Windows Vista & AirCards

Most new laptops are now shipping with Windows Vista. I have heard of truckers looking high and low for XP computers, and not finding them. So, like it or not, the latest evil Microsoft product is something we are just going to have to get used to dealing with more and more. Why evil? Windows Vista has the ability to "turn off" anything it pleases, and it pleases Windows Vista to turn off products from manufacturers that have not paid Microsoft a hefty licensing fee... This includes many of our AirCards.

For now, the safe bet is to sell the U720 or S720 to those customers. It is the easiest one to deal with as far install with Vista goes. Also, if they scoff at the higher price, point out that when they get spoiled having SUPER fast internet in the truck, they don't have to go without at home. They just plug it into their desktop, or anyother computer (including a Mac), sit back, and relax.

Here is Sierra's list of Vista supported AirCards:

Windows Vista Support Available AirCard 595, AirCard 850, AirCard 860, AirCard 875
Windows Vista Support Planned AirCard 580/PC5220, AirCard 775
No Windows Vista Support Planned AirCard 550, AirCard 555, PC 3300, AirCard 710, AirCard 750, and all other legacy AirCard PC Card modems.

It will also work with the Pantech PX500. Here is how:

The Pantech PX-500 card works flawlessly with Vista (Build 5600). Needs to first be activated under XP.

Install the Sprint software in Vista - this may hang during or towards the end of installation. If it hangs, cancel or reboot. The drivers are loaded which is what you're looking for. A Pantech dial up connection will be created in Network Connections or you will need to manually create a dial up connection using the Pantech card as the modem.

When I get a chance to research more, I will add more info on AirCards and Vista.

u720 flies on Mac

I am writing this to you using the U720 on my iBook. You can use this method on any Mac G3 and up. I put the package here Ovation U720 Mac Driver.

Once you activate and update the U720 on a Windows computer, click the dmg file to uncompress it on the Mac. There is a Read Me file. Read it! It will explain how to set up everything else.

Here is a low down:

Wait a moment, the go to the Apple icon in the top left bar. Click System Preferences. Go to Network.

Under PPP put in the provider, put #777 into the phone number. Leave the rest blank. Click Apply Now.

Click the Modem button. Choose Sprint PCS Vision from the drop down menu of modems. Uncheck "Enable Error Correction". Uncheck "Wait for Dial Tone". Check "Show Modem Status." Click Apply Now.

You will see a little phone modem on the top bar near a piece of pie that indicates the Airport connection. Choose "Connect". If it does not connect, make sure to click it again and choose the Sprint U720 from the menu.

Guess what? You are up and running!

One quirky thing: I had to plug in both USB connectors. This usually only has to be done when there is not enough power. My light was on, but it wasn't "juicing". If the Mac has trouble recognizing the modem, you might try plugging both in.

Enjoy!

Sierra 595 with Macintosh

Thanks to Juan for finding this info. The best info on this type of harder install is always what we discover when trying:

You must, as always, activate the Sierra card first on a Windows based computer. You need a PowerBook G4 (or G3 with PCMCIA slot), OSX version 10.4 or higher. You can check the version by click on the apple in the very top left corner and choosing "About this Mac". If it is a lower version, plug the computer into an ethernet connection or use wifi to downloaded the latest version. On the same pop up where your version whos, you can choosed "Updates". It might take a while depending on what version the Mac is running, so be prepared to do something else if needed. You can also update the software by click on the harddrive icon on the desktop. Go to Applications>System Preferences. Open that and choose Software Update>Check Now.

Download to the Mac, "Watcher Lite for Sierra Wireless". This software works for 975, 860, 850, 775, 595, 580 and MP series AirCards.

Watcher Lite should start automatically. Plunk in the AirCard and begin install on the Mac. If you can install with the regular Sprint connection manager, this one will be cake.

Interestingly enough, the instructions also tell you not to put any stickers onto the Aircard, so control yourself and no smileys :)