Cell, Cell, Cell: Sprint Makes the Push to 4G

Just when you were starting to get comfortable with the 3G cellular landscape, it's time to start thinking about moving onto the next new new thing--4G. While Verizon and AT&T are still in the midst of building up their version of 4G connectivity called LTE (which will start rolling out on the two networks starting later this year for Verizon and in 2011 for AT&T), Sprint has a headstart in the 4G game thanks to its merger with 4G WiMAX provider Clearwire (now called Clear). And at CES this year, Sprint unveiled two new 4G-enabled devices that are ready for action--as long as you're in one of the current 27 markets that Sprint offers 4G service (check Sprint's coverage page, and be sure to click the "Sprint Devices with 4G" tab under the Data, Email and Multimedia section).

Getting the most attention was the Sprint Overdrive (seen at left), a hybrid 3G/4G mobile hotspot that connect up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices simultaneously. Because of its dual mobile broadband connectivity, the Overdrive is a good bridge between Sprint's current robust 3G network and its ongoing 4G rollout. The Boy Genius Report is a fan of the device:

Overall, the new device is ridiculously easy to use and speeds are blazing fast. If you travel a lot or are always in areas with no Wi-Fi, you can’t go wrong with the Overdrive, especially with the WiMax speeds.

And Andrew Berg at Wireless Week gave the Overdrive a workout at the crowded data spectrum of CES and came away pleased:

Just last night, I saw it running video on an iPod touch, while two Microsoft Zunes played a game of wireless checkers, and another guy searched the Internet on a netbook at a pretty good clip. Right now, I have both my netbook and my iPhone connected. While other iPhone users are walking around, holding their phones to the sky, I'm able to at least get e-mails out on the go.

Along with the Overdrive, Sprint also debuted its U301 USB modem (seen at right), which also offers hybrid 3G/4G connectivity for laptops. And as the 4Ginfo site points out, the U301 is Mac compatible (where Sprint's previous U300 hybrid modem was not).

Both the Overdrive and U301 are currently available for order and are shipping (with the Overdrive including a nice Amazon instant discount).

--Agen G.N. Schmitz

Comments

[Robert Speirs on January 21, 2010 at 05:19 AM]

It would be nice to know, in an article about this device, what it does and how. It isn't clear that this requires a service plan from one of the major providers. And what are the benefits of 4G, anyway? Simply speed? Does this device consume minutes? Or is it like the Kindle, where connectivity is included in the price? I would love to get rid of cable, but not at the price of an expensive monthly service charge to the phone providers. I prefer pre-paid cellular.

[RussInSanDiego on January 22, 2010 at 04:27 PM]

You can be certain that service is NOT included in the purchase price of this device. It will undoubtedly require a non-phone mobile data plan, similar to what you must now purchase for tethering via a phone, or access via a MiFi or USB-based device.

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It's speed comparison between 3G and 4G is not mention, however i like to buy wireless usb modem as i am already using wireless usb modem but it is not 3G or 4G but still very good and if i bought then it will be because of 3G/4G speed.