Small and reliable USB modem for HSPA networks with MicroSD memory expansion
Summary: USBConnect Mercury for AT&T by Sierra Wireless (based on Sierra’s Compass 885) is small and reliable modem for HSPA networks. It offers seamless high-speed wireless connectivity for both Mac and Windows computers, features seamless no CD installation, a microSD memory expansion slot, and a laptop clip to help maximize modem performance. With Mercury you can roam worldwide on tri-band UMTS and quad-band GSM/ EDGE networks.
Pros: Small, seamless installation, easy to use, integrated MicroSD slot. Free with 2-year AT&T contract. Widest worldwide coverage when roaming on UMTS / HSPA and GSM / EDGE networks.
Cons: No GPS, SIM card slot is in somewhat inconvenient location
Rating:
– Good
Price: $259.99 Free with 2 year AT&T contract
Overview
The Sierra Wireless Mercury USB modem for AT&T offers seamless high-speed wireless connectivity for both Mac and Windows notebook and desktop computers on HSUPA networks with high-speed data downloads rates of up to 1.7 Mbps and upload speeds up to 1.4 Mbps. It can roam globally on tri-band UMTS and quad-band GSM/ EDGE networks making it trully a world modem.
The Mercury is a compact USB stick modem that includes TRU-Install™, a seamless, no CD installation experience, a microSD memory expansion slot, and a laptop clip to help maximize modem performance.
Expert Opinion
CNet
Source
- Easy to use, and offers expandable memory
- You can get the cellular modem for free after rebates
- USBConnect Mercury is a plug-and-play solution that you can connect to your laptop just like a flash drive
PCMagazine
source
- Tiny, flexible, and reliable
- Mercury is a very good way to hit AT&T’s high-speed 3G-cellular and partner networks abroad
- plenty of options, thanks to small size, solid performance, and a memory card slot
BoyGenius Report
source
- Global Compatibility: The only single Laptop Connect card, single rate plan, global 3G solution offered today
- 3G and EDGE support, automatic installation with no need for a CD, integrated microSD slot with high capacity support
- can’t really go wrong
Features
- Wireless download speed up to 7.2 Mbps and upload to 2 Mbps (upgradeable to 5.76 Mbps)
- Familiar USB connection
- Small, durable, fixed design
- microSD memory expansion slot
- TRU-Install, automatic software installation
- Tri band HSPA/UMTS for worldwide roaming and global connectivity
- Receive diversity on all three HSPA bands provides for reliable connection and speed, even in fringe network areas
- High speed wireless connectivity in more places than Wi-Fi, offering greater mobility
- First AT&T USB Mobile Broadband Card That Supports HSUPA For Theoretic Download Speeds Of 7.2 Mbps
- Surf The Internet, Check Email, Access Corporate Networks – All Over Cellular Network!
- Data Download Speeds Burst to 7.2 Mbps! Data Upload Speeds Burst to 2.0 Mpbs!
- Built-In microSD Slot Supports Expandable Memory Cards Up To 32 GB
- Support HSDPA, UMTS, EDGE, GPRS and GSM Networks Worldwide
- No Remote Power Needed – Power Comes From USB 2.0 Slot
- Sleek, Attractive Design With Fast Installation
- Includes Windows Vista, XP, 2000 (Not NT) and Mac OS X Drivers
- Color – Black
- Style – USB 2.0 Mobile Broadband Modem
- Warranty – Sierra Wireless Factory Warranty
- Device Supports AT&T Data Plans
- Available For Purchase Without Service Plan
What’s In The Box
- AT&T USBConnect Modem with AT&T Communications Manager (installed)
- Carry Strap (Lanyard)
- Quick Start Guide
TRU DESIGN FEATURES
- – Data Antenna Technology
- – Data Traffic Technology
- - Rugged Hardware Design
- - Software Installation Technology
Specifications
Dimensions
- 2.6 in x 1.0 in x 0.5 in / 65 mm (L) x 25 mm (W) x 13.5 mm (H)
- Volume: 19.5 cc
- Weight: 1.0 oz / 30 g
General
- Compatible Carrier – AT&T
- Network Compatibility – GSM 850, 900, 1800, 1900
- Expandable Memory Capacity – Integrated microSD Card Slot Supports Up To 32 GB of Memory
Technology
- USB Modem (USB Port) MSM 7201A
- UMTS with HSDPA Category 8
- HSUPA Category 5
- (2.0 Mbps uplink) & Upgradeable to Category 6 (5.76 Mbps)
- EDGE/GPRS MS Class 12
- WCDMA advanced receiver on UMTS 800/850, 1900, 2100 MHz bands
- microSDTM / SDHC support
Bands
- 800/850, 1900, 2100 MHz WCDMA
- 800/850, 900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE GSM
- 1800, 1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE
- GSM Power class 1/EDGE E2
Antenna Diversity Support
Operating System Support
- Windows® 7 Mobile Broadband, Vista, XP, 2000,
- Mac OS X
Environmental
- Operating Temperature: 0 to 45 Celsius
- Storage Temperature: -40 to 85 Celsius
- RoHs Compliant
Standards/Approvals
- CE
- FCC
- PTCRB
- A-tick
- GCF
- Industry Canada
- Microsoft WHQL
- Other carrier specific approvals
System Requirements
- USB Port
- System: Pentium 150 MHz or higher
- Memory: 32 MB
- Disk Space: 32 MB
Package Contents
- AT&T USBConnect Modem with AT&T Communications Manager (installed)
- Carry Strap (Lanyard)
- Quick Start Guide

