Sierra Wireless AC597E-PC-Card

The Sierra Wireless AC597E-PC-Card is a very high end PC Card that can be used with notebook (and some desktop) computers to allow them to connect to the wireless cellular network. This card is designed for speed and power, and is able to provide both of those features without faltering. This card is highly recommended for those road warriors who need access to the Internet at all times.

The Sierra Wireless AC597E-PC-Card is designed for use with the CDMA network, the 3G EVDO rev. A network to be exact. That means that this card is fast. You can expect to see transfers of up to 3.1 Mbps for downloads and 1.8 Mbps for uploads. In order to get good data rates wherever you go, the Sierra Wireless AC597E-PC-Card features a unique type of antenna which will greatly boost coverage range and signal strength.

Another great benefit of the Sierra Wireless AC597E-PC-Card over other PC Card style wireless network connection devices is that it comes with built in GPS support so that you can use your laptop as a type of GPS system if you need to.

As if that wasn't enough, the Sierra Wireless AC597E-PC-Card is also highly flexible and can be used in conjunction with a variety of operating systems. Microsoft Vista, XP, and 2000 are all supported, as is Mac OS X.

The only real problem with the Sierra Wireless AC597E-PC-Card is that it is designed for use with Express Card slots on your computer. As more and more computers start to be made without this slot, such as the MacBook and various other compact notebooks, the Sierra Wireless AC597E-PC-Card will gradually outlive its usefulness. With the USB wireless modem coming on strong; it is a real shame to see that such a great product like the Sierra Wireless AC597E-PC-Card may be useless in such a short time to come.

Pros

Lots of support for different operating systems
Built in GPS
EVDO Rev. A support
Great signal strength

Cons

Uses older PC/Express Card interface

Overall

If you're happy with your contract with a CDMA networked cell phone company, the Sierra Wireless AC597E-PC-Card is the network card to get. It has features galore and is a fantastic product if you have a computer that can take advantage of it.