Scott Beale on the Sierra Wireless Compass 597 EV-DO USB Modem
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.LinkThe 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”.
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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?
So, did Sierra or Sprint pay for this? Doesn't seem
like a typical BB post.
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.
@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?
@2: Scott Beale is my friend, and a very sharp guy, so I follow his advice and opinions about technology closely.
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!!!
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.
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.
Do they cap, or do they throttle after a certain point (technically unlimited)?
@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