Novatel Wireless V640

The 1.3 by 3.0 inch Novatel Wireless V640, the first Express Card for the Verizon Wireless Broadband Access EV-DO network, performs on a par with much larger (2.1- by 3.4-inch) PC Card versions like the Editors’ Choice Kyocera KPC650. More important for many, it works in ExpressCard/34 slots such as those in new Apple, ASUS, Dell, HP, and Lenovo laptops. The card uses the same VZAccess Manager software as Verizon’s other EV-DO cards.

In an ASUS laptop, the V640 more than held its own against the KPC650 (installed in a Toshiba Qosmio) when the signal was moderate to strong. But for areas with a weak signal, you may want to pick up an external antenna. I was also easily able to install the V640 in a MacBook Pro after loading the drivers.

As the first EV-DO PC ExpressCard for laptops, the V640 represents a greatly needed upgrade option. Novatel Wireless is working to get the card out on Sprint. Dell sells an identical card, at the same price, for its laptops. But those who don’t own Dells can get online fast with the V640.