NEWS Mobile workers who use an Apple computer will soon be able to access a 3G mobile network in parts of the UK.
Vodafone is close to launching a Mac version of its Mobile Connect 3G/GPRS data card. The device is currently being tested by selected customers.The mobile phone giant mentioned that the testing programme was underway on Tuesday, when it announced its full-year financial results.
A Vodafone spokesperson was unable to say when a commercial launch might take place, or whether pricing for the product would differ from that of the PC version of the data card, which has been on the market since April.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the software used for this product has had to be given a substantial overhaul for the Mac version because it was originally written for an Intel-based laptop.
Talkback
The iBook does not have a PCMCIA (aka. PC Card) slot, neither does the 12" PowerBook G4.
27 May 04 11:22 ReplyTherefore you would only be able to use this card on the 15" and 17" PowerBooks.
Personally, I advise waiting for Vodafone to launch 3G voice services (this Autumn in the UK I believe) and then to use Bluetooth to do 3G data via the phone handset. This approach will almost certainly also avoid any driver hassles (just as using Bluetooth to do GPRS via a mobile phone avoids driver issues with Vodafones older 2G card).
Note: all models of iBook and PowerBook can do Bluetooth (either builtin or USB adaptor).
15"/17" Powerbook Users already can use the 3G data card, you just need the third party software from www.novamedia.de
27 May 04 13:24 ReplyThis ammuses me greatly as when the PC version came out I emailed Vodafone and asked them if they were going to support the Mac and they said "no". Still, good to see that its happening.
27 May 04 15:22 ReplyI have found on the Vodafone Germany website their Mac OS X software for the German Vodafone 3G Datacard. This software is not available on the Vodafone UK site.
19 Aug 04 13:32 Replyhttp://www.vodafone.de/business/support/37780.html
I successfully managed to install, connect and use a UK Vodafone Mobile Connect 3G Datacard in a G4 PowerBook using the Vodafone Germany software, from this website, I managed to use the card successfully to connect to the internet via GPRS (I don't actually live in a 3G area so couldn't test that side of things).
The software (which is based on the Nova Media UMTS software (which retails for 91 Euro) installed relatively easily, all the instructions are in English as is the accompanying installation PDF.
One problem, even though the volume was off, the card seems to play merry havoc with the speakers on the PowerBook causing static or interference through the speakers. This means that the card is pretty unusable in "quiet" situations. This problem is resolved if you use the external aerial that Vodafone provide.
E-Digital supply the Nova media software for 3G data card Mac compatibility - see http://www.edigital.paperdog.co.uk/
25 Nov 04 18:42 Reply