Sony Ericsson today announces the quad band GC86 EDGE PC Card - a successor to the GC85 PC Card. The GC86 features an integrated antenna and offers an optimal combination of performance, design and cost effectiveness for entry level PC laptop users. It will be available globally in Q3 2006.

GC86 PC Card has an integrated antenna, with minimal extension. When connected to GSM/EDGE networks, users can enjoy data speeds three times faster than GPRS, i.e. connection speeds up to 247kbps. For enhanced connectivity an optional external antenna is also available.

The Wireless Manager PC software for the GC86 is easy to install. The user interface includes new launch buttons for browsing and e-mails, an SMS application along with contacts and phone book capabilities. GC86 is compatible with all leading VPNs, enabling secure passage through corporate firewalls.

The GC86 is a quad band EDGE Card that offers global connectivity, falling back on the GPRS/CSD network when needed.

Features at a glance:

• PC Card, 32-bit Cardbus, Type II 
• Size - 85.6 long x 54.0 wide x 5.0 mm high
• Antenna extension -15.4 long x 55.0 wide x 10.5 mm high 
• Antenna Connector - MMCX connector
• Weight 42g
• OS support: Windows 2000 (SP4), XP (Pro, Home, Tablet), Mac OS X
• EDGE: 247.4kbps (DL)/ 123.7kbps (UL) 
• GPRS: (CS4) 85.6 kbps (DL) / 42.8kbps (UL) 
• GPRS: (CS2) 53.6kbps/ 26.8kbps (DL/UL) 
• CSD: 9.6kbps & 14.4kbps (DL/UL)
• EDGE/GPRS/CSD 850/900/1800/1900 MHz