Scott Beale on the Sierra Wireless Compass 597 EV-DO USB Modem

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Scott Beale of Laughing Squid has good things to say about the $50 (after rebate) Sierra Wireless Compass 597 EV-DO USB Modem on Sprint's $60 a month (not really unlimited) unlimited plan.

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”.

Link

Discussion

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About Sprint's $60 a month [not really] unlimited plan, where can I find details on that?

I just came back from a month long trip where I needed to keep working from the road. I was averaging 2GB+ a day with downloads and transferring files back and forth and never got capped or notified of any charges above the regular "fees."

When I signed up for it I asked specifically if the unlimited plan was really unlimited and if there were unstated caps or overage charges and the operator insisted that there were not. I googled for it and looked around the web but no dice. Is that still the case?

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So, did Sierra or Sprint pay for this? Doesn't seem
like a typical BB post.

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I've been looking at this for a bit. Glad to see it's decent. I'd like to solicit opinions from others on what would be the optimal solution for a 100% road-warrior scenario. I'm thinking of getting an RV and am wondering what the best solution would be for phone & internet (both multi-user). Any suggestions greatly appreciated.

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#4 posted by tweaked Author Profile Page, June 9, 2008 6:03 PM

@2: I thought the same thing when I read it. I mean, how can they include caveats like (after rebate) and (not really unlimited) without at least a *little* of the customary bitching?

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@2: Scott Beale is my friend, and a very sharp guy, so I follow his advice and opinions about technology closely.

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Funny thing is, I thought it was a semi-unusual post from Mark too but perfect timing because I was wondering which one of these cards to get. And I totally trust Scott's opinion!!!

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Personally, I'd rather use these with a cable. Less chance of knocking the little buggers & snapping them. They always look a bit flimsy to me.

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If it's not really unlimited,the guy at the company that came up with the wording should be burned at the stake. I'm so sick of companies pulling crap like that.

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Do they cap, or do they throttle after a certain point (technically unlimited)?

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@Gilbert, it comes with a unique cable. see video link below

@Agent86. apparently, there is no 'automatic action' when 5gb is exceeded. sprint reserves right to terminate, throttle or do nothing. their verbiage allows them to selectively enforce.

@Goldstacks, the compass 597 is VERY popular with my RV customers. good size, and works with Cradlepoint routers. see video link below.

For a full review of the Sprint Compass 597, check out http://www.EVDOinfo.com/compass

Youtube video review that is part of online review can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGC-3eUN_kI

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