Novatel V640 ExpressCard and Mac Drivers, Support

Michael · Last edited by Michael on Sat Aug 26, 2006 10:31 pm; edited 3 times in total

This thread will discuss using an ExpressCard on a MacBook Pro.

It looks like we will have the ExpressCards next week for sale (ExpressCard Notification) and it looks like Dell will be shipping a rebranded XV620 in 1-2 weeks (Dell calls theirs a Dell 5700 Mobile Broadband ExpressCard).

Apple just Announced Mac OS X 10.4.7, which adds support for a few more EVDO cards (see Apple Gives PowerBook Users More Options To Use EVDO Cards).

So, the big question, is who is going to support ExpressCards for MacBook Pros? Will it be Apple with 10.4.7, OR will it be VZAccess (Verizon's connection software).

It looks like the answer is BOTH.

Mac users will have a choice on which software to use.

More info next week, after ExpressCards for MacBook Pros are released.

For the latest Novatel V640 ExpressCard adapter, see our new Novatel ExpressCard/34 to PC Card Adapter thread. The older ExpressCard adapter that Verizon sells doesn't work well, if at all.

The Novatel XV620 is now called the Novatel V640
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Pale Rider · EVDO Newbie Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 6

So, will the new Verizon cards, which apparently could be available as early as next week, require starting an entirely new account with Verizon, or can the new card "replace" an existing Verizon Kyocera KPC650 on the same account? I suspect it will require a new account, but I thought I'd ask anyway.

terrylwhite · EVDO Newbie Joined: 17 Jan 2006 Posts: 8

I'm really anxious to get the new Express card version, but will it just be a swap or will I have to establish a new account/monthly charge for the new card and then cancel the old one?

Has anyone ever upgraded to a different card here? How did Verizon handle it? I guess you could always report your old card as "lost" and get a new one that way, but I'm hoping there is a more honest way to do it.

Michael · Posted: Sun Jul 02, 2006 5:32 am Post subject:

There is a simple way to do what you are asking, you can even do it yourself without calling Verizon, more info here:

Verizon: Upgrading or Replacing EVDO Cards or Phones
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renegrub · EVDO Newbie Joined: 05 Jul 2006 Posts: 5

I will be receiving my Dell 5700 EVDO ExpressCard today. Going to attempt to use it with my MacBook Pro. Will provide updates later.

Michael · Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 7:31 am Post subject:

Looks like we will also be getting our "Dell" ExpressCard today, before the Verizon labeled one.

We will providing pictures, reviews, and lots more information later today Smile

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Michael · Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 11:21 am Post subject:

Got the Dell Wireless ExpressCard 5700 a bit ago.

From a Mac point of view, here is what he know:

- VZAccess Manager 2.3 doesn't recognize it
- Apple 10.4.7 native drivers do not recognize it

I can use it under BootCamp and using the supplied "Dell Connection Utility", it connects fine. More soon.
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Pale Rider · EVDO Newbie Joined: 14 Mar 2006 Posts: 6

Michael · Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 1:12 pm Post subject:

Doesn't look like the Dell ExpressCard will work in a MacBook Pro while under Mac OS X (does work under BootCamp).

Here is a picture of the Dell Card in the MacBook Pro:

Here is what the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility software looks like (when running under BootCamp on a MacBook Pro):

Looks like we will have to wait a bit longer for the Verizon ExpressCards (Novatel XV620).
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renegrub · EVDO Newbie Joined: 05 Jul 2006 Posts: 5

Do you expect that once drivers are available, they should work on the Dell card, since it is the same XV620? Trying to decide whether to return this card or hold on to it.

Michael · Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 2:10 pm Post subject:

We will know after we get the Verizon card (Novatel XV620).

Dell may be changing the firmware so you have to use their connection manager.

I have tried VZAccess for Novatel V620 for Windows and it didn't recognize the card either.

We will know a bunch more after we get the Novatel XV620 card.

As it is now, until drivers change, it doesn't look like the Dell version will work on MacBook Pros (we haven't given up though - looking like the Verizon card will be the best bet - or only bet).
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drusoicy · EVDO Newbie Joined: 01 Jul 2005 Posts: 7

This sucks...

Just got my Dell ExpressCard for my MacBook Pro. Plugged it in, nothing happened (although, the green light is flashing.)

Installing Boot Camp ruined my last MacBook Pro, so I don't want to go that route. What about using Parallels?? Any luck there?

Michael · Posted: Wed Jul 05, 2006 4:37 pm Post subject:

When XP is running under Parallels, everything installs fine, and XP recognizes the ExpressCard, BUT the Dell Mobile Broadband Card Utility doesn't recognize the card, so you cannot connect or see signal.
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drusoicy · EVDO Newbie Joined: 01 Jul 2005 Posts: 7

Not good.

I guess I need to pack this back up and send it back... Sad

Any ETA on the Verizon cards? I know last week you were saying possibly this week. Is that still a possibility?

johnsondb · EVDO Newbie Joined: 07 Jul 2006 Posts: 1

I'm here in Orange County, CA and local Verizon store here say they will not get the Novatel Express 640s until mid July at the earliest and "possibly longer"