Mobile Broadband Demystified
Starting from late June this year, there has been a barrage of announcements, comments, and blog posts on Dell’s new plans to install a GPS minicard on their Inspiron Mini 10 series of netbooks.
We think that’s an extremely cool idea…
Summary: Novatel MiFi 2200 for Sprint is an amazing mobile broadband device, allowing you to share access to mobile internet via Sprint with up to 5 WiFi devices. With integrated GPS, it’s small, light, easy to use, and has excellent portability for use with mutiple computers.
Pros: Easy to Use, Very good portability, Great WiFi range, Built in GPS, Travel-friendly size
Cons: Runs hot, limited battery life when several devices are connected over WiFi
Rating:
– Very Good
Price: $499.99 $99.99 with 2 year Sprint contract
Posted by Mobile Warp on Jan 8, 07:32 PM
Summary: Tiny and slick, Sierra Wireless 598U mobile USB modem for Sprint’s EvDO RevA network, packs microSD slot for memory cards up to 32Gb, external antenna jack, and integrated assisted GPS for quality mobile surfing experience. Wireless perfomance is very solid with 3G speeds typical for modern CDMA EvDO networks.
PC Magazine Editor Choice!
Pros: Small, great performance with solid up/download speeds, integrated assisted GPS and MicroSD slot for cards up to 8Gb. Jack for external antenna. Supports all major OSs – Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
Cons: Used to be slightly higher price – it cost $49.99 with 2-year Sprint contract before – but since Sprint dropped the price to Free, none left.
Rating:
– Excellent
Price: $249.99 Free with 2 year Sprint contract
Summary: Novatel Wireless USB727 for Verizon presents a compelling package for speedy Internet connection over Verizon’s wireless EvDO RevA data network. It features one of the best signal sensitivities with a flip up antenna, has an integrated microSD slot for expandable storage, doubling up as a USB drive stick, and has integrated assisted GPS for location based applications.
Pros: Small and slick package. Impressive data rates, very good signal reception with Novatel’s “diversity loop antenna”, 2-in-1 with integrated miscroSD slot and built-in GPS. Free with Verizon’s 2-year data plan.
Cons: Tends to stick out depending on the location of USB slot on your PC, which may be inconvenient for some. Antenna needs to be flipped for better reception during use.
Rating:
– Very Good
Price: $249.99 Free with 2 year Verizon contract
Summary: Sierra Wireless’ AirCard 881 for AT&T is the first PCMIA broadband modem to support HSUPA – for a staggering (theoretical) download speed of up to 7.2 Mbps and upload speeds up to 2.0 Mbps.
It offers tri-band UMTS/HSPA and quad-band GPRS/EDGE for global connectivity and worldwide roaming, while being optimized for better fringe performance on North American networks.
Pros: One of the first HSUPA Broadband Modems on the market. Integrated Assisted GPS for your location-based needs. World modem for global connectivity (when roaming)
Cons: PCMICIA form factor limiting to specific PC models.
Rating:
– Very Good
Price: $319.99 $49.99 with 2 year AT&T contract