ATT USB Wireless Device With Macbook Air?

Question

ATT USB Wireless Device With Macbook Air?

Has anyone tried one of the new AT&T wireless USB devices to connect to the internet with the Macbook Air? There are currently two models available, the Mercury and the Quick Silver. I just purchased a Mercury and because of the height of the device's casing, I have to use a USB connector cable to connect the device to the USB port on the MacBook Air.
The connection often drops off and moves much slower than I would expect. I'm wondering if it has to do with the USB cable I have to use to connect to the Air's USB port.
Does anyone else have any experience with either of these two cards? Thanks!

Macbook Air, Mac OS X (10.5.5), AT&T USB Mercury Card

Posted on Nov 9, 2008 5:05 PM

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Answer 1

kjoiner

Level 1

4 points

Nov 10, 2008 7:56 AM in response to timandanita17

It is not the usb cable but the power requirements of the Mercury. the Air does not put enough power on the usb port to run the card. I just bought one and am taking it back. It works great in my Mac-Pro and in a powered usb hub, but with 3 different usb extenders it continously disconnects. I am going to test the quicksilver in the AT&T store today with my Air. I will let you know how it goes.

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Answer 2

Nov 11, 2008 7:30 AM in response to timandanita17

Have you had any luck with this at the store with the other USB card?

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Answer 3

kjoiner

Level 1

4 points

Nov 11, 2008 7:37 AM in response to timandanita17

I tried both cards at the AT&T store to no avail. both draw to much power. If size is not a a major concern I have the Sierra Wireless AirCard 875Uand it does work. It has an internal battery that provides the extra power needed. I have this card also, I know it works.

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Answer 4

jjonak

Level 1

0 points

Nov 12, 2008 7:38 PM in response to kjoiner

How about with the latest Macbook Air? Does that make any difference? I would love to get the AT&T devices to work because they are the only ones with decent international roaming plans.

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Answer 5

swixo

Level 1

95 points

Nov 12, 2008 8:21 PM in response to timandanita17

I have been using an air with the ATT USB Connect 881 for months - no problems, no dropouts. The USB has enough power.

This isn't exactly the kind of air card you are talking about - but it is close enough for me to want to report my success.

s

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Answer 6

kjoiner

Level 1

4 points

Nov 12, 2008 10:12 PM in response to jjonak

I am not sure. I have the first generation.

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Answer 7

kjoiner

Level 1

4 points

Nov 12, 2008 10:13 PM in response to swixo

Yes, very similar to the 875. Mine works great in My Air, but neither the Quicksilver or Mercury do. I tried both. It works perfectly in my MBP and my Mac-Pro desktop.

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Answer 8

kjoiner

Level 1

4 points

Nov 12, 2008 10:15 PM in response to kjoiner

To clarify my post (way to tired) the quicksilver and Mercury work in my MBP and my MP, just not the Air. If I plug it into a powered USB hub then to the Air it works fine. But that kind of takes the point out of being mobile.

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