EV-DO has come a long way since I first started using it back in January 2006, we are now on Rev. A and the size and functionality of the EV-DO modems has improved quite a bit. I recently picked-up the tiny Sierra Wireless Compass 597 USB EV-DO modem using the Sprint network. It comes with GPS, has a slot for a microSD card and a port to connect an external antenna. Best of all, it is small enough to work on a MacBook Air without using an extension cable.
The software has evolved quite a bit as well, especially on the Mac side of things. The modem ships with Sierra Wireless’ TRU-Install software, which automatically loads up when you insert it into the USB slot, then when launched installs the drivers and Sprint’s SmartView software, all without the use of a CD. Activation was super easy and once complete getting online is a simple as hitting “connect”.
SmartView also comes with a speed test app and as you can see I’ll getting some really good speeds here in the SOMA neighborhood of San Francisco.
Sprint’s “unlimited” plan (5GB/month limit starting in July) is $60/month and I bought it through the Sprint website, so with the instant rebate, the modem was only $50.
For more info, check out EVDOinfo.com’s review of the Sprint Compass 597 EV-DO.
UPDATE: I’ve also bought a Cradlepoint CTR500 Personal Wi-Fi Hotspot Mobile EV-DO Router to use with my Sprint Compass 597.
See Previously:
- Kyocera KR1 Mobile EV-DO Router
- Verizon Novatel V640 EV-DO ExpressCard Has Arrived
photo by Scott Beale
{ 15 comments… read them below or add one }
looks way sexier than my sierra from ATT
I just got the same exact thing from Sprint 2 weeks back. It rocks, but I’m only using it as a backup right now. Hope to get some use out of it when traveling this summer. I got a Cradlepoint router also, and this thing plug right into it and gives me a whole wifi network. I just hope Sprint doesn’t cap our bandwidth like AT&T and Verizon have done with their similar plans.
Oh — and the guy at the Sprint store told me that they actually sell more of these things than they do phones now.
Sprint’s EVDO Network is the best. I love it more than any other carrier. Didn’t know you had an MBA?
Sprint overcharged my small (US) company for over $50,000.00. We caught them doing it and now they refuse to refund the over-payments. You can read the full story at http://www.sprint-really-sucks.com
I also wrote an open letter to Dan Hesse the Chairman and CEO of Sprint Nextel. It is a good read so please consider reading the letter.
http://www.sprint-really-sucks.com/open-letter-dan-hesse.aspx
one of the coolest things about the compass 597 is that sweet usb cable that holds its shape… its hard to explain, even with pictures.
this video shows off the cable pretty nicely (among other things): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGC-3eUN_kI
The Sierra Wireless Compass 597 USB modem is excellent for the EVDO connection, and I have installed the Sprint SmartView software on several computers, including a MacBook Pro and 2 computers running Windows XP (Motion Computing LS800 tablets). A problem that I’m having is that I can no longer connect to my WiFi networks: I get a dialog box saying “failed to connect” even when the signal strength is excellent. The particular WiFi network I’m having a problem with is a Verizon ADSL2/Versalink Webtell made by WindRiver. Has anyone else experienced the problem with the WiFi connection, after installing the Sprint Smartview software?
Just an FYI. I went to sprint and picked this up because of what I read on this post. Works awesome :)
I’ve been pretty happy with the Free Verizon modem, the UM150.
I think it is _substantially smaller_ than the free or cheapest sprint modem. If you check out evdomaps.com or comparable service maps verizon has much better coverage than sprint does across North America.
http://shop.vzw.com/?id=Verizon+Wireless+UM150+USB+Modem+PC%20Card
This is the only option living in the Santa Cruz mountains. Tried all other carriers Sprint is the only one I get a consistant connection with.
Can anyone recommend a compatible wireless router
my compass 597 300 download wtf!!!
boo for sprint!!!!!!!!
any of these will work great with your compass: http://3gstore.com/cradlepoint
I, too, live in the Santa Cruz Mountains and am having great success with Verizon, using their UM175. The only problem is the 5 gig cap with 0.25 per MB over, however I hear that Sprint just instituted one, too. I am planning to use an EVDO router, and got pretty excited about the CTR500, especially since 3gstore is sweetening the deal with a car charger adapter and December sale price of $179. I really want a router with some way to warn me when I'm getting close to the cap, and 3gstore just emailed me back to say there is no router that does this. They say that they too have been begging the manufacturers for this feature. I now think I will put off the purchase until a router offers this–after all, if Sprint is also capping, demand should get pretty high.
grace
I have a 597 Sierra Wireless thing but I dont have a wifi network around me, what can I do I want to beable to play my ps3 or something can i do that with this card plz tell me if there is a way I live out in the country so its hard to get internet out here plz help. Any coments will be aprciated.
YES ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
PLEASE!!! Explain!! I have the 597 Sierra Wireless broadband too, and if you call sprint, you will find that they “don’t support” that networking system!! GOD, that’s f*cking b.s!!! I know it works. I’ve read forums with people that have done it, but never explained it well enough. I can get the IP address to recognize and all that, I just keep getting that DAMN DNS ERROR!!! Drives me crazy! I don’t understand why it isn’t working. I know enough about network administration to be sure my settings are all good and shared :) I need my card to work with my ps3 or, seriously, what’s the point? I’m a gamer. And CADMW2 is coming tomorrow!!!! WTF!! help me!!!
I DID IT GUYS!!! (For all you out there with the sierra 597 and a ps3) :-D I called and called and called and after being rejected 8 times (probably more if i was actually counting) i finally talked to Adam from Sprint…good guy. Steered me in the right direction. It’s as easy as Cradlepoint RHS300 Router. It really is that easy..and I knew it was!! I just tried so many different routers/networks that just didn’t f-in work! But there ya go folks, and it works just fine. No lag. Hellz yeah. Just in time for CALL OF DUTY, BEACHES!!
You must log in to post a comment.