCON 461, this USB stick modem features an integrated GPS chip and a MicroSD card slot (up to 32GB), enabling it to double as a portable storage. The iCON 461 comes with Launch2Net Premium for OS X, as well as a connection manager for Windows (uCan Connect), allowing the device to be used with both platforms. Launch2Net Premium includes an SMS message manager, a GPS control panel and the ability to act as a personal hotspot. The software features connection settings for most mobile network providers worldwide. The device works with the 850/900/1900/2100 MHz frequencies, and supports HSPA (up to 7.2Mb per second downloading, 5.76Mb per second uploading), as well as 2G EDGE and GPRS connections (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) up to 220kb per second downloads and up to 120kb uploading. The Nova Media iCON 461 retails for approximately $256 including taxes and is available now from the company’s website. The Windows-only version is priced at $213. [Electronista]
