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 Korea, always a leader in the tech industry, has spawned yet another innovative product. Known as the IM-H100, this USB device grants users access to 3G HSDPA networks (like the one run by Cingular in the US).
Currently, there are precious few solutions that provide access to the newest generation of wireless broadband networks. As we've mentioned here before, Verizon offers a competing flavor of wireless broadband service known as EV-DO as does Sprint (US only).
The HSDPA 3G USB Card from SK is small enough to be carried in your laptop case and is designed with flexibility in mind. The USB cord can be twisted and maneuvered into a position that keeps it out of your way and in the best spot to receive a clear signal.
With one big red dial for controls, the IM-H100 looks to be easy enough to use. However, without a port for an external antenna users will miss out on some locations because of signal attenuation that could easily be countered with an antenna.
Sometimes referred to 3.5G, HSDPA is descended from the W-CDMA standard. Speeds achieved by HSDPA are currently similar to EV-DO's top speeds. HSDPA tops out at around 1Mbit per second in bursts, with sustained download speeds between 400 and 700 KB per second.
Verizon and Sprint both have EV-DO networks currently up and running. In fact, Verizon is in the process of upgrading its network to the next generation of its EV-DO technology called revision A.
Cingular is playing catch up with its network, which is scheduled to be in most major cities by the end of this year. Similar to EV-DO, HSDPA is also an evolutionary technology.
UMTS universal mobile telecommunications system is the basis for the HSDPA technology and since the technology is backwards compatible, upgrade costs are lower and handsets and modems are compatible with each generation of the standard.
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