Users of previous-generation USB modems from Sprint and Verizon -- the gargantuan
USB720 comes immediately to mind -- know that they're a little on the portly side (and that's being kind). If you're going to have this huge mass hanging off the side of your lappie, it'd be nice if you could at least pack some additional functionality into it, right? Novatel appears to have heard both complaints, offering up the new USB727 in a significantly more attractive package that's nearly an inch shorter and half an inch narrower than its predecessor. Oh, and the "additional functionality" comes in the form of an integrated microSD slot supporting cards up to 4GB, making you feel a little less bad about having an unsightly black object protrude from your PC's otherwise clean lines. Naturally, the USB727 -- known simply as the U727 on Sprint -- supports both networks' EV-DO Rev. A airwaves, promising downlink speeds in the range of 600kbps to 1.4Mbps and uplink at a brisk 350 to 500kbps (that's Sprint's claim, anyway; Verizon says 500 to 800kbps). Verizon customers can pick it up online immediately for $100 after rebate on a two-year contract while Sprint gets it next month for "as low as" $80 on contract.
Read - Verizon USB727
Read - Sprint U727 (press release)
posted Sep 28th 2007 5:24AM
Considering you can tether with a handset with MicroSD I don't see the point in charging so much for this device. I'm not complaining about this device. The device looks shiny and shiny is always a plus (like the DSLite).
I'm talking about usb modems in general. The V3xx I have has microSD and miniUSB. I connect a regular miniUSB cable and it can run as a USB Modem or direct access to MicroSD as a removable drive. With a 2 year contract it's only $79 with no rebates needed. Also, 3.5G speed range I get are from 900kbps-1.5mbps (though average is about 1.4mbps). I'm sure the device can go past 1.5mbps, since the restriction was placed by AT&T, not a hardware limitation. (the hardware says 3.6mbps)
My question is, how can they charge so much for a simple USB stick when other phones can do all that and more (VOICE/SMS/MMS/Camera/Bluetooth) for less? I pretty sure it's not just AT&T that lets you tether with handsets.
Because not everyone wants to tether, i.e. use their phone as a modem. It's really as simple as that. I sell PC Cards (USB, PCMCIA, and Express) and I sell phones with tether ability... and PC Cards are WAAYYYY more popular.
I should clarify that PC Cards are way more popular for people wanting wireless high speed internet... by far.
Just to clarify...The Sprint device is called the U727, and the Verizon device is called USB727.
Thanks, MK
Indeed, thanks for the correction.
Chris