Sony Ericsson to add 'super 3G' to laptop datacard line

Sony Ericsson has updated its range of notebook-oriented mobile connectivity cards with a model that supports almost every cellular network link, including HSDPA for high-speed 3G downloads.

The PC300 Mobile Broadband PC Card is, as its name suggests a PCMCIA add-in, so it's not for notebooks with the more advancted ExpressCard slot. The card clips into a laptop, with a small - "unobtrusive", in Sony Ericsson's words - 1.5cm extension containing the antenna.

In addition to tri-band (850/1,900/2,100MHz) 3G/UMTS and HSDPA, the PC300 also provides quad-band (850/900/1,800/1,900MHz) GSM, GPRS and EDGE connectivity. The card is ready for 3.6Mbps HSDPA downloads.

The only downside is the wait: Sony Ericsson isn't planning to ship the PC300 until Q3, it said, with pricing to be announced closer to that time.