Novatel Wireless Merlin C201 PCS Connection card: extend your Sprint PCS service to your laptop.

As the wireless industry matures, we're finally starting to see those innovations the hype masters promised so long ago. One example is the Novatel Wireless Merlin C201 data card. This PCMCIA data card lets a Sprint PCS user plug their laptop into the Sprint PCS Vision network (CDMA) and transmit data at speeds up to 144Kbps.

In my testing, the card averaged around 80Kbps throughput, although the connection slowed to a crawl in weak signal areas. In an effort to increase network speed, Sprint uses a form of compression on images. The compression degrades image quality, but it's an acceptable tradeoff. The average speed allows easy Web browsing and e-mail download.

To stake its claim in the market, Sprint PCS's new pricing plans allow unlimited data transfer for US$100 per month. Many of Sprint's new Vision phones also offer unlimited data and the ability to link your laptop to the Internet through the phone.

I didn't have any problems installing the PCMCIA card or setting up the data-capable phone. The PCS Connection Manager software works with Microsoft Windows (XP/ME/2000/98 and Pocket PC 2002/2000), as well as Mac OS 9 and higher.

HEADS UP: Make sure you install the drivers prior to plugging in any devices, or you might run into some trouble. After installing the drivers, simply plug in the device and click on Start. Viola: You're browsing the Web from anywhere in Sprint PCS's digital network.

UpShot

I can't overstate the sense of freedom unlimited wireless connectivity provides. I use the word "unlimited" in terms of both location (relative to Wi-Fi, anyway) and the amount of data you can download. Appreciating this latest wave in the wireless revolution will take a while. I look forward to trying more of these wireless innovations.

ADVISOR EVAL

BUSINESS BENEFITS

This card lets Sprint PCS users connect their laptops anywhere they get a signal.

(+) Ability to connect from a wide area

(+) Easy installation

(+) Decent speed

(-) Encrypted applications and graphic intensive Web pages still take a while to load

(-) PCMCIA cards only support Microsoft operating systems 

Novatel Wireless

http://www.novatelwireless.com

Novatel Merlin C201 PCS Connection Card

US$299 MSRP 

DIMENSIONS: 3.9" length; 2.3" width; 0.2" depth

HOST INTERFACE: PCMCIA Type II

WORKS WITH: Windows XP/ME/CE/2000/98, Pocket PC 2002/2000, and Mac OS 9 and higher

DATA SPEED: Up to 144Kbps

RADIO SYSTEM: CDMA2000 1X

John Eder gained invaluable consulting experience working in the security and technology solutions practice at Ernst & Young, LLP. While with Ernst & Young, he also earned his Cisco Certified Network Administrator (CCNA) and Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP) certifications, John now works as a system security consultant for Experian Corporation. He is active in the security community, presenting and writing on wireless and application security. John's latest research focuses on methods for rogue [e-mail].