Powerbook and Kyocera KPC650...success!!!

fgphoto

I just upgraded from the 5220 to the KPC650 using the new Verizon software for the Mac and it was a seamless upgrade. The signal is significantly better in bad areas than the 5220. Woohoo Verizon!!

Michael · Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 12:26 pm Post subject:

Glad it is working for you.

It is about time that Mac users are no longer treated like 2nd class citizens.

Anyways, the VZAccess for Mac for KPC650 works very well, we are very pleased with it, we wrote a mini review at:

VZAccess for Mac for Kyocera KPC 650 Released
_________________
EVDO :: EVDO News :: EVDO Antennas :: Buy Verizon :: Buy Sprint :: EVDO Amplifier

fgphoto · Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 12:43 pm Post subject:

Michael,

I should have referenced that in my post... it was your review that made me rush down to Verizon to upgrade this AM. It is very cool that Verizon finally has offered Mac support.

Thanks also to you for running evdoinfo.com which has become such a must-read site for all of us evdo users... especially those of us on Macs.

cheers!

kfrontin · EVDO Newbie Joined: 16 Aug 2005 Posts: 1

I was contacted last night (Monday 22, August) via E-mail asking if I wanted to change from the backordered PC5220 data card to the KPC 650 data card for which Verizon is now providing MAC support. I immediately said yes and by the time I got home this afternoon, the card was at my front door (I live in Atlanta and the card was shipped from San Diego). The installation instructions provides was very easy to follow. It took me less than 10 minutes to have it up and running on my MAC 15 inch powerbook. I have not yet checked my actual speeds but subjectively I am very impressed.
Thanks you Mike and other guys at EVDOinfo.com. You made my day.

Michael · Posted: Tue Aug 23, 2005 8:38 pm Post subject:

Glad that it is working and we are glad that you were impressed - that is our goal.

We have been waiting for the KPC650 software - we have known about it for the last 3 months and we are glad that it works as well as it does. There will soon be a ton of happy PowerBook users out there Smile

_________________
EVDO :: EVDO News :: EVDO Antennas :: Buy Verizon :: Buy Sprint :: EVDO Amplifier

headcase · Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 12:49 am Post subject:

Can someone tell me what the blue led on the KPC650 indicates? I know on the PC5220, it blinks rapidly when on EVDO vs. slowly when on 1xRTT (which is a very helpful visual indicator for a "quick glance").

fgphoto · Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 8:13 am Post subject:

Unlike the 5220 with different colors meaning different things, the 650 has only blue. When it is on and not flashing, the card is powered (it is the same if you are in our out of service)

When you are connected, the LED flashes. I have yet to use it in a non-evdo area so I can't tell you if it flashes at different speeds like the 5220 depending upon your connection.

Hope this helps

davidhnielson · Posted: Tue Aug 30, 2005 5:03 pm Post subject: Kyocera 650 --> awesome!

Yes, Verizon really made it big with mac users and high speed wireless access. My Kyocera 650 works really well and fast. The installer was flawless. My hats off to all at Verizon.
_________________
David Nielson

headcase · Posted: Thu Sep 01, 2005 11:53 am Post subject:

I made the switch to the 650 from 5220 today, and it's MUCH better at picking up a broadband signal in low-strength areas than my 5220. I'll stick with the 650.

The only trade-offs is that I prefered Apple's built-in driver of the 5220 card for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it has the convenient menu item that shows you what the signal strength is, without having to lift a finger. Someone needs to write a little hack or Verizon needs to add this capability to the software. Also, when you insert the 5220 card into your Powerbook, the OS X driver would automatically detect the card, and bring up the menu to show signal strength, etc, and then you can quickly connect. Upon inserting the 650, nothing happens, so you have to manually launch the VZAccess mgr. application before doing anything. Not a major difference, but one nonetheless.

As an added bonus on the 650, that card consistently slides into my Powerbook Titantium slot much more gracefully than the 5220, which always took a few tries before it would glide into the slot. (and I know this wasn't because perhaps I had a defective 5220, as I used two different 5220's recently, which both exhibited the same problem).

jcc · Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 5:22 am Post subject:

Has anyone noticed intermittant system freezing when selecting "Power off Card" from the data card icon at the top right of the screen? I have had this happen on three occasions when selecting this option. I have to force off my PB by holding down the power button and reboot to solve the problem. Finder completely locks up.

Michael · Posted: Fri Sep 02, 2005 5:55 am Post subject:

I have seen this once and awhile too.

i have not seen it, if i eject the card while in VZAccess and I eject the card WITHOUT doing a power off USB, seems like VZAccess takes care of things for you.
_________________
EVDO :: EVDO News :: EVDO Antennas :: Buy Verizon :: Buy Sprint :: EVDO Amplifier

headcase · Posted: Sat Sep 03, 2005 12:50 am Post subject:

headcase · Posted: Tue Sep 06, 2005 5:37 pm Post subject: Connection speed using VZAccess?

When using VZAccess, how do you determine whether you are on EVDO or 1xRTT? On the 5220, Apple's driver always clearly indicated such in the menu, but when using VZAccess, all mine ever says is "National Access - Broadband Access" before, during, or after connecting. And I know I've been connecting on both networks, given I somethimes connect at 40-60K and other times at 300K+.