Cradlepoint seems to have two routers that could be used for overseas travel - the PHS300 & CTR500. Which of these offers better value? Have any FTers had any issues with either model? Also, is the power adapter that comes with these modems set for dual voltage (110-240V)?

Thanks for any feedback you can offer.

I have three CP models- CTR500, CTR350 and PHS300. To be honest, while the battery-operated PHS300 is nice, the Ethernet port of the CTR500 (which can be set up to be a LAN or WAN, so you can either feed ethernet-only devices from it, or say, connect the hotel's Ethernet to it and use it as an AP, too) makes it more worthwhile for traveling, IMO.

You are quite right, an ethernet socket for LAN cables as an input for the Internet is essential.

I wonder whether you have any comment on the CTR35? It seems to do much of what the CTR500 does, but at almost half the price!

Nah, as you can see I probably won't need to buy any CP devices for a while yet , but IIRC on evdoforums.com I did see some bad experiences.

Oh, and to answer your other question, yeah- the power supplies are world-spec. Used 'em in SE/UK/FR last year.

Do you see an ExpressCard slot on the CTR 35? I don't

I think ultimately, one needs more than one. The phs300 is nice for the battery, while traveling, while in an airport, in car, etc. for that it has great value. The others, having and ethernet port as well work nice for having in hotels, for work meetings, etc.

I carry the phs300 AND an airport express. I fully expect apples products to support wireless broadband in the near future.

Just curious as to how the Zoom 4506 compares with Cradlepoint's PHS300 or CTR35? Does the Zoom 4506 have an RJ-545 inlet for plugging in LAN cables (e.g. from hotels)?

Also do all these devices also work with 2G networks? For instance, I travel frequently to India and use a 2G USB modem there; could this be docked into one of these routers to create a MiFi hotspot?

I also don't see an express card slot on the PHS300

As for the Zoom 4506 I google'd that for you, I know google sometimes is down for people
Yep it has a LAN port.
As for will these devices work with your 2G USB modem, read the compatibility list for each one you are considering. Most of the Cradlepoint devices seem to support anything. Network type (2g/3g/4g/LTE*) is not relevant to the hardware.

I'm thinking about adding a:
Cradlepoint CTR95 to my inventory(Long term assignments/home) along with a Tekkon MP3450i for road use on the CTR35 and other devices.

Yeah, I think you're going to have to go with a somewhat LARGER unit to find one with express card and I don't think any of them are battery powered.

unless one has an express card dongle now and doesn't want to replace it, I would simply focus on one with USB if one wants portability

The CTR500 has ExpressCard capability. It's a really versatile router.

As far as batteries and portability, I just pair my CTR500/CTR350 with this Tekkeon battery pack when I need it. I get at least 4 hrs on a charge and likely longer.

Well, I have no (current) need for an 'Expresscard' slot, so I think my choices are down to the CTR35 and the Zoom 4506. Does anyone have an opinion comparing these two?

The zoom 4506($50-$65 USD:
+1
Rechargeable battery (~7 hours use)

-1
No support for WiFi as WAN

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CradlePoint CTR 35($55-$90 USD:
+1
WiFi AS WAN
Two WiFi Networks ( SSIDs )(1 for owner / private + 1 for guests / public )

-1
No rechargeable battery

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Both support a boatload of USB sticks. They match pretty much feature for feature after that.

It depends on your needs, Do you plan on using the device while NOT near a AC outlet? Then the Zoom is the winner, as it is $200 less expensive then the CTR35 + Battery pack.
Want the WiFi as wan ability? Then the CTR is the winner. Some Hotels don't have wired connections in the rooms(only offer WiFi) so this is a serious consideration(they may or may not have a WiFi to wired adapter) Yes there are other options for this situation but they may not offer Cellular connection.

I'd stick with the CTR35 (I have one and love it dearly) just for the WiFi as WAN ability and the outstanding support from many online resources.

The CTR500 is on sale today on cowboom for 70$ (bought from them many times before, good vendor)

Thanks very much for a very good response!