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We tested the card and Sprint Connection Manager software with the Sony Vaio SZ650 notebook running Windows Vista. The software installed without a hitch, and once installation was complete, the wireless application prompted us to download the latest version. If you're a techie hoping to skip a few steps, go to Sprint's download section and download the latest software rather than first installing the possibly dated version on the CD.
Connections were generally reliable, even with a relatively low signal of -89 db. Occasionally the modem and software failed to connect the first time, but the second attempt always worked. We noted that the weight of the Aircard tends to tug on the USB connector and we had to make sure it was firmly seated in the port on the notebook. Sprint's Connection Manager is an unobtrusive floating window (shown above), that can be further minimized to hide the set/received/total section. It indicates connection status (mouse over the connection symbol to see if you're connected to Rev. 0 or Rev. A) and signal strength is the cell phone bars style. The Menu button brings up more advanced settings and troubleshooting information, and you can use the software to activate the card if you receive in un-activated. In addition, the software supports text messaging and offers simple location based services-- for example, restaurants or gas stations nearby.
Now that we've confirmed the card and software's reliability, let's take another look at connection speed. I was mightily impressed with EVDO Rev. A on Sprint's network. It really felt like a WiFi connection (granted an 802.11b public connection and not a fast 802.11n home or work connection). Though AT&T's HSDPA data network and cards are equal to EVDO Rev. A in terms of speed specs (both being in the 3.5G category), I've never gotten this level of performance from my AT&T Option GT Max HSDPA card. Testing on DSL Reports' site shows similar numbers for the two in terms of raw data transfer (with Sprint having a bit lower latency), but web pages load significantly faster using the Sprint connection. Verizon's USB720 wireless USB modem gave similar speed results, though we generally found Sprint had a stronger signal in our test regions. Keep in mind that Verizon generally has stronger rural coverage, if your travels take you outside of major metro regions. Sprint charges $59.99 per month for service and the card is sold with a contract (2 or 1 year). The price is competitive, as both Verizon and AT&T charge $59.99/month. Sprint's usage policy for their unlimited data plan is more lenient than Verizon's-- Sprint promotes the use of streaming media for example, while Verizon's fine print states that streaming audio, video or games is prohibited. And much as we love the flexibility of GSM, at the moment, we pick Sprint's data service over AT&T's high speed network for performance. Sprint's 595U is hard to beat for fast data anywhere their EVDO service is available.
Web sites: www.sprint.com, www.sierrawireless.com Price: $79.99 with 2 year contract
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