Novatel's U720 Rev A USB modem gets official for Sprint

It's all good that Sprint's Rev A network is starting to light up, but what good are hundreds of glorious downstream kilobits per second without the requisite hardware to match? Don't get us wrong -- PC Cards are all good, but we all know that a certain segment of the populace requires something a little... shall we say, different. Mercifully, Sprint has also officially announced the U720 USB modem from Novatel Wireless today that we saw breeze through the FCC not long ago. The device offers the same hot Rev A speeds as its larger, flatter stablemates, but plugs into any ol' USB port if you're willing to part with $250 (or $50 on a two year contract after rebates) starting in early November.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 24th 2006 3:51PM]

Looks sweet but Im not ready to fork over 40$ a month just for the internet!

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 24th 2006 4:49PM]

Excuse me, I believe I just soiled my pants. This is the coolest thing I've seen all year - and may make those newfangled UMPCs worth the money.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 24th 2006 4:52PM]

OK...maybe it's just me...but I really hope that image is not a "to scale" version with a standard USB Series A plug! If it is, then that thing is the size of my old (rest in piece) Treo 600.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 24th 2006 4:53PM]

Socko...how much do you pay for internet? What kinda speeds do you get with that price buddy?

I just spent over $150 for a damn PCMCIA to USB adapter and Sprint pulls this S#$t on me!

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 24th 2006 5:40PM]

The device is a bit bigger than your common USB flash drive... Watch for a full review on our sites, on the *day* of launch!

For all your EVDO INFO, visit us at http://www.evdoinfo.com and don't forget to participate on the best EVDO FORUMS at http://www.evdoforums.com

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 25th 2006 12:33PM]

I sent you this tip a month ago.... with pricing.
Took you long enough to post it.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 31st 2006 5:52PM]

Wish Sprint would show faith in the USB modem service by allowing us to buy or rent the equipment and go month to month on the service. Why does Spring they have to limit their customers options? Would we change if we were happy and was valuable for our businesses - think not.

Here is discussion for Colorado Businesses about the new Sprint USB modems: http://coloradobusinessonline.com/mb/viewtopic.php?p=2515

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 5th 2006 1:18AM]

I was in the Sprint Store today and held the U720 in my hand. They are in the stores but are being held from sale because of a software issue. Its about 4 inches long 2 inches wide and 3/4 ich thick (kinda big). I also called Telesales and they said it may be released on Nov 12th if the new programming passes muster.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 5th 2006 1:21AM]

One more thing it has a built in flip up antenna. You can see the outline of the antenna on the above picture near the LED the antenna is the width of the unit and folds flush to the unit when down.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 12th 2006 10:32PM]

Good Grief, I just got off the phone with Sprint Tele-Sales and they said all the U720 modems were ordered sent back to Novatel Wireless for a total re-work. They now have no date of introduction. Looks like its bye bye Sprint and Hello Verison Wireless for me now.

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 30th 2006 1:11AM]

Even though the Novatel U720 has not officially been announced or launched by Sprint yet... we have them available for sale, RIGHT NOW!
http://www.evdoinfo.com/The_News/Latest_News/Novatel_Ovation_U720_Now_Shipping_20061129856

We also know that the device is compatible with Intel-based Macs like the MacBook and Macbook Pro!
http://www.evdoinfo.com/The_News/Latest_News/Novatel_Ovation_U720_Mac_Compatible_20061129855/

Order yours now, at http://booster-antenna.com/sprint/
(they are going fast!)

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 5th 2006 4:40PM]

As of 12/05/2006 Sprint Tele-Sales has the U720 in stock and is now shipping. $249.00 less a$75.00 rebate.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 6th 2006 6:50PM]

I have been waiting for this thing forever, my laptop only has the express slot and I don't like Verizon, so I had to get this. I found it for FREE on the web. Here is the link http://moremobileinternet.com/free-u720

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 12th 2006 1:03AM]

It (U720)arrived today. So far so good. It seems to work very well. Sprint setup was fairly easy. Now I can finally use my new Dell Laptop. :)

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 17th 2006 3:45AM]

U720 WARNING First the U720 works great I have been stuck with dial-up until now so i love the speed.Great Product. But if used on an older machine like my p3/600 make sure you have an stout POWER SUPPLY. The 145 watt supply that was in this computer could not handle the extra power the u720 requires with the Y cable and I ended up losing a HDD. I installed a 400 WATT supply and all works great now.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 21st 2006 4:36AM]

I have not had any power issues with my Laptops. In fact im not even using the Y cable. My U720 is plugged into a small USB hub unit on both Laptops and thats just plugged into one port. You must check for software updates however, I have only had the modem 10 days and I have had to update twice already. The last one seems like a complete new software package. I suggest doing them manually and not trusting the automatic update system.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 26th 2006 3:02AM]

Once again ANOTHER software update. Thats number 3 already!

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 1st 2007 3:40PM]

This modem seems to be working very well with my HP and Dell Laptops no real issues so far.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 3rd 2007 12:13PM]

I live in the country where the only other high speed internet access is satellite. Plugged the U720 into my desktop and it is working great. Couple of questions: I am not using the second connection of the Y cable and everything seems to be working fine. Saw somewhere that the second connection is for power supply. Anyone know different? Also, are there any problems that may arise from the U720 being plugged in 24/7? Overheating, etc?

Thanks

[(Unverified) Posted Nov 19th 2007 7:05PM]

Has anyone else had trouble with this thing under Leopard? I just got this thing and it won't work -- no support for leopard. Stinks.