Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)(Updated 02/13/10)
In a nutshell : This product & Sprint's 4G network are not ready for prime time yet. If you are looking to replace your DSL/Cable connection with Overdrive & Sprint 4G network, you'll be disappointed. For occasional internet access, you might be able to get by. -- I recommend against purchasing this product from Amazon. If you do, and decide to cancel the service, Amazon will charge you $250!
The advantage of Sprint Overdrive over typical 3G/4G modem is that you don't have to install any extra software on your computer. Any wi-fi enabled devices can connect to this mobile hotspot and take advantage of 2G/3G/4G connection right away.
I use Overdrive in Chicago. Mostly in edgewater area. At 60% 4G signal, I regularly get 1.5-2.5mbps average. I was able to get 7-8mbps download once, but that was at 4 am. However, 4G towers here in Chicago are down very often. Downtime averages about 4-5 hours. In my book, Sprint 4G network here is not reliable or robust enough for regular use.
As for the "Overdrive" unit itself, it runs pretty hot. I left it on a glass table close to the window running it 24 hours a day. (Ambient temperature is about 65F) It will either 1)randomly crashes & reboot, 2)crashes when download large amount of data, or 3)freeze (remove battery/power to reboot) about 3-4 times a day. I suspect that the problem came from excessive heat buildup in the unit. If I leave it off for a few hours, and turn it back on, no aforementioned problem at all.
Even though the unit automatically fallback to 3G when 4G network is not available, and reverts to 4G when it can, I notice that it tends to linger on 3G network longer than it should. It takes at least 5-10 minutes to revert to 4G. If you don't want to wait, you have to restart it. (2G/3G network has usage limit of 5GB, 4G network has unlimited usage)
Sprint 4G network has intermittent issue with VPN connections. Most of the time, I can stay connected to a VPN network for hours without any problem, but there have been several occasions when I can only connect to VPN for just a few minutes before it's dropped. (Note that the actual internet connection wasn't interrupted. Just the VPN session.) -- This could be a deal breaker for those who need to connect to corporate network.
Sprint has 2G(1xRTT)/3G(EVDO)/4G(WiMax) networks. This unit supports all three. However, when it's connected to 2G(1xRTT) network, it will still show "3G" on the display. You'll have to go through the unit's admin page to see that it's actually connected to a slow network.
Speed I received when connecting my laptop to the unit is as fast as the cellular network can do, but when I connect my iPhone with the download speed is horrible, while upload speed is normal. I've seen this problem reported on a forum.
LCD display is a plus. Unlike MiFi, you can just glance on the unit to see its status. Management interface over web browser is very good.
Sprint markets this unit as a replacement of traditional broadband connection. But I don't think Sprint 4G (at least in Chicago) is up to par yet, the "Overdrive" unit tends to "overheat" after a long period of use. Unreliable network + unreliable unit = very unreliable internet access.
If both 4G network & "Overdrive" unit are more reliable, I can see myself dropping home broadband connection (that's you AT&T!) and use Sprint 4G as my primary connection. But for now, I'll give it a try for another week. Most likely it will be returned to the store afterwards.
=== VPN issue & Linux Update 01/31/10 ===
After hours of troubleshooting, I found the culprit to VPN problem. WiMax MTU is 1400 while VPN & Wifi connection are at 1500 which caused "packet fragmentation" which choked the VPN session. Adjusting VPN MTU to 1300 (or pretty much anything lower than 1400) solves the problem.
I also forgot to mention that this device works with Ubuntu Linux 9.10 in tethered mode out of the box. No need to re-compile kernel or install any thing.
=== Update 02/13/10 ===
After I opened a ticket with Sprint and 2 conversations with their technical support, they pretty much said that it's the best they can do and that's what I'm gonna get. Service might be better in other neighborhoods, but it's very bad in mine. Less than 2 mbps average download, and getting disconnected every 20-30 minutes make this device very unreliable.
Already returned it to Sprint store. Maybe I'll try it when there's improvement in Chicago. I would recommend against purchasing from Amazon. It's likely that you'll have to return this item and cancel the service. Per Amazon, you will be charged $250 per device if you do so within 181 days.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Sierra Wireless Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot (Sprint)
Connect up to five Wi-Fi-enabled devices simultaneously--including laptops, gaming devices, cameras and even smartphones from other carriers--through a single connection using the Sierra Wireless Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot from Sprint. Offering the next generation of ultra-fast WiMAX 4G wireless connectivity, the Overdrive delivers the best of both worlds with its compatibility with Sprint's current 3G network. Compact, portable, and easy to carry, the Overdrive also supports memory cards up to 16 GB of shared storage via its microSD slot and has built-in Wi-Fi GPS capability.
The dual-mode Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot can be used on both the Sprint 4G network and Sprint's dependable 3G Mobile Broadband Network. This flexibility allows enjoy to enjoy 4G performance in any Sprint 4G market or to use Sprint's reliable 3G mobile broadband network when outside a 4G area. Sprint 4G is already available in 27 markets and continues to expand to new cities, bringing wireless speeds up to 10 times faster than today's 3G from any other national wireless carrier.
It's a great broadband wireless option for just about everybody:
In the Home Through a single connection, you can bypass your cable provider and stream HD movies from content distribution providers (such as Netflix, Amazon and Blockbuster) right to your TV; connect your Xbox 360 and game real-time with someone located across the globe; move pictures wirelessly from your camera to a digital picture frame and surf the Web on your laptop while streaming Pandora.
In the Dorm Connect virtually anywhere on a campus with 4G coverage at 4G speeds: Turn your iPod Touch with Skype into a voice phone and make a call, or stream a live movie from Hulu or Netflix to your laptop.
On-the-Go Whether you're on a long trip or running a busy day of errands, use Overdrive to keep passengers entertained in the car. Stream your favorite TV show from Hulu to your netbook; use a PSP gaming device to access multiple games and content; download music to your Zune HD; and turn your 3G iPhone into a 4G device. It's all very simple with Overdrive.
Mobile Office Join a video conference, download large files, conduct a virtual home tour and stay in constant contact with your office via unified communications.
Key Features
Universal Wi-Fi capability: up to 5 Wi-Fi enabled device sharing one connection
Compatible with universal Wi-Fi devices: works with all operating systems
MicroSD slot for shared storage up to 5 connected devices with support for memory cards up to 16 GB.
LCD screen communicates device information such as Internet connection status, number of people sharing and battery life.
GPS capable: built-in Wi-Fi GPS capability (on 3G) allows you to pinpoint and map your location
Easy to use: compact, portable device requires no connector, activation or installation, enabling easy re-deployment
Extended Wi-Fi range up to 150 feet
4G data speeds (WiMAX): Peak download speeds of more than 10 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 4 Mbps; average download speeds of 3-6 Mbps.
3G data speeds (EVDO Rev A.): Peak download speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1.8 Mbps; average download speeds of 600 kbps-1.4 Mbps.
Backwards compatible to the EVDO Rev. 0 and 1xRTT Networks
Seamlessly transitions from 4G to 3G and vice versa
Device can be tethered via USB extension cable (included) to a computer in order to charge the battery, connect to the network as well as share up to 5 devices/users
Dimensions: 3.14 x 3.14 x 0.61 inches (HxWxD)
Weight: 4.51 ounces
Frequency: 1xEVDO Rev. A, Rev. 0 and 1X (850/1900 MHz); WiMAX 2500 MHz and GPS MHz
Display size: 1.4-inch LCD (128 x 228 pixels)
Battery: 1830 mAh with access time of 3 hours of use and 36 hours standby time
What's in the Box Sierra Overdrive hotspot modem, battery, back cover for modem, AC charger, USB to USB micro cable, quick start guide
Click here for more information about Sierra Wireless Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot (Sprint)
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