BARCELONA, Spain – February 11 2008 – Option (Euronext: OPTI; OTC: OPNVY), the wireless technology company, today announced the GT EXPRESS 401 data card, the world’s first compact ExpressCard-format data card to combine quad-band HSPA with a fully internal antenna system.
Designed as the ultimate wireless communication solution for European mobile professionals, the GT EXPRESS 401 operates in the core 2100 MHz 3G band and the 900 MHz spectrum that is beginning to migrate from GSM to 3G. Compatibility with both the 1900 MHz and Advanced Wireless Spectrum (AWS) 3G bands makes the device a powerful connectivity tool for professionals traveling to North America.
Designed to achieve peak HSDPA download speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps with HSUPA uploads at up to 5.76 Mbps – depending on network and device firmware release – the compact ExpressCard format offers the best upload and download speeds available today. Backward compatibility ensures GT EXPRESS 401 operates reliably and at the highest possible speed with earlier network standards: when 3G is not available, quad-band EDGE support ensures the best possible 2G connectivity.
The module’s Type 3 Advanced Receiver Technology (ART) also combines the benefits of Receive Diversity and Receive Equalization across all three HSPA bands to make the most of the module’s HSDPA 7.2 capability while backward compatibility sustains optimum performance when the host device is connecting over a 3.6 or 1.8 Mbps HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE or GPRS network.
Building on Option’s proven design values, the diversity antenna of this next-generation ExpressCard has been fully integrated within the device with no moving parts. Combining equalization with the improved dual antennas delivers Type 3 diversity and boosts receiver sensitivity for the best possible end user experience, especially in fringe coverage areas.
GT EXPRESS 401 is a truly unique Plug ’n Play solution: Option’s Zero-CD™ technology immediately and automatically installs drivers, applications and manuals when the card is inserted into a laptop for the first time. The optional GE005 Cardbus-Express Converter allows the GT EXPRESS 401 to be used in laptops equipped with the wider Cardbus interface.
The GT EXPRESS 401 is expected to ship in commercial volumes in the third quarter of 2008.