Sprint Offers Free 4G USB Modem
Sprint and Sierra Wireless have partnered for one of the oddest looking 4G modems so far, the Sprint 3G / 4G USB 250U mobile broadband modem.
Part of the reason for it’s unconventional look is it’s ability to rotate around by 180 degrees so that it’ll work with both horizontal and vertical USB ports. The Sprint USB 250U is a dual network modem so it’ll use the Sprint 3G phone network as a fill in in areas where there is no 4G network coverage.
The good news is that the device is effectively free after the $50 rebate and Sprint’s “instant savings” offer of $49.99.
New Clear 4G Modems for Mac & PC
Clearwire has added three new devices to its range of 4G USB data modems and wireless cards, including a new Mac 4G modem.
The CLEARSpot 4G is a personal mobile hotspot for sharing 4G network access with up to eight WiFi devices like notebooks, smartphones and gaming devices.
Users on the move will find the CLEARSpot 4G+ lets them stay connected across the US by automatically switching from the Clearwire 3G network to Clear 4G service when available. Users can also share their 4G connection with up to five other WiFi devices.
Finally, the CLEAR 4G+ Mobile USB (Series S) device is a new dual 3G / 4G modem for Mac users. The 4G+ Mobile USB is compatible with MacBook and MacBook Pro laptops running Mac OS X Versions 10.5.x and 10.6.x. It can also be used on Windows 7, Vista and XP.
All the new Clearwire 4G modems will be available in July and can be pre-ordered now.
Sprint Overdrive – New Firmware Upgrade
Sprint have fixed a number of important issues with the Overdrive with the release of a new firmware upgrade.
Version 2.06.06 of the software brings enhancements and fixes to WiFi and 3G / 4G network connections. Other improvements in the latest Sprint Overdrive firmware update include an increase in battery life of 10% and a much faster boot-up time – it’s up to now twenty seconds faster.
The Overdrive can also now be switched between 3G and 4G networks without a reboot.
Get More 4G With The CLEAR USB Performance Dock
Designed with for the CLEAR 4G PXU1900 USB modem, the Performance Dock is an easy way to get better 4G signals and performance.
Using the CLEAR Performance Dock is straightforward: just plug it into a free USB port on your laptop or desktop and then sit the PXU1900 USB modem in the dock.
Price for this signal boost? $9.99
Novatel’s 18Mbps 4G MiFi Hotspot
A first round of tests by Novatel Wireless of its new 4G MiFi Intelligent Mobile Hotspot showed speeds of 18Mbps over-the-air testing with “theoretical” peak throughput speeds of 30Mbps downlink and 10Mbps uplink.
No word on when this delicious new 4G MiFi will hit the shops but Novatel says working on other 4G devices – some of which may be wearable.
The 4G watch could be round the corner…
4G WiFi Hotspots with Wi-REACH Classic
Mobile device company Connect One has just unveiled the Wi-REACH Classic a personal WiFi hotspot that can pump out a wireless network from a 4G phone connection.
The Wi-REACH Classic creates a personal WiFi cloud that can be shared between 10 WiFi devices. Upgradeable software means the device can be upgraded to support 4G phone networks.
Price? $99.
Sprint 4G Firmware Update for Overdrive
Sprint 4G have announced a firmware update for the Overdrive 4G modem. The new update (FW 1.06) improves the modem’s performance in these areas:
* Better 4G signal acquisition
* Improved battery status indicator
* Addresses inability to browse the Internet when connected to 4G
That last point seems pretty crucial :-) The Overdrive firmware update can be downloaded from Sprint 4G.
CLEAR 4G Series M Home Modem Updated
Clear 4G have released an updated version of their Series M Home Modem. The main new feature is an enhanced internal antenna to improve 4G reception.
The current cost of the Clear 4G Series Home Modem is $79.99 to buy or $4.99 a month on a two year contract.
At the moment, the Series M modem is only available to Clear 4G customers in Portland, Atlanta, Milledgeville, Salem, Chicago, Bellingham, All Texas Markets, Boise, Honolulu, Maui, Kitsap, Seattle, Snohomish, Tacoma, and Houston.
