Sony Ericsson today announced a new quad-band PC Card that provides convenient wireless Internet access for laptop and notebook users wherever they need to be online. Bridging the cellular and WiFi worlds, the GC89 PC Card combines global EDGE coverage with the popular WiFi technology in a single card which is compatible with both Windows and Macintosh computers.

The GC89 card delivers connectivity through EDGE, GPRS, CSD, SMS over the GSM 850, 900, 1800 and 1900 bands world-wide. And, for those areas covered by wireless local networks: homes, offices, and hotspot locations such as airport lounges, coffee shops and hotels, the GC89 provides 802.11b and g connectivity with speed potential in excess of 50 Megabits per second.

The card also features compatibility with Release 4 of the EDGE standard addressing the very important matter of up-link speeds necessary for professionals on the go to send large amounts of data such as presentations or spreadsheets.

Sony Ericsson's GC89 card is ideal for people on the go who rely heavily on their ability to connect anywhere anytime and conduct transactions with large amounts of data such as email attachments, heavy web browsing and streaming data. The GC89 will be available starting Q4 2004 for operator acceptance testing and customer trials, with full commercial availability slated for Q1 2005.