USB to PC Card Read-Writer 1-Slot 32-bit 3G Wireless Data Card, Model EL-U142

Take your 3G wireless internet access anywhere using the EL-U142! This USB adapter allows the use of a wide number of high speed datacards via a USB port enabling these PC cards to be used with a desktop or laptop without a CardBus slot. The EL-U142 is ideal for customers who live in an area without high speed wired internet access, or whose laptop does not offer a PCMCIA/CardBus slot, as many new models utilize ExpressCard. The adapter is compatible with desktops, notebooks or specialist systems (such as Point of Sale machines). Only some CardBus 3G wireless modem cards are compatible with the EL-U142; check the list below to find out whether yours is included or contact Elan for advice. Please note that the unique hardware design of the EL-U142 has been developed especially for this type of wireless modems, so other card types are not supported. The EL-U142 does not support memory cards. Check Elan's Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

Supported cards: EL-U142 Supported Cards List. With the exception of the Novatel 620 series, most cards require an arduous manual setup process: Please see our Full Installation Steps document to see how to do this.

Note: If your laptop or desktop PC already has the ExpressCard slot, you can use our single-slot ExpressCard Slot Adapter for your PCMCIA 3G cards instead.

Features and Specifications

Features

CE Approved
Supports a select number of 3G (CDMA/GSM/UMTS/EDGE/HSDPA) PC Cardbus Cards
PCMCIA Version 2.1/JEIDA 4.1 Compliant
Up to 1.5 MB/sec Transfer Rate

PC Card Support

Supports a select number of 3G (CDMA, UMTS, EDGE and HSDPA) PC Cardbus Cards
Supported cards: EL-U142 Supported Cards List
Other PCMCIA cards, including Wireless LAN (802.11), are NOT supported
Other PCMCIA cards, including memory cards, are NOT supported
Elan's EL-U111 supports a select subset of 16-bit cards

Standards

PC Card Version 2.1/JEIDA 4.1
Universal Serial Bus 1.1

System Requirements

System with USB 1.1 or 2.0 port
Windows 2000, XP, or
The Vista. (Note: To use under Vista, your 3G card must be the 32-bit cardbus version.), to download Vista please go to http://www.elandigitalsystems.com/eng/drivers/useries/useriesdriverscd.zip
USB host port must provide specification standard of 5V @ 500mA [note]
Linux kernels 2.6.15+ (read notes), Beta for Mac OS X (read notes)

Transfer Rates

Up to 1.5 MB/sec

Electrical Characteristics

Operational Voltage: DC +5 Volts direct from USB
5V at 400mA typ. with fault (over-current) protection for PC Cards
3.3V at 400mA typ. with fault (over-current) protection for PC Cards

Operating Environment

Temperature Operating: 0 to 75�C
Mass: 140g, excluding USB cable

Physical Dimensions

Dimensions: 140 x 83 x 25mm (approx.)
Temperature Storage: -50 to 150�C
MTBF: Estimated MTBF for all Uxxx card readers is 100K hours under normal operating conditions

Support

1. Full Installation Steps Online Version: Supplement to main documentation enumerating all steps for correct installation for manual modem (dial-up) connections
2. Full Installation Steps PDF version: Supplement to main documentation enumerating all steps for correct installation for manual modem (dial-up) connections
3. EL-U142/U132/U111-530 Notes, FAQs, Troubleshooting, Downloads, Documents, and Links: A plethora of crucial information
4. Drivers For Uxxx Readers: Drivers for this device, we strongly recommend burning to and installing from CD-ROM as opposed to attempting to install from unzipped directory. Be sure to read the current release notes on the same page for information pertaining to a specific Uxxx model.
5. Supported Card List: Elan's official listing of supported cards.
6. Supported Card List Supplement for Option Wireless: Elan's supplemental page for Datacards from Option Wireless.

PRICE. Please click here for updated price.
FYI, manufacturer has a very strict return policy on this U142 reader. All returns for refund are subject to a 50% restocking fee!