Wireless connectivity just got easier for code division multiple access users with the Reliance Sierra wireless AirCard.
The card allows users to wirelessly connect a laptop or PDA directly to the Internet, intranet, corporate email or a host of other corporate applications - without the need for a wireless phone or landline connection.
The card functions as a wireless modem, mobile phone and landline phone. A user can even send and receive SMS (short messages) and voice calls. Connecting to the Internet is simple. Just insert the card into the computer's card slot, and you are online.
There is no dialing or change in configuration needed. The card costs Rs 14,700 and has two rental options -- Rs 650 and Rs 1,500 per month.
The wireless card fits into a standard type II PCMCIA card slot, which is available on most laptops in Reliance's code division multiple access 1X network.
The card is compatible with Windows 95, 98, Me, NT4, 2K, and XP. It is also compatible with PDAs running PPC, PPC 2002 and HPC2000.
It takes just over 50 seconds for the device to be recognised and connected to the Internet -- a lot lesser than the regular modem dial-up connection.
The AirCard has no power supply of its own and uses power from whatever it is plugged into. The faster the data connection, the more current the card uses. With a normal connection, it uses about 3-3.5 watt of power.
A Reliance official said the card has multi-functional data, voice and SMS capabilities and the maximum data speed available is 144 kbps. But, in practice the average speed may vary from 20 kbps to 30 kbps during peak hours.
The card also includes value added features such as call wait, call forward, call conference and voice mail service. It also has a phone book, call history, call waiting, call divert, call conference, voicemail, missed call notifications, ring tones, key guard and lock code features.
Unlike CDMA 2000 1X mobile phones, the AirCard can also alert you to incoming voice calls while in a data session, the official added. The card has a unique lock code feature, which prevents others from using your account, added the Reliance official.
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