Take Autoblog on the road: WAAV Airbox X2
Okay folks, we're waiting to see the first hack that has gameplay running on the nav screen, so someone get on it! Cambridge, MA based WAAV has developed a new generation of cellular routers capable of delivering cellular internet at speeds comparable to DSL. Here's the important part, it'll do it in your car. That's better than cruising around neighborhoods with your laptop sniffing around for unsecured wireless networks. Besides, when you're using hijacked wireless, you can't drive around. Public transportation installations are another possibility, especially since the Airbox X2 is designed to serve multiple users. The catch is that you've got to buy the Airbox X2 for $1100 bucks, plus lock in to a minimum two year contract with their cellular data provider before they'll let you have one. That's a lot of scratch just so we can blog while stuck in epic traffic. Of course, getting posts done while languishing on the Mass Pike would convert that time into productivity. Hmm. [Source: Straightline]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Dave T. 11:27AM (9/28/2007)
I would think this would be huge among the tour bus/RV set.
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CoffeeJones 11:59AM (9/28/2007)
Thinking the same thing.
Most of the cars on the road have a single driver with no passengers.
$1100 is steep for a single router, but imagine putting this on the observation deck on an Amtrak(interstate) or intercity train, or greyhound bus, i.e. someplace that's in constant use and has lots of people getting on and off.
WiMax cards are expensive and have expensive service, but this might be a game changer for people (like me) that spend an hour or more on a train for commuting.
Kamil 12:08PM (9/28/2007)
"Of course, getting posts done while languishing on the Mass Pike would convert that time into productivity. Hmm. "
Might as well, everyone seems to have their heads up their a$$ on that road... and god forbid, you go around the $hitheads on the right, there's bound to be a statie lookin to nab you.
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paul34 12:26PM (9/28/2007)
wait, what? That doesn't really make sense. The maximum speed of data via cellular isn't determined by some magic box on the user end, but is determined by the specific technology used by the carrier, in addition to other factors such as network load, network design, bandwidth availbility, distance from tower, signal interference due to physical obstacles or other obstacles, etc.
I'm thinking this is nothing more than a cellular repeater with an amplifier as well - which normally, should not cost anyone over $400 for a unit capable of covering an entire small office, let alone a vehicle.
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Max 12:41PM (9/28/2007)
Maybe if you need it right now. The 700 MHz spectrum is a few years away.
http://www.wired.com/techbiz/it/news/2007/09/auction_faq
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/700_Mhz_wireless_spectrum_auction
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Wildo 1:47PM (9/28/2007)
D-Link makes a much more affordable option.
http://www.dlinkshop.com/product.asp?sku=3135228
for you EV-DO users and
http://www.dlinkshop.com/product.asp?sku=3605254
for the UMTS and HSDPA users.
Just insert your existing aircard from your cell carrier (or a compatible cell phone via USB), and you're good to go. Granted you'll need a power inverter, but it sure beats the $1100 and contract with another carrier.
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