Apple Supports EX720, U720, USB720, V740 for Intel Laptops

With the release of WWAN Support Update 1.0, Apple has provided software drivers for several broadband wireless devices:

Available on the Sprint network:
•Novatel Wireless Merlin EX720 ExpressCard (EVDO Rev. A)
•Novatel Wireless Ovation U720 USB Modem (USB Adapter, EVDO Rev. A)

Available on the Verizon network:
•Novatel XV620 ExpressCard (EVDO Rev. 0) <- current v640
•Novatel V740 ExpressCard (EVDO Rev. A) <- whats this?!
•Novatel U720 (USB Adapter, EVDO Rev. A) <- current USB720

Available on the Cingular network:
•Novatel Merlin XU870 ExpressCard (HSDPA)

Its not entirely a bed of roses though:

System Requirements

• Mac OS X 10.4.8
• Intel-based Macintosh Portable

To a lot of Mac users, this isn't going to make a lot of sense. We already know that those EVDO USB Modems work great with every Mac running OSX 10.3.9 and above using an installer package made infamous by EVDOforums fan Mac.InTosh... so why would Apple choose to draw the line on their own drivers by limiting the USB to only those Mac laptops with Intel processors?

Where is the love for other currently shipping Intel Macs such as the iMac and MacMini? or the venerable PowerBook?

Mac users of Sprint's EX720 and U720 should rejoice in the fact that with these drivers, you can now see signal strength in menubar.

And the rest of us? We should just be happy that Apple is making life simpler for (certain) Mac users to get their wireless world wider.

[UPDATE: The WAN Support update conflicts with Verizon's VZAccess Manager connection software.]

For the latest on this new software update, visit:

Mac OS X WWAN Support Update through Software update - EVDOforums.com
Apple Supports EX720, U720, USB720, V740 - EVDOinfo.com