Option unveils GlobeTrotter Express 7.2 data card

December 5, 2006

Option unveiled its first ExpressCard wireless data card, the GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2. ExpressCard technology is the latest hardware expansion based on the PCI-standard for mobile computers. The new product will satisfy the requirements of the notebooks coming into market with this type of data card slot. GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 is currently sampling and initial shipments to leading network operators are scheduled for January 2007.

Compact and elegant by design the GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 is also packed with latest technology. Operating on multiple frequency bands, the GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 is capable of connecting in virtually every country worldwide. The GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 automatically scans networks for HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE and GPRS in order to establish the fastest possible connection. With 7.2 Mbps HSDPA, the GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 delivers true wireless broadband performance, while dual-antennae Advanced Receiver Technology sustains faster and more stable connections over wider coverage areas. For launches before availability of HSDPA 7.2 Mbps networks, the product can optionally be provided with HSDPA 3.6Mbps and boosted to 7.2 Mbps via a simple firmware upgrade. In all cases backward compatibility ensures HSDPA connections at lower data rates of 3.6 Mbps and 1.8 Mbps or UMTS connections up to 384 Kbps.

Jan Callewaert Option's CEO said: "The GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 builds on Option's leadership in 7.2 Mbps HSDPA while anticipating customer demand for more compact devices as notebook vendors embrace the ExpressCard format. With the Windows Vista-capable EXPRESS 7.2, Option has created a device that addresses three key drivers of the portable computing market over the next few years: ExpressCard format, Vista capable and fast wireless connectivity."

In spite of its advanced performance, the GlobeTrotter EXPRESS 7.2 is a truly "plug and play" device. When the EXPRESS 7.2 is inserted into the ExpressCard slot of a laptop, Option's patented Zero CD technology automatically loads all necessary software and drivers from the data card itself: no software needs to be installed from a CD-ROM. An optional ExpressCard adapter ensures the EXPRESS 7.2 is compatible with legacy PCs having the Type II PC Card format slots.