Dan Warne20 April 2007, 3:20 AM
Telstra BigPond today launched a wireless broadband card that fits in the ExpressCard34 slot of MacBook Pros and other new model laptops.
 Telstra BigPond boss Justin Milne: in a natural ergonomic "wireless" pose, holding laptop in the air with one hand and typing with the other |
Telstra BigPond has launched an ExpressCard34 for MacBook Pro and other ExpressCard laptop owners to access its Next G network.
The Option GT card comes with both Mac and Windows software for logging in and Telstra says it is sturdy enough to be left in a laptop when travelling -- an advantage over Telstra's USB Next G device.
Telstra has been having difficulty getting Mac drivers for some of its devices, despite promises from suppliers.
Its USB dongle, manufactured by Maxon, has had its Mac driver support delayed since the beginning of the year.
Telstra finally released the software on Wednesday, but users on the Whirlpool broadband forum reported continuing problems getting a Next G connection on their Mac.
APC has requested a review modem and we'll post an update once we've had a chance to test it.
The Express Card (along with all the other BigPond Next G Modems) now has Windows Vista software available as well.
The card costs $299, with no discount available for people who sign up to Next G contracts. In comparison:
- Three charges $399 for its Mac-compatible HSDPA ExpressCard but offers it free of charge on a $49 plan over 24 months;
- Vodafone's Mac-compatible HSDPA USB modem costs $349 but is free with a $59.95 plan on 24 month contract
- Optus Wireless Connect's upcoming Mac-compatible USB HSDPA modem will cost $239 but will be available for $99.95 for people who sign up for 24 months between 2 May - 1 June.
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