NOVATEL MERLIN X950D

The Merlin X950D ExpressCard is a next-generation global, tri-band HSUPA and quad-band EDGE/GPRS wireless modem.

The card can be used in both ExpressCard/34 and 54 slots as well as with Novatel Wireless adapters in PCMCIA and USB slots. Unique to the Merlin X950D, full 2.1 Mbps HSUPA and HSDPA 7.2 Mbps is now a reality.

A firmware upgrade will be available to deliver the full 2.1 Mbps HSUPA performance. Mobile users, worldwide, can now enjoy full 3.5G capability in their wireless computing devices as well as utilize the GPS capability offered in the ExpressCard.

The Wireless modem is Sim Free and Unlocked. Sim Free means that the device will be supplied to you as it is, no sim card is included. Unlocked means that the device can be used with any mobile phone network e.g. Orange, O2, Vodafone, T-Mobile etc.

• Wireless data upload speeds up to 2.1 Mbps and download speeds up to 7.2 Mbps on HSDPA networks Tri-band HSDPA/UMTS - 850/1900/2100 MHz Quad-band EDGE/GPRS - 850/900/1800/1900 MHz
• Supports Windows 2000 / XP / Vista / Mac and Linux
• Offers the latest in I/O interconnect technology
• Dual band Receive Diversity for better speeds in low signal locations. Equalizer support to enhance performance and achieve higher bit rates
• Service State LED – 5 color
• Field firmware upgradeable

3G Technology

Connection speeds of up to 7.2Mbps are available in 3G areas utilising HSDPA/UMTS technology. Novatel equip the Merlin X950D with a Tri-Band 3G radio for global use, supporting the European 2100Mhz frequency as well as the American and global 850/1900Mhz bands. For areas with no 3G coverage the Merlin X950D uses its Quad-Band EDGE/GPRS transceiver, making the X950D a device with true worldwide capability.

Novatel has announced a firmware upgrade is to be made available in the near future to further increase the X950D’s abilities, adding HSUPA technology which will provide an upstream link at up to 2.1Mbps once the cellular network support it.

Receiver Diversity and Equaliser Support are two technologies Novatel has built into the Merlin X950D, specifically for use in European 2100Mhz 3G areas. These two new techniques allow the Merlin to perform better if highly mobile and also aid the X950D in handling the available signal better when at the edge of a cellular area or inside buildings.

A bank of five multi-colour LEDs integrated into the body of the Merlin X950D indicate the current service status and link technology being used, as well as any error states. The X950D’s software displays onscreen additional information for signal strength, network profile and power-save status.

Novatel has incorporated an integral five band antenna into the body of the Merlin X950D. An optional external aerial (Hirose MS-151 connector) can also be purchased to further extend the range or to provide a signal boost in areas suffering from very poor coverage.

ExpressCard Form Factor

Using the new ExpressCard/34 form factor, the Merlin X950D can be plugged into either the Expresscard/34 or 54 ports found on modern laptops. For maximum flexibility Novatel also produce adapters to allow the Merlin X950D to be inserted into a PCMCIA slot (Merlin XCA-2) or a USB socket (Merlin XCA-1) present on older machines.

Driverless Installation

Novatel build the drivers for Windows Vista, XP and 2000 directly into the Merlin X950D, enabling a zero-CD installation. On insertion of the Merlin X950D the card automatically installs the required drivers and software. Apple Macintosh OS X 10.4 and computers running Linux 2.6+ are also supported with drivers available for download from Novatel.

Diversity - There is a second antenna on the card (it's an advanced receiver technology), thereby improving the signal and reducing downtime.

Equalizer - An equalizer minimises the interferences from other radio resources

• Merlin X950D ExpressCard modem
• User Guide
• Quick Start Guide
• Protective retail packaging and storage box

Warranty and Sim Requirements

The Novatel Merlin X950D is a genuine Novatel authorised UK product and comes with a one year warranty.

The Novatel Merlin X950D will work with either a Contract or Pay-As-You-Go style SIM card, but Novatel recommend a contract SIM with a data-tariff enabled for the quantity of information expected to be transferred each month