AT&T debuts HSPA+ and LTE-ready LaptopConnect devices

By Geoff Duncan Published October 6, 2010

Image used with permission by copyright holder

AT&T has announced its first LaptopConnect devices that not only run on the company’s existing HSPA mobile data services, but are upgradeable to support HSPA+ (so-called 3.5G) and LTE (4G) networks when they become available. Going a step further, AT&T has also unveiled its first LaptopConnect device that can be used with a pre-paid data plan.

“With the planned deployment of HSPA+ technology later this year, combined with the continued rollout of expanded backhaul, AT&T will have increased our 3G download or upload speeds multiple times in five years,” said AT&T Mobility VP o Michael Woodward, in a statement. “We have purposefully planned our path to LTE to create a wireless network where the transition from 3G does not give customers wireless whiplash.”

Recommended Videos

The up, the AT&T USBConnect Adrenalin, made by LG, sports a GPS for location-aware services, a microSD slot for handling up to 32 GB of removable storage, along with the capability to tap into Wi-Fi hotspots as well as AT&amp’T’s exiting HSPA network. However, the Adrenalin’s signature feature is that it will be upgradable to LTE when service is available. The Adrenalin will run $49.99 after a mail-in rebate with a two-year service agreement and minimum data plan.

Next, the USBConnect Shockwave, made for AT&T by Sierra Wireless, runs on AT&T’s existing HSPA network and is already set to run on HSPA+ when it becomes available—although it lacks a microSD slot and other gizmos, it is free after a mail-in rebate with a two-year service agreement and minimum data plan.

For folks who balk at contracts and data plans, the AT&T USBConnect 900, made by Huawei, works with AT&T’s existing HSPA service. Although it costs $79.99 up front and won’t magically work with LTE or HSPA+ when they become available, users will be able to buy data service as they need it: $15 will buy a one-day pass good for up to 100 MB, $30 will buy a 300 MB one-week pass, and $50 will buy a one-month, 1 GB pass: not the cheapest way to go, but perhaps an option for folks who need bits of mobile connectivity once in a while.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Computing

The classic HP Envy 2-in-1 laptop is $300 off today

The HP Envy x360 15.6 2023 tent view.

For those who are thinking about buying from 2-in-1 laptop deals, one of the most popular options out there is the HP Envy x360 15t. If you're interested, you can currently get the device from HP with a $300 discount that slashes its price from $1,000 to a more affordable $700. The offer may disappear at any moment though, and once it's gone, we're not sure when you'll get another chance at it. If you want to take advantage of this bargain, you'll have to proceed with your purchase of the 2-in-1 laptop as soon as possible.

Why you should buy the HP Envy x360 15t 2-in-1 laptop
The HP Envy x360 15t is a 2-in-1 laptop. Our laptop buying guide digs into the benefits of a 2-in-1: a laptop's keyboard and a tablet's touchscreen. The HP Envy x360 15t falls under the convertible category, which means it can transform from laptop mode to tablet mode by simply flipping the entire keyboard under the display using its 360-degree hinges. This makes the device extremely versatile -- you can switch between its modes depending on what you need out of it at any given time.

Computing

This clever device fixes my biggest frustration with laptops

The Honor removable webcam being pulled out from the chassis.

We all want thinner bezels on our laptops, but no one wants to sacrifice webcam quality. That situation leads to clumsy solutions like the notch on the MacBook or far worse options like hiding the webcam under a key.

A new laptop, however, has an innovative way of getting around this problem by using a removable webcam. The device in question is the MagicBook Art 14, a new laptop from the Chinese company Honor, covered first by Tom's Hardware. The webcam attaches to the top of your screen when you need it, and then can be stored away in a special push tray in the base of the laptop. Give it a press, and it will pop out so you can place it on top of the laptop screen where it attaches magnetically.

Computing

This ThinkPad laptop is $1,670 off in Lenovo’s massive sale

The third-generation Lenovo ThinkPad T14 laptop on a white background.

For a limited time, you’ll be able to take advantage of clearance pricing on a fantastic Lenovo laptop! Lenovo laptop deals are fairly abundant, but this is one you definitely don’t want to miss; especially if you’re in need of a powerful PC. The Lenovo ThinkPad T14 Gen 3 is marked down to $700 from its original retail price of $2,370. That’s a massive $1,670 discount for one of the company’s flagship laptops of 2023.

Why you should buy the Lenovo ThinkPad T14 laptop
The Lenovo ThinkPad is often associated with business professionals, and for good reason. All ThinkPad models are portable, powerful, and packed with enough battery life to get you through an entire workday. This particular model (the T14 Gen 3) runs on an AMD Ryzen 5 PRO 6650U CPU with an AMD Radeon 660M GPU. Both chips are equipped with 16GB of RAM, and the ThinkPad contains 512GB of internal storage. That’s a list of efficient peripherals that any new PC owner would be glad to see.