Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I use this card in a fairly remote area of northern Idaho, with an unpowered external antenna (the small Wilson one) on Verizon's service. It works well, although not with 100% consistency (e.g., I just now got 139 kpbs down and 260 kbps up using Speakeasy's speed test, but normally the download number is significantly higher, but I can't tell if this variance is from Verizon or the card ... I'd guess Verizon.)
Despite what I consider excellent performance in a sub-standard service area, I dinged the rating from 5 stars for three reasons:
1.) The device itself is so flimsy and sticks out so far you really have to use it with the included cradle and extension cord, which is a pain to carry around and use compared to a PCMCIA card which you can plug in and forget about. But if you're already carrying around an external antenna, carrying the cradle's not really all that big of a deal, and this card is reputed to have more power than most PCMCIA cards and hence better performance when far from civilization. The cradle does allow you to move a few more feet from the external antenna if you're using one, which can be handy.
2.) There is no cheap solution for using this for a home network. There are only three options. First, you can buy a WiFi only box for $140 or so (CradlePoint makes two versions compatible with this card, but the one with Ethernet is uplink only.) Second, you can pony up $300 or more for a Top Global MB6800 router with 4 Ethernet points. Finally, you can dedicate a spare PC and use Internet Connection Sharing (at least on Windows.) None of them are great solutions, unless you have a fully WiFi network at home, in which case the CradlePoint solution should be fine.
3.) The modem requires a powered hub to recharge its internal battery ... not an issue if your laptop has enough USB connectors, but a problem otherwise, since it's yet another thing to carry around and find power for.
All in all, I'm happy with the performance but not happy that I can't use this for my existing home network without shelling out a lot more money to replace routers I already have that work fine.
Update May, 2008:
I purchased the Cradlepoint CTR-350 router. This router indeed works well with the modem and with my laptop and took all of a few minutes to set up with WPA security turned on. I'll post a review of the router after I have a bit more experience with the router (meaning I've made it work with my Wii or have given up trying!)
Click Here to see more reviews about: Sierra Wireless AC595U EVDO USB Modem (Sprint)
The AirCard 595U USB modem is the latest addition to the Sierra Wireless family of wireless products. Packaged in a stylish, compact housing, the AirCard 595U USB modem either plugs directly into your laptop's USB port or the included docking cradle, letting home and enterprise users enjoy wireless EV-DO connectivity whether waiting at an airport, relaxing at a hotel, or meeting a client at a restaurant. The result is one of the best mobile and fixed wireless solutions on the market, and a great alternative to both PCMCIA and ExpressCard solutions.
Leveraging the latest high-speed EV-DO Revision A technology, the Sierra AirCard 595U USB modem provides maximum wide area wireless data access at speeds up to 3.1 Mbps downlink and 1.8 Mbps uplink. Users can also expect average upload speeds to improve to 350 to 500 Kbps (from 70 to 144) and download speeds to 450 Kbps to 1.4 Mbps (from 300 to 600). The faster upload data speeds provide a richer experience for large file uploads and media/video streaming. In addition, the 595U is backward-compatible with older networks when 3G EV-DO networks are unavailable.
The AirCard 595U also includes a built-in GPS antenna and support for location based services (LBS). Users can acquire accurate mapping directions to client appointments or the closest restaurant using the GPS and LBS functions, which determines the exact location of the modem and calculates all the directions accordingly.
Sprint Connectivity Before checkout, choose the Sprint Internet plan that's right for you. The 595U is compatible with Sprint's mobile broadband connection plans, which means you can access the information you require to work efficiently outside the office. Sprint's Power Vision network gives you the freedom to stay productive and connected whether you're on the road or in a meeting across town with broadband-like connection speeds. You will also receive access to Sprint's slower national network when outside the Power Vision coverage area.
Design and Installation Sierra Wireless unveiled a new design for the AirCard 595U USB modem. Thanks to the highly efficient and receptive antenna, the 595U provides end users with the fastest, most reliable connections, with improved speeds and extended coverage through better network signal acquisition in medium- to low-signal-strength areas. The modem also offers a robust antenna connector for attaching an optional external antenna.
The AirCard 595U comes with easy-to-install, easy-to-use Watcher software that provides a common look and feel across all Sierra Wireless products. The USB modem displays all the familiar parameters: signal strength, byte counter, network type, and other connection details, along with a detailed help file to enhance the user experience. The 595U also offers a USB connector that extends to 90, 135, and 160 degrees for flexible positioning.
Vital Statistics Compatible with Microsoft Windows (Vista, XP, and 2000) and Mac OS X operating systems, the dual-band (800 and 1900 MHz) AirCard 595U USB modem measures 3.66 by 0.78 by 1.53 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 0.13 pounds.
Click here for more information about Sierra Wireless AC595U EVDO USB Modem (Sprint)
