Sierra Wireless introduced the latest addition to its USB modem product line. Scheduled for commercial availability early in the second quarter of this year, the Compass 597 USB modem combines high-speed mobile broadband access to EV-DO Revision A networks with a microSD card slot for convenient storage.

The Sierra Wireless Compass 597 USB modem comes with TRU-Install software installation to simplify setup and a microSD memory card slot for expanded functionality. It includes a connector for an external antenna, allowing users in remote areas or fringe network coverage to extend and strengthen their connection to the network.

Features:

• Potential data speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps (megabits per second) on the downlink and 1.8 Mbps on the uplink, on the latest EV-DO Revision A networks, but also backward compatible with earlier network technologies for seamless connectivity in areas yet to be upgraded
• Built-in GPS antenna design and Sierra Wireless TRU-Locate™ technology to support mobile operator Location Based Services (LBS) for accurate and fast time-to-signal fix
• TRU-Install software installation technology steps first-time users through quick installation of the drivers and full software client directly from the modem, with no CD required