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Handling T-Mobile's 4G laptop sticks

At CTIA 2011 T-Mobile debuts a Wi-Fi hot-spot and three USB sticks for its HSPA+ CNET takes a closer look and gives you the specs.

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Kent German Former senior managing editor / features
Kent was a senior managing editor at CNET News. A veteran of CNET since 2003, he reviewed the first iPhone and worked in both the London and San Francisco offices. When not working, he's planning his next vacation, walking his dog or watching planes land at the airport (yes, really).
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Kent German

Orlando, Fla.--T-Mobile had more than the LG G2X and Sidekick 4G to show at CTIA 2011. And no, we're not talking about a plan as to how customers will be affected form the planned merger with AT&T.

No, T-Mobile also introduced four products for its HSPA+ network: a portable W-Fi hot-spot and three USB laptop sticks. The devices are optimized for the carrier's "4G" network--we know T-Mobile's definition of 4G is a little fuzzy--but they're compatible with the carrier's 3G and EDGE networks when you're not in a HSPA+ area.

T-Mobile accessories at CTIA

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None of the devices will be available until later this spring, but we swung by T-Mobile's booth at a CTIA press event to take a look. The 4G Mobile Hotspot supports up to five devices and promises data speeds of up to 21Mbps. It's compact and portable and even has a bit if style. Two of the laptop sticks--the T-Mobile Rocket 4G Prepaid and T-Mobile Jet 2.0 also deliver 21Mbps speeds, but the T-Mobile Rocket 3.0 should have twice the zip (42Mbps). And it comes with changeable faceplates.

For more specs and a closer look, check out the photos gallery.