TCL’s LINKPORT IK511 is out now. The new device lets laptops and tablets connect to T-Mobile’s 5G network, and feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X35 5G Modem-RF System. The device promises faster and more reliable internet than Wi-Fi or 4G LTE, using T-Mobile’s 5G RedCap technology.
Starting on today, October 17, 2024, it will be available in T-Mobile stores for $96, with a special deal that lets you get it for half the price if you sign up for some T-Mobile plans.
Skip expensive 5G upgrades
T-Mobile’s new TCL Linkport IK511 is a black, rectangular device with a textured surface. It has the TCL logo on one side and three indicator lights on another. Beside each one is a settings cog, signal strength, and message icon.
In terms of functionality, the device is a small and portable 5G hotspot that connects your laptops, tablets, and more gadgets to T-Mobile’s 5G network using a USB-C port. It offers download speeds up to 220Mbps, which is faster than many Wi-Fi or 4G connections, and works with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iPadOS, Android, and Linux.
This feature is particularly useful if you have the combinations of a Windows or MacBook laptop for work, a OnePlus tablet on the side, and a Google Pixel smartphone. Even though your devices don’t have built-in 5G connectivity, they can use the 5G network when you connect them to the Linkport IK511, since they already support Wi-Fi connectivity. This way, you don’t need to spend money on a brand new laptop or phone with 5G support built in.
You can even connect your Android phone to your laptop and share your phone’s internet via the mobile hotspot feature on your phone or a USB tethering. It’s also worth emphasizing that a speed of 220Mbps is pretty fast and works well for most tasks. You can easily stream high-definition videos without buffering, and even 4K videos play smoothly. If you need to download large files above 1GB, it would take seconds to complete.
TCL Linkport IK511 brings uses Snapdragon X35 modem
The Linkport IK511 uses the new Snapdragon X35 5G Modem-RF System that’s built to use less power and create a wide range of 5G devices, especially for industrial applications, home internet setups, basic connected computers, and first-generation smart devices, including wearable tech.
All users expect secure and reliable access to their apps and data, irrespective of their personal or professional needs, and our Linkport device is an unparalleled new way for our customers to gain high-speed connectivity, whenever and wherever they need it. TCL is pleased to be working with Qualcomm Technologies and T-Mobile to bring our innovative designs and unique wireless products to help forward our mission of 5G for all.
Eric Anderson, General Manager of TCL Mobile.
The Linkport IK511 also weighs 1.01 ounces and comes in only black. Internally, it has 256MB of DDR memory and 256MB of Flash memory. It’s sufficient for its intended purpose as a portable 5G hotspot. Besides 5G networks, it also works with 4G LTE, allowing download speeds reaching 200 Mbps. Plus, it uses a Nano SIM card in a single SIM slot.
The device costs $96, and is exclusively on the T-Mobile store. The carrier has a limited-time deal where you can get it for half price if you sign up for a Go5G Next or Go5G Business Next plan. So, you would pay only $48. Also, for just $5 a month, you can connect almost any USB-C device to the 5G network by plugging it in. So plugging in your device to the Linkport IK511 is free, but using the connection itself is not.
