That LCD screen gives the user of the modem all sorts of interesting information including a network signal strength indicator, what type of network are connected to, and how much data is being used. It’s very easy-to-use more data than you’re allotted on your plan and run up a significant bill, so having how much data you have used right on the modem is very helpful indeed.

The modem can also be used as a storage device thanks to an integrated memory card slot supporting microSD cards of up to 32 GB in capacity. The modem is also capable of roaming allowing you to connect to the Internet in more than 210 countries. AT&T says that the modem is plug-and-play compatible so you don’t have to worry about software.

The modem supports Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows RT laptops and tablets. When connected to Windows 7 laptops, the modem can also be used as hotspot to share 4G connectivity with up to 10 other devices via Wi-Fi. The Beam will launch on May 10 in AT&T stores around the country and online for $19.99 with a two-year agreement. The mobile plan with 5 GB of data will cost $50 per month.

[via AT&T]

Netgear says that on January 28 it entered into an asset purchase agreement with Sierra Wireless to acquire select assets and operations of the company’s AirCard business. The deal is costing Netgear $138 million in cash. The final purchase price does depend on adjustments that will be made after closing.

The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions including regulatory clearance. The deal is expected to close by the end of fiscal Q1 for Netgear. Netgear says that the acquisition will help accelerate the mobile initiative of its service provider business unit. The company wants to become a global leader in providing the latest LTE data networking access devices.

Netgear expects the deal to be accretive to earnings upon closing. The company is also updating its estimates for Q4 of 2012. Netgear expects to achieve net revenue of $305 million-$310 million with a non-GAAP operating margin in the 11% to 11.5% range. Along with the asset acquisition Netgear will also gain about 160 employees located primarily in Carlsbad, California and Richmond, British Columbia.

[via Netgear]

Hardware

The MiFi Liberate takes what you want in the first place, AT&T’s 4G LTE network connectivity, and adds a few bells and whistles so you know you’re getting a unique device, not just a parred-down smartphone. This hotspot’s only competition on AT&T is the Sierra Wireless Elevate 4G, a device that also offers up 4G LTE. The Elevate also works with a microSD card slot and a 1.77-inch display with a 1,800 mAh battery. While the Elevate offers connectivity to 5 devices at once, the Mifi Liberate offers up to 10.

That’s where the Librate starts to look a lot more enticing. This device starts at $199.99 but the only way you’ll be able to buy it from AT&T is on a two-year contract, this reducing your price to $49.99, at which point it’s the data costs you’ll be looking at for the most part. The battery on the Mifi Liberate is a massive 2,900mAh, its touchscreen display is a 2.8-inch color TFT LCD, and the entire device measures in at 99.5 x 73.1 x 8.8mm, weighing 120 grams.

There’s a simple setup here with microUSB port on one side of the battery enclosure on the back, and a power button on the other. The back (underside) of the machine also has a couple of soft plastic bumpers so your device doesn’t get away from you and a rubbery cover for your microSD card slot (capable of carrying up to 32GB, mind you). You’ve also got access to your SIM card under the battery enclosure – all of this is easy to work and open yet securely fastened for on-the-move action.

User Interface

This machine is able to work with several “modes”, each of them having more or less wi-fi range and battery conservation. You’re able to receive text message updates for the device from AT&T, but because you’re not working with a keyboard, you’ll not be sending any outward. You can work with quite a few different security measures on this device including NAT Firewall, anti-CSRF, VPN pass-through, and of course wi-fi protected setup.

You’re also able to set up session timeouts for when you’re only planning on using the device for a short time but wont be able to reach in and tap the machine off (if it’s in your backpack for example). You can also create an admin password hash and block “retry” attempts from users making with the hack – no luck for them!

Data Speeds and Battery

While Novatel Wireless rates the battery time at 11 hours on this device, we’ve been hard pressed to empty the machine out. This is with AT&T’s 4G LTE network in both Minnesota (we’re in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul) as well as NYC (having traveled there recently during our review period), and we’re certainly not complaining. You’ll easily be able to bring this hotspot out to your local coffee shop and work for a good 8 hours online without worrying about the battery running out.

As for data speeds, we’re seeing pretty standard fare for AT&T’s 4G LTE network. Download speeds seemed to max out right around 16-19 Mbps on average and hit upload speeds of right around 9 Mpbs pretty constantly. Our most recent tests of devices such as the Samsung Galaxy S III yielded essentially the same results in the same testing areas.

Bonus Points

This machine works with GPS and DLNA. Isn’t that weird? What you’d use GPS for is connecting to your notebook computer to see where you are in the world should your notebook not com packed with such a feature. DLNA allows you to stream media wirelessly to your DLNA audio devices with ease. Interestingly you’ll be doing this via your web browser on a device that’s not the Mifi Liberate and not the speaker you’re streaming to – so in the rare occasion that you want to stream to a speaker with DLNA capabilities and don’t have that capability on your notebook, you can do it with a microSD card plugged in to your Mifi Liberate!

That’s the kind of fun connectivity we’re glad (if not a little baffled) to see on a wireless hotspot such as this – well done!

Wrap-up

While it’s difficult in general to get too excited about an internet delivery machine, I wouldn’t hesitate to say that the MiFi Liberate is easily the most awesome mobile hotspot I’ve had the pleasure of using. If you’re looking for the top mobile hotspot on AT&T’s network for 4G LTE, you’ve found it. Now you’ve got to decide if it’s work the extra few Hamiltons you’ll be paying for it over the one competitor it’s got – good luck deciding!

Seamless transition between 3G CDMA, WiMAX and LTE is promised, and there’s integrated GPS for adding location data to LBS and apps. A 1.7-inch 160 x 128 LCD on the top panel shows battery life, details on how many devices are connected at any one time, and the status of the data link.

Sierra Wireless reckons the 4G LTE Tri-Fi is good for up to 150 feet WiFi range outdoors, or up to 115 feet indoors, and the hotspot will roll back to EVDO Rev.0 and 1xRTT data connections when you’re at the fringes of coverage. The whole thing measures in at 3.84 x 2.25 x 0.95 inches and weighs 4.87oz with the standard 3,600 mAh battery.

Charging is via microUSB, and the hotspot will also operate as a tethered modem if you plug it in direct to your computer. The Tri-Fi hotspot will go on sale May 18, priced at $99.99 after a $50 mail-in-rebate and with a two-year service agreement. Plans, meanwhile, will kick off at $34.99 for 3GB of combined 3G/4G data, rising to $49.99 for 6GB of combined 3G/4G data or $79.99 for 12GB of 3G/4G data.

You’ve got everything in this little monster of a device including multi-data-stream wireless connections to brand locations, high-quality wireless video surveillance, and connections to mobile office applications “for public safety and field service activities.” Sounds alright! The hardware itself, too, is a beast, complying with a big set of industry and wireless requirements you’ve probably never heard of including: Mil-STD 810-F, IEC60068, IP64, Class 1 Div 2, and e-Mark.

Inside you’ve got an ARM 11-class microprocessor architecture with high-capacity DDR memory, security which includes IPsec-compliant VPNs and PCI-compliant solutions, and AirLink management services for your own personal cloud. You can grab your own soon or stick around and see this device at CES 2012. It’s time for some speedy connections!

Both have LCD screens on them to provide a look at battery life, network strength, and the device connected. They have audible alerts for status of the device and more. The difference between the two devices is that the 754S supports 4G LTE networks and the 753s is a 3G only device.

The 753S is good for up to 42Mbps download and 5.76Mbps upload on DC-HSPA+ networks. The 754S is good for up to 100Mbps download and up to 50Mbps upload on LTE networks and will operate on 3G networks as well. Pricing and availability are unannounced.

That modem, the CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB (Series S), can automatically switch between 3G and 4G connections as available.  Clearwire have had Mac-compatible USB modems before, but until now they’ve been WiMAX-only without being able to fall back onto 3G networks.

The CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB is available to buy for $114.99 plus tax, while the CLEAR 4G and CLEAR 4G+ are leased at $44.99 per month and $60.99 per month (again, plus tax) including Clearwire’s basic CLEAR Internet plan.  The two hotspots are available from July 7th 2010.

Press Release:

Clearwire Offers More Ways to Connect to CLEAR 4G Service with Three New Devices; Adds 4G/3G Modem for Macs and PCs

• New CLEAR 4G and 4G+ Personal Wi-Fi Hotspots plus 4G/3G Mobile USB Extend Unlimited 4G Data Plans to More Mobile Devices
• New USB Modem Brings National 4G/3G Service to Apple Laptops and PCs
• CLEAR’s Uncapped Mobile Broadband Experience Available For Netbooks, Notebooks, Gaming, Entertainment, Social Media and Numerous Other Devices and Services

KIRKLAND, Wash. – June 16, 2010 – Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ: CLWR), a leading provider of wireless broadband services, today announced the upcoming availability of three new products that will extend the potential for super fast speeds and unlimited 4G usage plans to the millions of mobile devices available today.

The latest suite of devices, the CLEAR SpotTM 4G, CLEAR Spot 4G+, and the CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB bring new 4G connectivity possibilities to a wide range of Wi-Fi enabled laptops, netbooks, smartphones, and other connected devices – without the worries or hassles of tiered or capped usage plans.

The CLEAR Spot 4G offers the speed and flexibility of a personal Wi-Fi hotspot simultaneously connecting multiple Wi-Fi devices at 4G speeds, while the CLEAR Spot 4G+ adds the option of allowing users to easily and securely use nationwide 3G coverage when outside the 4G coverage area. In addition, the CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB modem is the first dual-mode mobile USB from CLEAR to deliver 4G and nationwide 3G Internet coverage to the MacBook and MacBook Pro along with other non-Mac devices.

“In today’s on-the-go world, everyone deserves fast speeds and the usage they want at a fair price – without constantly checking their usage or worrying about their end of month bill,” said Dow Draper, vice president of product development for Clearwire. “These new devices offer today’s mobile user, and the millions of Wi-Fi products in use across the country, even greater access to CLEAR’s fast and affordable 4G service.”

With CLEAR® super fast mobile Internet service users can experience average mobile download speeds of 3 to 6 mbps with bursts over 10 mbps*, using Clearwire’s 4G network. Unlike service plans from traditional wireless carriers which cap data usage, CLEAR offers unlimited 4G usage plans that do not require long-term service contracts. In most markets unlimited 4G coverage from CLEAR starts at $30 for the home while unlimited mobile plans start as low as $40. Bundled services such as Home and On-The-Go and Home and Voice plans start at $55 per month. CLEAR service is currently available in dozens of cities, in areas of the United States where approximately 51 million people live. A detailed map of service availability can be found at www.clear.com/coverage.

The New CLEAR Mobile Hotspots and USB

CLEAR Spot 4G
The CLEAR Spot 4G is a personal mobile hotspot allowing users to easily and securely share unlimited super fast Internet access anywhere CLEAR has coverage simultaneously with up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices including laptops, smartphones, and portable gaming devices. The CLEAR Spot 4G is manufactured by InfoMark and will be available for purchase at $99.99 or for a $4.99 monthly lease. It can be preordered today at www.clear.com/spot and will available nationwide at CLEAR stores and authorized dealers in July.

CLEAR Spot 4G+
The CLEAR Spot 4G+ allows power users and road warriors alike to stay connected across the U.S. by automatically switching from 4G and connecting to Sprint’s 3G nationwide network outside the 4G coverage area. The CLEAR Spot 4G+ enables users to securely share the connection with up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices all at the same time. The CLEAR Spot 4G+ is manufactured by Sierra Wireless and will be available to purchase for $224.99 or to lease for $5.99 per month. It can be preordered today at www.clear.com/spot and will be available nationwide at CLEAR stores and authorized dealers in July.

CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB (Series S)
Clearwire already offers two 4G-only USB modems for Mac users, but today introduced the company’s first dual-mode 4G/3G modem available for Mac users, the CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB. When not in the 4G coverage area, the modem will automatically switch to the Sprint 3G network to provide more ubiquitous data connectivity around the country. The 4G+ Mobile USB is compatible with MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops using Mac OS X Versions 10.5.x and 10.6.x. The new USB also supports netbooks and notebooks running Windows XP SP2, Vista and Windows 7, all in 32 and 64 bit versions. The new 4G+ Mobile USB is manufactured by Sierra Wireless.

The 4G+ USB can be purchased for $114.99 or leased monthly for $5.99. It is available today at www.clear.com/4Gplus-usb and in stores in Atlanta, Dallas, Hawaii, Harrisburg, Lancaster, Reading and York, PA. The CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB will be available in all 4G markets beginning July 1st.
For more information about CLEAR, visit www.clear.com. Company information about Clearwire is available at www.clearwire.com.
For press and broadcast: Product images, video footage and company logos can be downloaded from the Clearwire online media gallery. To subscribe to Clearwire’s RSS news feed, click here.

About Clearwire
Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ: CLWR), through its operating subsidiaries, is a leading provider of mobile broadband services. Our 4G network is currently available in areas of the United States where approximately 51 million people live and the company plans to continue to expand its 4G coverage. Clearwire’s open all-IP network, combined with significant spectrum holdings, provides an unprecedented combination of speed and mobility to deliver next generation broadband access. The company markets its service through its own brand called CLEAR® as well as through its wholesale relationships with Sprint, Comcast and Time Warner Cable. Strategic investors include Intel Capital, Comcast, Sprint, Google, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks. Clearwire is headquartered in Kirkland, Wash. Additional information is available at www.clearwire.com.

*Speed claims based on download speeds only. Actual performance may vary and is not guaranteed. CLEAR performance claim is based on average download user speeds achieved during tests performed on the CLEAR commercial network by CLEAR. Other carrier performance based on their advertised claims.

Of course, when you’re outside of 4G coverage the Overdrive drops back to 3G itself, using Sprint’s EVDO Rev.A network.  An LCD display gives status updates, including network type and signal strength, together with battery life; no word from Sierra Wireless on exactly how long you can expect the Overdrive’s battery to last, however.  Finally there’s a microSD card slot (content with up to 16GB cards) the contents of which can be shared with all connected WiFi clients.

The Sprint Overdrive will arrive on January 10th at Sprint stores and select Best Buy stores, priced at $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate.  That’s assuming you sign up to a two-year agreement, mind, which start from $59.99 per month.

Update: Sprint’s spec sheet for the Overdrive confirms 3hrs access time from the 1,830 mAh battery or 36hrs standby.  It also has integrated GPS.

Press Release:

Overdrive(TM) 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot by Sierra Wireless Can Bring Sprint’s 4G Speeds to More Than 400 Million Wi-Fi-Enabled Devices

Available Jan. 10 exclusively from Sprint, Overdrive is the nation’s first 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot, allowing multiple Wi-Fi-enabled devices to share a connection to Sprint’s 4G network

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Jan 06, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Sprint (NYSE:S) announced today the upcoming availability of Overdrive(TM) 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot by Sierra Wireless. Overdrive allows you to connect up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices simultaneously–including laptops, gaming devices, cameras and even smartphones from other carriers–through a single connection (via Wi-Fi), to a network that is up to 10 times faster than today’s 3G speeds from any national wireless carrier.1 There’s no need to wait for 4G devices to enjoy the benefits of 4G: Overdrive creates a connection between the Sprint 4G network and virtually all of the hundreds of millions of Wi-Fi-enabled electronics devices owned by or available to customers today.
“This device delivers the connected lifestyle to our customers in overdrive,” said Dan Hesse, Sprint CEO. “The fact that it connects up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices is especially meaningful because at 4G speeds, customers can download and upload more data–gigabytes, not megabytes–in a matter of seconds. The Overdrive on the 4G network is made for the multitude of bandwidth-hungry applications customers want to access wirelessly, like video streaming. 4G beats 3G for speed and for value.”

Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot will benefit customers today

In the home:

Through a single connection, you can bypass your cable provider and stream HD movies from content distribution providers (such as Netflix, Amazon and Blockbuster) right to your TV; connect your Xbox 360 and game real-time with someone located across the globe; move pictures wirelessly from your camera to a digital picture frame and surf the Web on your laptop while streaming Pandora.

In the dorm:

Connect virtually anywhere on a campus with 4G coverage at 4G speeds: Turn your iPod Touch with Skype into a voice phone and make a call, or stream a live movie from Hulu or Netflix to your laptop.

On-the-go:

Whether you’re on a long trip or running a busy day of errands, use Overdrive to keep passengers entertained in the car.2 Stream your favorite TV show from Hulu to your Netbook; use a PSP gaming device to access multiple games and content; download music to your Zune HD; and turn your 3G iPhone into a 4G device. It’s all very simple with Overdrive.

Mobile office:

Join a video conference, download large files, conduct a virtual home tour and stay in constant contact with your office via unified communications.

Move Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot to the workplace and the benefits are even greater with enhanced Wi-Fi performance, increased productivity and improved cost savings. Set up and redeploy easily and quickly for a small workgroup; back-up or replace costly wireline connections to small branches, retail locations or home offices; cost-effectively share one connection on one plan when mobile with other employees and customers; use as excellent “power up and go” mobile solution to maintain connectivity for business/emergency continuity; and easily perform multiple functions with constant connectivity and real-time access to corporate data.

“At Best Buy, we see an amazing amount of new devices and products from mobile phones to televisions to gaming consoles that are designed to connect and interact with each other. This kind of connectivity is very exciting, but it can also be complicated to maximize unless you actually see it and understand it,” said Brian Dunn, Best Buy CEO. “In combination with Best Buy’s skilled and passionate associates, the Sprint Overdrive will allow us to showcase our in-store experience by demonstrating how various Wi-Fi- enabled products work and connect together, whether in the home, on-the-go or both.”

As the first dual-mode device of its kind, Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot can be used on both the Sprint 4G network and Sprint’s Mobile Broadband Network, America’s most dependable 3G network.3 This flexibility allows customers to enjoy 4G performance in any Sprint 4G market or to use Sprint’s reliable 3G mobile broadband network when outside a 4G area. Sprint 4G is already available in 27 markets and continues to expand to new cities, bringing wireless speeds up to 10 times faster than today’s 3G from any other national wireless carrier.

“Sierra Wireless places a high priority on making our products simple to use, and we have put considerable time and effort into ensuring that Overdrive3G/4G Mobile Hotspotdelivers the easiest user experience of any mobile hotspot on the market,” said Jason Cohenour, CEO of Sierra Wireless. “Its simplicity, combined with its compact portability, and security, makes Overdrive3G/4G Mobile Hotspotideal for both personal and business use in a variety of situations.”

Key features of Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot include a LCD that provides important information such as battery life and internet connection status, as well as an easy-to-use web interface for customizing settings. Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot also includes built-in GPS capability (on 3G), MicroSD slot for up to 16 GB memory cards creating shared storage with up to five connected devices, and an extended Wi-Fi range of up to 150 feet.

Beginning on Jan. 10, customers will be able to purchase Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot exclusively from Sprint for $99.99 (excluding taxes) after a $50 mail-in-rebate with a two-year service agreement. Customers can purchase the device and sign up for 3G/4G plans at select Sprint retail stores and select Best Buy stores; available through business sales, Web (www.sprint.com) and Telesales (1-800-SPRINT1) in coming weeks. Also beginning Jan. 10, Sprint will offer simplified 3G/4G data plans for consumers and businesses at $59.99 monthly (price plans exclude surcharges and taxes).4

Sprint continues to blaze trails with 4G

Sprint is the first national wireless carrier to test, launch and market 4G technology. (View 4G coverage at www.sprint.com/4G)

Sprint made history by launching 4G in Baltimore in September 2008. Sprint currently offers 4G service in 27 markets, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, Portland, Ore., San Antonio and Seattle. Sprint 4G is also offered in Abilene, Texas; Amarillo, Texas; Austin, Texas; Bellingham, Wash.; Boise, Idaho; Charlotte, N.C.; Corpus Christi, Texas; Greensboro, N.C. (along with High Point and Winston-Salem); Honolulu; Killeen/Temple, Texas; Lubbock, Texas; Maui, Hawaii; Midland/Odessa, Texas; Milledgeville, Ga.; Raleigh, N.C. (along with Cary, Chapel Hill and Durham); Salem, Ore.; Waco, Texas and Wichita Falls, Texas.

In 2010, Sprint expects to launch service in multiple markets, including Boston, Houston, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Sprint is harnessing the power of 4G as the majority shareholder of Clearwire, the independent company that is building the WiMAX network.

About Sprint Nextel

Sprint Nextel offers a comprehensive range of wireless and wireline communications services bringing the freedom of mobility to consumers, businesses and government users. Sprint Nextel is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying innovative technologies, including two wireless networks serving more than 48 million customers at the end of the third quarter of 2009 and the first and only 4G service from a national carrier in the United States; industry-leading mobile data services; instant national and international push-to-talk capabilities; and a global Tier 1 Internet backbone. The company’s customer-focused strategy has led to improved first call resolution and customer care satisfaction scores. For more information, visit www.sprint.com.

For images, visit the Image Gallery in Sprint’s Newsroom site – www.sprint.com/newsroom.

1 “Up to 10x faster” based on download speed comparison of 3G’s 600 kbps vs. 4G’s 6 Mbps. Typical published 3G avg. speeds (600 kbps-1.7 Mbps); 4G avg. speeds (3-6 Mbps). Actual speeds may vary. 4G currently available in select areas /devices; check Sprint.com/4G for Sprint 4G coverage/device info.

2 Sprint encourages all wireless users to drive responsibly and avoid distractions.

3 “Dependable” based on independent, third-party drive tests for 3G data connection success, session reliability, and signal strength for the top 50 most populous US markets (including PR) from January 2008 to August 2009. Not all services available on 3G and coverage may default to separate network when 3G unavailable.

4 Sprint reserves the right, at our sole discretion to deny, terminate, modify, disconnect or suspend service if customer exceeds the off-network roaming threshold (300MB/mo.) or engages in the following prohibited uses: server devices or host computer applications, including, but not limited to, disproportionate Web camera posts or broadcasts, automatic data feeds, automated machine-to-machine connections, peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing applications broadcast to multiple servers or recipients such that they could enable “bots” or similar routines, or for any other reason that, in our sole discretion harms our network.

The modem comes in the form of a stick that is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X computers and works by giving users access to Telus’ EVDO network. The device has its own internal memory and can install the necessary drivers on its own.

The USB 598 also has a microSDHC slot to allow for up to 32GB of data storage on top of the modem functions. If you sign up for a two or three-year contract, you can get the USB 598 for free. However, if you want to buy it outright, you can expect to pay $199.99.

Whichever way you connect it, what’s on offer is support for dual-band CDMA and EVDO in 1xRTT, Rev.0 and Rev.A flavors.  There’s also GPS and new “illuminated graphics”, which basically means they’ve slapped an LED behind the logo. 

If you want to use your EVDO card with multiple notebooks and netbooks which have multiple expansion card versions, this is probably the modem for you.  Now all we need is a USB plug to make it really flexible.  The Sprint AirCard 402 by Sierra Wireless is available now, priced at $99.99 (with a $180 instant-rebate and a $50 mail-in rebate).

Press Release:

Sprint Mobile Broadband 2-in-1 Card by Sierra Wireless

The AirCard® 402 is a sleek and innovative solution that supports PC and Mac notebook computers with EV-DO Rev. A wireless access, leveraging Sprint’s Mobile Broadband network. For those Mobile Broadband users who want to use the card slot on their laptop instead of a USB port for mobile broadband connectivity, the AirCard 402 is convenient and ultra compact to make frequent use and travel easy. Designed to work with both ExpressCard and PC Card slots, the AirCard 402 includes a locking 2-in-1 adapter to go from PC Card to ExpressCard slots with ease.

BASICS:

Compatibility: Windows® Vista, XP, 2000, MAC OSX, Linux
Dimensions: 5.11” x 2.13” x 0.42”
Weight: 2.08 oz
Chipset: Qualcomm® QSC 6085
Frequency: Dual-band (CDMA 1900 and 800 MHz); supports EV-DO 1xRTT, Rev. 0 and Rev. A when available
Antenna: Built-in

System Requirements:

Memory: 64 MB
Disk Space: 32 MB
Slots: Express Card or PCMCIA Type II Card slot
Processor: Pentium 150MHz or higher
Dial-Up Networking: DUN bound to TCP/IP

FEATURES:

Simple Installation of Sprint SmartView™ Software: The AirCard 402 includes Sierra Wireless’s automatic software installation experience for Sprint SmartView. A CD is no longer required so you’re up and running in fewer steps and less time. If you switch to a new laptop, the AirCard 402 will automatically begin the installation setup and you won’t need to search for a setup CD. Hands-Free Activation will complete the setup by automatically activating the device on Sprint’s Mobile Broadband network quickly and easily. Users will need to have the device’s ESN on a Sprint account before starting the installation process.
Sprint’s Mobile Broadband Network: The Sprint AirCard 402 delivers the best possible performance a 3G network can offer. AirCard 402 owners will enjoy typical upload speeds of 350-500 Kbps with peak speeds of 1.8 Mbps and typical download speeds of 600 Kbps – 1.4 Mbps with peak speeds of 3.1 Mbps where EV-DO Revision A is available. This means a 500 KB presentation can be sent to your client in eight seconds from the airport lounge. In areas where Rev. A networks are not available, the AirCard 402 is backward-compatible to Rev. 0 and 1xRTT networks.
Durable, High-Performance Design: Featuring a fixed, internal antenna and high strength plastics, the AirCard 402 is built for maximum ruggedness and reliability. Its compact design takes away the worry of storage, breakage and unplugging; the AirCard 402 extends about an inch from the side of your notebook, allowing users to leave the card plugged in while on the go.
GPS Capabilities: The AirCard 402 includes high-performance GPS capabilities for a quick and accurate fix on your location. With the latest version of Sprint SmartView software, the AirCard 402 provides access to desktop GPS applications and/or location-based services to “locate and search” the nearest bank, restaurant or gas station. Simply open Sprint SmartView and click the GPS bar in the Mobile Broadband window. A GPS drawer then opens up, offering One-Touch access to search categories.
Eye-Catching, Lighted Graphics: The AirCard 402 is the first card form factor from Sprint to incorporate a new and innovative lighted design. Plug the AirCard 402 into your laptop and watch the graphics light up. Passers-by will be sure to notice your device once it’s lit and your ability to connect to broadband networks wirelessly.

For more information visit www.sprint.com/mobilebroadband

The USB 598 passed through the open development program Verizon had and now is ready for use. In fact, it can make for download speeds that reach up to 3.1Mbps and upload speeds of 1.8Mbps.

The modem itself comes with a few software features like TRU-Install, which makes installing a breeze and Sierra Wireless Watcher, which gives you updates on your status and the network’s performance. It also has an extension cable and a clip for attaching to your display, so as to receive a better signal. A microSD card slot is also included. You can get the USB 598 now for $199.

[via FierceWireless]

The Compass 885 USB modem sports a microSD memory card slot and a clip to attach the modem to your laptop. Now if only they are able to add more memory card support, people would not have to carry any multi type card reader anymore.

As for the 855e, it is designed to be durable without moving parts – that includes the antenna; it uses internal antenna.
As far as connection type goes, both modems support tri-band HSPA/UMTS and quad-band EDGE/GPRS/GSM with data speeds of up to 7.2 megabits per second on the downlink, and up to 2.0 Mbps on the uplink. These modems will work with OSX and Windows – availability in mid 2008.

[Sierra Wireless]

The unit is sturdy and well built. The USB part of the connector neatly folds up when not in use. You just need to be extra careful when it’s plugged in and you happen to be using your laptop on your lap. There’s a big chance you may accidentally bang it on something if you move around. I’m pretty careless, so there’s a big chance I’m going to whack it on something and break it off. Therefore, from a design point of view, I prefer the internal ExpressCard EX720 by Novatel.

I was very surprised to that the USBConnect 881 featured a removable battery. This is a good thing since 3G is really greedy on battery power, especially if it’s connected to the laptop while not plugged into a power source.

As far as speed goes (see results below), AT&T’s HSDPA is on par with Sprint’s EVDO Rev. A. I have no complaints there. However, when HSUPA comes online, that will be a different story. It will be interesting to see how Sprint WiMAX compares to HSUPA when it rolls out mid next year. Make sure to check back later when these new networks are online for a full review.

I want to thank Sierra Wireless and AT&T for arranging the speedy shipment of the USBConnect!

Image Gallery

Sierra Wireless will also release the AirCard 875U which utilizes HSDPA, offered by Cingular. The AirCard 875U has a peak rate of up to 3.6 megabits per second and is upgradeable. The AirCard 875U should be released in the first quarter of 2007.

Price and exact date of release is yet to be announced.

New EV-DO, HSDPA wireless broadband interfaces use USB [Macworld, via Engadget]

August 28, 2006

Vancouver, British Columbia – Sierra Wireless (NASDAQ: SWIR – TSX: SW) today announced the introduction of its ExpressCard product line, with the upcoming AirCard® 597E wireless wide area network card for EV-DO Revision A networks. Built for notebook computers with ExpressCard expansion slots, the AirCard 597E will be fully compliant with network operator requirements and will offer user-friendly features such as Assisted GPS (aGPS) location based services; a robust, fixed antenna design; and an external antenna jack for flexibility and improved reception in fringe coverage areas or for specialized applications. The AirCard 597E is expected to begin shipping in the first quarter of 2007. ExpressCard models for HSDPA networks are expected to follow later in the year.

ABI research estimates that adoption of the ExpressCard standard for PC card slots will be significant in 2007, shipping in 45 percent of laptops sold, up from 10 percent in 2006*. Sierra Wireless will also continue to produce AirCard products in the Type II PC Card form factor to serve the established base of notebook users with PC Card slots. For those with PC Card slots who wish to purchase an ExpressCard product in anticipation of an upcoming notebook upgrade, the company will offer an ExpressCard-to-PC Card adapter accessory.

“Notebook installations of ExpressCard slots are expected to move toward critical mass in 2007 – we are timing our ExpressCard products to match market adoption.” said Trent Punnett, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Corporate Development for Sierra Wireless. “The AirCard 597E delivers a fresh new industrial design with a fixed antenna that is not compromised by the smaller form factor – our engineering team has designed the antenna to provide performance comparable to our new AirCard 595 PC Card. Having this level of internal expertise means the company is not reliant on off-the-shelf components, and that enables us to consistently deliver the durable, reliable products our customers expect from Sierra Wireless.”

The AirCard 597E wireless wide area network card is an ExpressCard 34 (ie. 34 mm wide) form factor compliant card, compatible with both ExpressCard 34 and ExpressCard 54 slots in newer notebook computers. For customers without an ExpressCard slot, an adapter will be available to allow the use of the card in Type II PCMCIA card slots.

Designed for connectivity to EV-DO Revision A networks, the AirCard 597E is capable of peak data speeds of 3.1 Mbps on the downlink and 1.8 Mbps on the uplink when operating on a Revision A network. For use in areas where EV-DO Revision A is not yet available, the card is compatible with widely available EV-DO Release 0 and CDMA 1X networks.

* Mobile Broadband to the Laptop: Cellular PC Cards and Embedded Modems, 2006-2011, ABI Research, April 2006.