Rogers picks up 3G card for Macs, Vista

Rogers Wireless today opened up a new choice for subscribers to its 3G wireless network by launching the Option GT Max. A PC Card adapter for older notebooks, the GT Max packs a tri-band HSDPA radio to connect at download speeds up to 3.6Mbps on Rogers' HSDPA network -- with the possibility of an upgrade for 7.2Mbps through software, according to Option. Fallback support for EDGE and the older-yet GPRS exist for territories where the faster HSDPA standard isn't active, and a butterfly-style antenna stows inside the card to keep it safely plugged in when the host notebook put in a bag or backpack.

In Rogers form, the GT Max supports Apple PowerBooks running Mac OS X as well as Windows 2000, XP, and Vista notebooks. It requires a data plan through the Canadian provider and sells as low as $150 with a three-year agreement or $300 when attached to a shorter one- or two-year plan.