In terms of 3G AirCards, this one is our favorite. Using Sierra Wireless 3G Watcher we connected quickly and downloaded large files quickly. While connected via 3G, we downloaded files at about 1 megabit per second and uploaded at about 256k. In rural areas, EDGE was very acceptable (and actually better than the CDMA equivalent, 1xRTT) at about 150-170kbps downstream. Coverage using the AirCard 875 was absolutely better than anything we could do with the other cards we’ve tried from Cingular/AT&T.
Using 3G Watcher, we even have it working in Windows Vista! Now why we’re running Windows Vista, that is the question of the day….
TechBlog.TheVanguard.Org got its hands on one of the few cross-platform wireless devices that work on the MacBook Pro.
The U720 is a USB AirCard that installs using drivers available from www.sprint.com/downloads (Mac) or the included installation CD (Windows). The only drawback: we needed a Windows XP or Vista PC to “unlock” our device after shipping. After that, though, it worked like a champ on a MacBook Pro. A quick speed test showed 1.2 megabits down and about 170k up. We’ve stayed connected for 3 hours + with no trouble at all. The hardest part, as always, was finding someone at Sprint who could tell us what to do. Providers do not want to be responsible for supporting the Mac.
If you’re on the Mac platform and looking for a mobile broadband solution for your business, the U720 will work. Just bring your own tech support.