Sprint 3G/4G USB Device U301 (Sprint) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I bought this mobile broadband card and the 3G/4G data plan to go with it to replace a 3G card/plan from AT&T (NOTE: I bought this directly from Sprint - I did not buy this through Amazon). After several months of using this, I can say I am very glad I made this switch. I use this card in a major metropolitan area (Chicago) that has both 3G and 4G. I have been very impressed with the 3G. I find it to be very fast, much, much faster than AT&T's ridiculously slow 3G network. In fact, I find it to be nearly as fast as the fastest DSL speeds I used to get at home (before I got a cable modem). It is also very reliable. I can count on one hand the number of times I have been disconnected in the past several months. AT&T would disconnect me about five or six times an hour! This card also gets a strong 3G signal in areas that AT&T was never able to get any signal, even deep within the concrete-filled train station. The card itself has a swivel connection, making it very easy to connect to any USB port without it being in the way or sticking out.
Unlike the 3G performance, the 4G experience has not been as impressive. While the 4G is noticeably faster, it is not that much faster and I certainly don't see the 10 times faster speeds that are quoted in some advertising. In addition, although this varies dramatically from day to day, the 4G disconnects/drops the signal about three or four times an hour for me on average. It re-connects automatically within a minute but it is annoying. Also, despite being well within the 4G coverage map, there are several areas that simply do not get a 4G connection at all. If the 3G wasn't so impressive, I might be a little disappointed with this card based solely on the 4G performance. In fact, there are many days where I don't even bother with the 4G network and just stay on the 3G network.
I also want to say a word about Sprint itself. I have been very impressed with this company. I ordered this card on a Saturday night and it arrived on Monday afternoon. Set up was easy and everything worked perfectly on the first try. Online account management was easy to setup and worked immediately. My initial bill and all subsequent bills were exactly correct. All of this contrasts significantly from my AT&T experience.
In summary, this is an excellent mobile broadband card, an excellent mobile broadband plan, and an excellent company. I am very pleased with this purchase.

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Offering the next generation of ultra-fast WiMAX 4G wireless connectivity, the Sprint U301 USB Modem delivers the best of both worlds with its compatibility with Sprint's current 3G network. You'll be able to stay connected to your business as well as online friends and family via this modem when connected to your PC's USB port. In addition to e-mail and Internet access, the U301 offers GPS support, enabling the use of location search and common navigational software tools on a notebook computer via Sprint SmartView.
The U301 is ideally suited for business customers looking to improve productivity as well as those who want to browse the Web, send and receive e-mail, access information and explore social networking and multimedia entertainment. With 4G speeds (in markets where available), you can stream HD videos, upload and download massive files in just seconds or download a song in several seconds or a movie in less than an hour.



Key Features
Access to Sprint's Mobile Broadband (3G) and 4G networks where available
4G data speeds (WiMAX): Peak download speed of more than 10 Mbps; peak upload speed of 4 Mbps; average download speeds of 3-6 Mbps
3G data speeds (EVDO Rev A.): Peak download speed of 3.1 Mbps; peak upload speed of 1.8 Mbps; average download speeds of 600Kbps–1.4 Mbps)
Backwards compatible to the EVDO Rev. 0 and 1xRTT Networks
GPS enabled supporting Sprint Navigation, BlackBerry Maps and other GPS applications when using the Sprint 3G Mobile Broadband Network
Sprint SmartView connection manager for connectivity to Sprint's 3G and 4G network, as well as quick links for Sprint supported services and tools with an applications drop-down for ease of access to tools like Sprint Speed Test, the Digital Lounge and other pre-defined applications.
Easy installation of Sprint SmartView software on a CD for Windows and Mac OS
Top-notch security employing 3G/4G wireless technology authentication and identification system
Rotating USB connector
Compatibility Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows 7 (compatible mode with SSV 2.28); Mac OS 10.5 and 10.6 (Snow Leopard)
Dimensions 3,5 x 1.27 x 0.92 inches (HxWxD)
Weight: 1.25 ounces

What's in the Box Sprint 3G/4G 301 USB Modem, USB cable, quick start guide, CD-ROM

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