I bought a new laptop to take on the road that has the new Expresscard slot instead of the old Type 2. I wanted to sign up for the unlimited Internet service with Cingular, my cell provider, but was told Cingular's aircards (Sierra 875) are Type 2 only. I did a little research, but there doesn't seem to be an inexpensive solution to make the Type 2 work with the Express thingy. Am I just stuck with Wi-Fi until Sierra makes an Express version of their card or is there something else out there I can try? Perhaps another 'net provider? Thanks.

 

here is a little info...

http://www.classadrivers.com/phpBB2/...ic.php?t=23811

 

There is a adapter out there that will work, there has been some issues with them. Verizon has a express card out right now, Sprint has a express card that will come out this month, and they have U720 that is a usb modem device that works very well.

 

either wait for cingular to come out with one as referenced here or switch to verizon and buy a v640 and a verizon plan. check the coverage map carefully!

 

A bit off topic but once you get the aircard running, you might have problems with the Cingular Communication manager.The connection was freezing up and other problems. I called up and they had me download something called 3G Watcher directly from Sierra's website. They walked me through configuring it and it works much much better than Cingular's communication manager (3G watcher will be used instead of Communication manager)

 

That Verizon plan looks pretty good. Only problem is paying more since I don't have a cell plan with them. That other thingy in the PC Magazine article looks promising, but is way too expensive. Saw it listed on one site for $400! :shock:

 

The adapters are a piece of junk. I have one. I ended up going with Verizon and the Express card and it works awesome.

 

Yeah, I've read that the adaptors tend to tie up the USB bus so much that it freezes the whole system while it's trying to get it's [****] straightened out. I'll probably just go with Verizon.

 

The sprint modem is a true usb modem which has been great, not a adapter.

 

Wifi wasn't embedded in your new laptop from the get-go? BOL