Important points
- T-Mobile and TCL’s new Linkport IK511 is a compact 5G adapter for your laptop or tablet that connects via USB-C.
- Go5G Next customers get 50% off for $96 and pairs well with T-Mobile’s new $5 Device Data Service add-on.
- There are no complicated controls. Designed as an accessory for your laptop, it’s just a device that connects to a web interface for configuration.
T-Mobile and TCL are releasing new 5G mobile devices that can connect directly to tablets and laptops. TCL Linkport IK511 adds 5G connectivity to devices with USB-C connectivity. It’s compact at just 3.2 inches long and includes one USB-C port for connecting to your PC. T-Mobile has announced that the device will be sold exclusively at T-Mobile stores starting October 17th, and will be available for purchase by users with Consumer and Business plans.
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T-Mobile previously announced the device along with upgrades to its Go5G Next and Go5G Next Business plans, which let you add the device to your plan for just $5 per month. This essentially means that you can transform your laptop into a 5G-connected laptop with a single device. There are several laptops with built-in 5G, but if you have an older laptop or want to increase your options in the laptop you buy, the TCL Linkport IK511 could be a worthwhile upgrade.
Upgrade your laptop to 5G for under $100
No more searching for public Wi-Fi or draining your phone battery
Hotspots are nothing new, and many of the best mobile hotspots have Wi-Fi and USB-C connectivity, but they can be quite expensive and a little too complex for their own good. there is. The TCL Linkport IK511 is simple with no screen or on-device controls to change options using a web interface on your computer. It’s easier to think of it as a laptop accessory rather than a mobile hotspot. There’s a system LED, network LED, and SMS LED so you can tell if your device is on and connected.
Internet connectivity is via a USB-C connection to your PC, so you don’t have to worry about connecting to WI-FI or charging standalone devices. Its small size makes it easy to store in your laptop bag when you don’t need it. Linkport IK511 supports Windows 7 and above, macOS 10.15 and above, Linux including Ubuntu 22.04 and above, iPadOS 15 and above, and Android 11 and above. USB-C is required for the device to work as only a USB-C to USB-C cable is included and TCL recommends not using a separate USB cable.
The product’s simplicity is a selling point, and it’s actually called 5G RedCap, which stands for Reduced Capability. It uses the Snapdragon X35 5G modem-RF system, with 5G download speeds up to 220 Mbps and upload speeds up to 100 Mbps. John Saw, Chief Technology Officer at T-Mobile, said:5G RedCap will transform the way consumers and businesses connect, bringing older Wi-Fi-only devices to the nation’s leading 5G networks in one fell swoop. LINKPORT — on T-Mobile’s network — provides instant and flexible 5G access for first responders, educators, and everyday users alike.”
For 5G, Linkport IK511 supports bands n25, n41, n66, n71, and n77. These are all mid-band or low-band frequencies. These speeds aren’t the gigabit-plus speeds that 5G can deliver, but they’re more than fast enough to get your work done on the go. If you have Go5G Next, T-Mobile’s top unlimited plan, you can add devices to your plan for just $5 per month. If you have a Go5G Next business account, you can also add one for $5 per month, which doubles your hotspot data from 50 GB to 100 GB.
Before spending money on a standalone hotspot device, remember that your Android smartphone can also share connectivity with your laptop using Wi-Fi or, if your device supports it, USB-C. please.
The Linkport IK511 itself costs $96, but Go5G Next customers can get it for 50% off for a limited time. If you’re on T-Mobile’s top plan and want to keep your laptop or tablet connected, this is an affordable way to get your older device online.
The TCL Linkport IK511 also supports T-Mobile Priority, a dedicated high-priority network slice built for first responders, announced in September 2024. This separates this high-priority traffic from standard traffic and ensures that it cannot pass through. During times of congestion or reduced capacity.
TCL link port IK511
$48 $96 Save $48
TCL Linkport IK511 is a compact 5G adapter for laptops and tablets. It uses the T-Mobile 5G network and supports mid-band download speeds up to 200Mbps. Unlike most hotspots, this device does not have Wi-Fi and is used as a simple adapter for your laptop or tablet.
