Sierra Wireless today announced their latest USB EV-DO Rev.A modem, the Compass 597, which distinguishes itself from rivals by virtue of both an in-built GPS receiver and the facility to connect an external antenna for areas of poor reception.  A microSD slot is also present for adding memory and using the stick as a portable storage device.

When it launches in Q2 this year, the Compass 597 will be capable of download speeds of up to 3.1Mbps and upload speeds of up to 1.8Mbps, network depending, and features Sierra Wireless’ TRU-Locate system for improved signal lock performance.

No networks have been connected with the modem yet, nor prices suggested.

[via MobileBurn]