Verizon Wireless has started to ship the Novatel Wireless V640 ExpressCard/34. Previously the company only sold data cards in the older PCMCIA format and owners of notebooks with the new ExpressCard slot were out of luck. The card is available now and will be in retail stores starting August 24. It retails for $179.99/$229.99 with a two or one year service agreement respectively.
Nearly half the size of standard PC Cards, Novatel Wireless' V640 is a compact and convenient product for mobile notebook users, featuring plug-n- play so that the ExpressCard can be plugged in or removed at any time. In addition, the V640 ExpressCard has an advanced dual-band diversity design that incorporates an external flip antenna, maximizing data speed performance and allowing for stronger network signal reception.
Is it compatible with a Mac?
Word is that it works with the Mac. You will have to activate the card either at the Verizon store or with a PC. No way to activate from the Mac I am told. Also, there may be a sleep problem that Apple has acknowledged.
The version of this card offered by Verizon is supposed to have Mac drivers. Haven't heard about a sleep problem with it, but I can tell you from almost daily use of the KPC-650 card with a Mac PowerBook 17" running 10.4.7, that things can get messed up if you don't disconnect from the network BEFORE putting your machine to sleep. This is annoying, but usually fixed by quitting VZaccess Manager, and unplug/plug the KPC-650. I have a new MacBook Pro 17", and I plan to be one of the first ones to get the new card for it.
I have the PC5740 card and use it with my PowerBook directly through Internet Connect. I don't even have a copy of VZaccess Manager. I haven't had any problems with sleep, but don't use it every day (usually just when I'm on the road).
Whenever Apple updates the MacBook Pro to the new Core 2 Duo chip I'll upgrade and splurge for the new card. Should be a deadly combo.
If it's really compatible Apple should make this a build to order option with the Mac Book Pro. They have about everything else you could ever want to add to your order.
Just got this card last night. Plugged it into my MacBook and it set it self up and attempted to activate itself (No VZaccess Manager headaches). Naturally, I had to make a call to Verizon to enable the card and then have the card activate itself again. No software to install... it's just works.
I did notice the sleep issue and was researching it when I found this article. Closed the lid last night and it stayed on over night... guess I will try closing Internet connect and removing the card until Apple fixes this issue.
Performance is better than the older cards. I comute daily on a train and the known dead spots have reception with the new card.
I too just got the card. But, I plugged it in and right away a little window popped up with '3G' and it activated the card straight out. It then put little signal bars up on the top menu bar and you can connect striaght from there. - very simple. Totally painless!!
I don't think Apple would use Verizon as on option for wireless data cards considering their compteting download-to-phone music service and the existing program with Cingular
I too just got the 640 express card for EVDO Braodband and when you sleep the laptop the card does not function. You need to totally reboot the machine with the card OUT of the slot until after Vz Access manager is running. PITA. Hope the patch comes soon - if you know of one please e-mail me.
I too just got the 640 express card for EVDO Braodband and when you sleep the laptop the card does not function. You need to totally reboot the machine with the card OUT of the slot until after Vz Access manager is running. PITA. Hope the patch comes soon - if you know of one please e-mail me.
I have picked up the 640 express card today and my MacBook pro has very fast broadband internet now. But a little bummer - It won't "sleep" anymore and shut down does not work either. I hope there will be a patch available soon. I discovered the problem after it got burning hot in my packpack with a then emtpy bat. Till then I guess I will see if I can write a little script which is shutting all the EVDO stuff down - wonder how... I will see.
I have picked up the 640 express card today and my MacBook pro has very fast broadband internet now. But a little bummer - It won't "sleep" anymore and shut down does not work either. I hope there will be a patch available soon. I discovered the problem after it got burning hot in my packpack with a then emtpy bat. Till then I guess I will see if I can write a little script which is shutting all the EVDO stuff down - wonder how... I will see.
anyone know if this problem occurs with dell inspiron as well. i just ordered the express card and am getting concerned after reading these posts
anyone know if this problem occurs with dell inspiron as well. i just ordered the express card and am getting concerned after reading these posts
Before anyone asks, I do not know about Mac compatibility. The MacBook Pro was one of the first laptops to have an ExpressCard slot and is probably one of the most popular.