Sony Ericsson today announces the quad-band GC86 EDGE PC Card. As a successor to the GC85, the GC86 PC Card has a sleek integrated antenna, with minimal extension. When connected to GSM/EDGE networks, users can enjoy data speeds three times faster than GPRS, i.e. connection speeds up to 247kbps. For enhanced connectivity an optional external antenna is also available.

Photo: Sony Ericsson GC86 PC Card Photo 1

The GC86 is compatible with a wide range of common business applications including Microsoft Exchange, Microsoft Outlook, Lotus Notes, Netscape, CRM, SAP, Siebel and Messenger. Installation support includes customization options that allow corporate IT managers to implement pre-loaded settings that provide one click VPN connection. Data security is assured with EDGE/GPRS encryption technology and the SIM card authenticates with the network preventing unauthorized access. The GC86 is compatible with all leading VPNs, enabling secure passage through corporate firewalls.

The GC86 is a quad-band EDGE Card that offers global connectivity, falling back on the GPRS/CSD network when needed.

GC86 PC Card Features:

General
- PC Card, 32-bit Cardbus, Type II
- Size - 85.6 x 54.0 x 5.0 mm
- Antenna extension - 15.4 x 55.0 x 10.5 mm
- Antenna Connector - MMCX connector
- Weight 42 g
- OS support: Windows 2000 (SP4), XP (Pro, Home, Tablet), Mac OS X

Services
- EDGE: 247.4kbps (DL)/ 123.7kbps (UL)
- GPRS: (CS4) 85.6 kbps (DL) / 42.8kbps (UL)
- GPRS: (CS2) 53.6kbps/ 26.8kbps (DL/UL)
- CSD: 9.6kbps & 14.4kbps (DL/UL)

Frequency Bands
- EDGE/GPRS/CSD 850/900/1800/1900 MHz

The GC86 will be available globally in Q3 2006.

Post a comment and discuss this story with other readers.