Veriz, Edge, air cards

All -

I'm hearing that Verizon will release eDGe on their network in November, and I'm in a buying quandary. I already have a Verizon air card...anyone know if that will work as a cell modem on the eDGe?

Do we know anything about any changes that might happen with the Verizon release...like Froyo, bundled data plan, etc?

Thanks,
Dave

Unfortunately, we have absolutely no details.

The Verizon/eDGe pairing has not officially been announced, although enTourage has always maintained that a 3G model will be released.

The current eDGe has no 3G radio inside, although supposedly some 3G USB modems (for example, from AT&T) apparently will work if you plug them in (but aren't officially supported). enTourage could provide support for a Verizon 3G USB modem on the current eDGe if they provided the necessary drivers and software.

Originally Posted by borisb

Unfortunately, we have absolutely no details.

The Verizon/eDGe pairing has not officially been announced, although enTourage has always maintained that a 3G model will be released.

The current eDGe has no 3G radio inside, although supposedly some 3G USB modems (for example, from AT&T) apparently will work if you plug them in (but aren't officially supported). enTourage could provide support for a Verizon 3G USB modem on the current eDGe if they provided the necessary drivers and software.

That's the icky part isn't it?

On one hand, Entourage wants to make money off of the new hardware deal with Verizon so it would not be in their financial interest to support a USB solution for AT&T. But, on the other hand, why would they want to alienate their loyal early adopters by not allowing/supporting the USB option.

I hope they opt on the side of the loyal customers and still find a way to make the deal with Verizon.

If you have the USB modem, I'd be happy to test it for you. Seriously. PM me if you are interested.

Originally Posted by brauckmiller

That's the icky part isn't it?

On one hand, Entourage wants to make money off of the new hardware deal with Verizon so it would not be in their financial interest to support a USB solution for AT&T. But, on the other hand, why would they want to alienate their loyal early adopters by not allowing/supporting the USB option.

[Dave] The end result is that I'll probably wait until November, the projected VZ release date, to see what happens. I won't have the functionality of the current machine available to me (because I won't own one) until then, but the early adoption risk is much more likely once a way forward with a major player like Verizon is indicated. Although I'll use it for work (I do a lot of face to face interviews with clients and the ability to take handwritten notes on a flat, electronic surface is a major killer app for me), the primary use is personal.

I hope they opt on the side of the loyal customers and still find a way to make the deal with Verizon.

[Dave] Loyal customers, unfortunately, don't drive the next quarter, financially speaking. It does look like Entourage may be attempting to focus outside the education market with the Verizon deal. A November release is a pretty clear play for the holiday consumer market, versus a big push in July or August for the educational market.

If you have the USB modem, I'd be happy to test it for you. Seriously. PM me if you are interested.

[Dave] Thanks for the offer, however I use that same modem with my work laptop on the road and can't be without access to it.