express card modem

hi, Im planning on getting a macbook and want to use an express34 card modem for ev-do internet while im on the road and cant get a wifi signal. I know the macbook dosent have an express card slot but couold i use an external reader instead?

If you can find one that is mac-compatible: probably.

If you're in the US, you could alternatively also check out these new USB solutions - they are compatible with US high-speed networks and have OS X support.

http://www.macworld.com/news/2006/08/30/sierra/index.php?lsrc=mwrss

Product page

cool I think the USB modem is the way to go. would you still need to get a EVDO account from a company like singular or verizon or would it be like wifi where you could just get online if your within the coverage area?

You'd need an account with a provider.

You're basically connecting to the internet through a cell phone signal (albeit a high speed capable cell phone signal), so you're still dependant on the carrier, but you'd ideally be able to get online from nearly anywhere (depending on coverage).

Right now, we have two solutions for folks without card slots. The first gets you only onto the Sprint EVDO network, and is called the Franklin CDU-550 EVDO USB Modem.

Here's a picture of one stuck into a 12" Powerbook:


The other solution is an EVDO Router like the Kyocera KR1

Here's a picture of the KR1, sitting on an iBook:


The KR1 has a pcmcia slot that accepts an EVDO card from either Sprint or Verizon, and makes the bandwidth available via WiFi so that Macs with Airport can connect. Even if you don't have Airport, you can easily hook up a Mac using ethernet.

While the KR1 is by far the most popular EVDO router solution out there, we maintain a comparison chart of EVDO routers we sell and support, that shows what cards are compatible, and what differentiates them from other routers.

With either the Franklin USB device or the Kyocera KR1 router, you will need EVDO service contract with a carrier.