Sierra Wireless has announced the Compass 597 USB modem, the smallest of its USB modem product line. The company also claims it is the smallest USB modem stick currently available.The modem, which will be commercially available in the second quarter of this year, combines high-speed mobile broadband access to EV-DO Revision A networks with a microSD card slot for convenient storage. It is backward compatible with earlier network technologies.
Despite its small size the Compass 597 USB modem is packed with features, including TRU-Install(TM) software installation, to make installation simple, and a microSD memory card slot.
It is the only product in its class to include a connector for an external antenna to strengthen a network connection, making it ideal for use in areas where network coverage is poor.
The modem provides potential download speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps, and upload speeds of 1.8 Mbps.
Sierra Wireless will demonstrate the Compass 597 USB modem at CTIA Wireless 2008 in Las Vegas, April 1 to 3.