EVDO - card or USB modem?
 

I purchased a Verizon USB modem for my new Macbook Pro. I won't be using it much but when I need it, I need it.

That would be when I travel on occasion away from wifi, or in the unlikely event my ISP goes out at my house (Verizon FIOS).

Question: I got the USB modem and I don't like it. But the advantages are that I can use it on another computer.

Should I send it back and get the Expresscard version (which I didn't know existed when I got the modem?) I am within the return period.

Thanks!

I prefer the USB model for its ability to move between systems and lower power draw (when I was comparing ~16 months ago). But they generally should be equally functional so if you don't like one and plan on just using it on your one system make the change.

Out of curiosity, what don't you like about the USB model?

I'm in the opposite position - I'm trying to get my AT&T 3G PC card swapped out for a USB version, so I can use it on a netbook as well as my regular laptop - USB is far more convenient in that respect.

I prefer Expresscard. It is the one solution that works in anything; I have an Expresscard to PCCard adapter, and an Expresscard to USB adapter. That way I can use it on any device I want.

I also prefer Expresscard because it keeps my USB ports free...

I much prefer USB the card slot based ones are not as versatile and I like to mount the antenna for the GPS on top of the laptop which USB allows easily.

The card based ones don't travel well with me in the passengers side of the card due to slope of the seats and the slot being on the right side on all my laptops if I were to use it, and I am afraid they would break off in the longterm riding with such stresses.

Vote for USB. You will eventually come up against a machine that has only usb and no expresscard slot. Desktops don't for example. If you use it as a home back up adding a wireless router that accepts the usb modem will put you back in the game for multiple machines. I'm not sure if an expresscard specific wireless router is out there.

Jim

Kyocera and Cradlepoint both make Expresscard wifi routers. I agree that USB is more universal, but I like the Expresscard better. No USB posts used, the positive "lock" when the card is inserted into the machine, and less exposed equipment for me to accidentally snap off...

In those cases, I just slide the card into my USB>Expresscard adapter.

The USB version uses less power for a reason - it's limited by the juice that the USB port can put out. This can cause problems in fringe coverage areas when the radio needs to boost it's transmit power. The cards don't have this issue, but the USB dongles do. Some of the dongles come with a USB y-adapter to suck power from two usb ports simultaneously to help with the power deficit.

Just about everything I use mine in only has USB ports. So I dont have a reason to have the Expresscard one.

I went with USB because there were more places to use it. I have a Cradlepoint travel router and actually bought their larger router for home the MR 1000 for home. When the device is not on the road, I leave it plugged in as a back up at home.

I really love the portable router because there have been too many times that I have had to put the modem in a place I didn't want to sit to get the best signal (e.g. in a window or once in the bathroom). I bought a cigarette adapter for my Cradelpoint and have on more than one occasion used it in the car on the road.

The Express card version certainly looks cleaner and most of the time is little bit less in the way. Conversely, I have only one Express Card slot and three USB ports.

I know this thread is a bit old, but wanted to get some current advice on EVDO.

I have wireless service w/Verizon, but am considering mobile broadband for travel -- mostly in VA & CO. I can't upgrade my cellphone until 8/1/09 & currently have an EnV, so no e-mail access now. I know that Verizon is probably the best mobile broadband carrier for me.

After using search & reading through various threads here, as well as 3Gforums -- I am thinking to take advantage of the deals there & get the USB760 (which I can get for free after rebate) & the cradlept. PHS300 router (has a rebate as well) -- & sign up for a 2yr contract @ $59.99/mth (5GB). (I considered the MiFi2200, but it looks like it has too many drawbacks, even though it's cheap w/the 2yr contract).

While I won't be using the mobile wireless that much over all, I need it for extensive travel starting next month. In August, I will be able to upgrade my cellphone to a BB, but still need the access to mobile broadband for 1-2 laptops.

Does anyone have any thoughts or suggestions? Any advice would be greatly appreciated as I am new to all of this!

Why don't you like the MIFI?
 

I waited several years to take the plunge for an EVDO device. When my wife saw the ad for the MIFI she showed it to me. I thought it was a great idea, so I got one on a 30 day trial from Verizon last week. So far, I am keeping it! I don't have much of a point of reference to compare it to since I spent the last few years of my life hunting down hot spots. All that being said, I really like mine. Since I still have time to give it back, what are the problems with it?
PT

I had an older Verizon USB modem, the USB720. I upgraded and decided to get the MiFi rather than the USB760. It literally was delivered to my office today and is charging. I will install it tonight. What do you see as the drawbacks to the MiFi? For me, it was only the lack of international use, but I do have a 3 USB modem for the UK and most other places I end up using WiFi rather than broadband because of the horrific costs.

Did you sign up for a 2 yr contract?


"I had an older Verizon USB modem, the USB720. I upgraded and decided to get the MiFi rather than the USB760. It literally was delivered to my office today and is charging. I will install it tonight. What do you see as the drawbacks to the MiFi? For me, it was only the lack of international use, but I do have a 3 USB modem for the UK and most other places I end up using WiFi rather than broadband because of the horrific costs."

I looked at this review:http://www.evdoinfo.com/content/view/2783/179/ and want to have flexibility for the future, as this version is only for Verizon. Also, the fact that the Wifi turns off when it's tethered to the computer via USB would be a problem for access by other computers. Also the 30ft range is very limited for me, & the lack of a jack for a booster antenna totally doesn't work for me.

It certainly looks compact & useful for the purposes that it's specifically designed for, but I think it's too limited for my needs.

Those are very good points - and do show the few weak points of the MiFi.

Thanks for weighing in.

For my situation, do you think it makes sense for me to go the USB/Cradlept. router 'route' -- as I discussed in my earlier post? I'm really wanting to make sure that I'm not overlooking any other options available to me.

Yes, we did. I still have 3 weeks to return it, but it is unlikely that I will. I do agree that the one thing that annoys me the most is tethering shuts off the WIFI. I never even thought about the Ethernet jack. To make something this small work as well as it has for me, there have to be design compromises.
As far as being a locked down device goes, I have fallen into that trap we often do with technology. As much as I loved whatever cell phone I have gotten at contract time, only once has a device survived renewal. Since the MIFI is a company provided device, I am afraid I have regarded the $100 as disposable, like my Treo. We live in a disposable world.
If it makes you feel any better, my car is 9 years old and has 120,000 mi. on it.
PT

I hear ya, as far as the life of the device vs. the contract length. For me, my cell phone will still get much more use than the USB modem, but I appreciate that technology just changes so quickly w/new products coming out all the time. I'm already dealing w/the 'disposable' issue w/my computers!

Sounds like the MiFi is the right device for you -- good luck w/it!

There is no denying that the Cradlepoint is a much more flexible product - it'll take GSM, EDGE, GPRS, CDMA, HSDPA and even WiMax (4G) adapters. It also seems to have more features in the web interface than the MiFi, though many of them are not needed anyway.

I love the MiFi - but you are right that it has limitations you won't be able to get around. The lack of an antenna connector is one of them -the USB/tethering issue is annoying, but since I don't share my connection with anyone else, I don't mind it.

Cradlepoint routers rock, and so does the MiFi, I just see them being aimed at different audiences.

That said - it would not surprise me if we see a Cradlepoint with integrated modem soon...

I agree with both of your points! Thanks for your thoughts!

Posting from a commuter train with my MiFi now. I love it. Very compact. I turned it on and tossed it in my briefcase, then got out my MB Air and logged connected. A simple, streamlined solution.

Activation on the other hand was for some reason a bear. I was online with VZW tech support and account support for well over an hour. I finally got disconnected and was able to sort it out myself by trial and error. Still not sure why it happened but it is fine now. The tech support guy acknowledged they have had training but I was his first customer with one and also I had a Mac. The problem was it kept was that it kept wanting to activate as a new device each time I used it. In any case, resolved now and working great.

Does MiFi function as a bluetooth GPS as well? If not, that is needed before I will buy such device.

I read that the Verizon MiFi has the GPS function deactivated, but that when Sprint comes out w/theirs in a few wks -- it will have GPS enabled.

usb ftw...its got more shelf life and its more versatile....

Im not sure I understand either of those. A Cradlepoint is certainly more versatile. Not sure that a USB modem is by its lonesome.

I ended up ordering a USB760 modem & a Cradlepoint PHS300 today (along w/service from Verizon) & took advantage of some great discounts from 3GStore. I think shiv666 was simply answering the OP's query as to 'card vs. USB.'

That should work great. The USB 760 is really small. Im just lazy and am trying to simplify my life and have fewer things in my bag ;)

Did we inadvertently pervert you. Didn't you start out trying to decide if you wanted a card or USB and ended up with a router? Enjoy and let us know how it works for you.
PT

Interesting. Mine was activated when it arrived. I loaded the VZAcess Manager on my PC, untethered and it showed up on my wireless networks. We have a corporate acct w/Verizon. I wonder if that matters?
PT

I'm not the OP of this thread! I just hi-jacked it to discuss options like routers, too!