INTRODUCTION

    In today’s mobile world, connectivity is paramount. There are currently two major types wireless connections to the internet: WiFi and Cellular. WiFi is faster, however Cellular is more pervasive and as 3rd generation cellular (3G) is implemented it is becoming a viable alternative. With the implementation of Revision A, Verizon Wireless’ BroadbandAccess EV-DO (CDMA 1x Evolution-Data Optimized) network is one step closer to the goal of high speed data access anywhere. Let’s take a QuickLook to see how Verizon Wireless’ recently released AirCard 595 Revision A PC card performs!

SPECIFICATIONS

    The Verizon Wireless AirCard 595 is a type II PC card which supports the Cardbus specification. The card provides access to the Verizon BroadbandAccess EV-DO Revision A and NationalAccess cellular data networks. The BroadbandAccess network with Revision A provides typical download speeds of 600 kbps to 1.4 Mbps and uploads speeds of 500Kbps to 800Kbps. The NationalAccess network provides typical upload and download speeds of 60Kbps to 80Kbps. The associated VZAccess manager software runs Windows 2000, XP, and Vista. To see if broadband coverage is available in your area, view Verizon’s coverage map.

AT A GLANCE

   The Verizon Wireless AirCard 595 and VZAccess manager software are simple to install and use.

Here is the Verizon Wireless AirCard 595 retail package.

The AirCard 595 PC card comes with a basic manual, installation CD, and a protective case.

The AirCard PC card has an external antenna connector to help maximize signal strength and data throughput.

The VZAccess manager software provides a very intuitive installation wizard with the option to manage both WiFi and Cellular data connections. This options allows for the automatic switching to the fastest wireless network.

The VZAccess manager automatically activates the card for you.

The VZAccess manager has a dashboard with icons to access key applications such as browsers, and email. It also provides the ability to initiate a VPN connection on connection startup.

The VZAccess manager includes an SMS text messaging application.

The VZAccess manager statistics panel provides network throughput data.

The AirCard 595 card and the Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess network had no problems connecting to my Slingbox. The only downside in my setup is the limited upstream speed of 384Kpbs Comcast provides on my home internet connection.

The AirCard 595 PC card in my Lenovo X60 Tablet with the VZAccess manager running on Windows Vista.

type="text/javascript"

src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">

THE DRAWING BOARD

   The Verizon Wireless Aircard 595 and VZAccess manager work very well together. I had no issues with accessing the Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess network on my Windows XP or Vista based Lenovo Thinkpad laptops. My wishes for this card are: the ability to turn off the status LEDs, reducing the size of the protruding fixed antenna, and of course higher speeds.

PURCHASING

    The Verizon Wireless AirCard 595 retails for $149.99. The AirCard 595 can be purchased from Verizon Wireless’ web store for $99.99 with a $50.00 online rebate and a 2 year commitment. The Verizon Wireless PC card data only plans start at $79.99 per month and $59.99 per month with a qualifying voice plan.

PROS

• 
  

  Easy to setup

• 
  

  Consistent broadband speeds

• 
  

  Connect from almost anywhere

CONS

• 
  

  Expensive monthly plans

• 
  

  Broadband coverage currently only in metropolitan areas

• 
  

  Not for Windows Mobile devices

Value
Ease of Use
Features
Overall

What
do these ratings mean?

type="text/javascript"

src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js">

OVERALL IMPRESSION

    I have been using the AirCard 595 and the Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess service for about 2 month and blogged my impressions here. The BroadbandAccess network with Revision A is a very good alternative to WiFi HotSpots. The AirCard 595 provides well balanced up and down stream throughput speeds. If you need high speed mobile data access from a laptop, live in a metropolitan area, and you can’t always find an accessible WiFi HotSpot, then this is the PC card and service for you. If you already use the service and you have a revision 0 PC card, I would highly recommend switching to the AirCard 595. The AirCard 595 and the Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess service bring the promise of high speed mobile broadband connectivity anywhere one step closer.