FCC find: Novatel U720 USB EV-DO modem for Sprint

Although there have been inklings in the past that Sprint was working on a USB EV-DO modem with Novatel Wireless, recent FCC approval documents have confirmed its existence and given us a first glimpse at what the modem actually looks like. In comparison to its peers, the U720 is visually appealing, although the single shot of the device doesn't provide a very good idea of its size thanks to the USB port being out of sight. Not that the style of the modem matters: we know people (read: MacBook owners) that would kill to see a USB EV-DO modem come to the States -- it's probably a good thing that the FCC approved the device then, eh?

[javaflash @ Sep 30th 2006 7:17PM]

difficult to guess the size...

AC brick of Xbox 360 or the new iPod Shuffle? Anything is possible. I hope it's the later.

[DP @ Sep 30th 2006 7:29PM]

The Franklin USB EV-DO modem has been available for a couple of months on Sprint and I can personally vouch for the fact that it's not too big and works quite well.

[bob wireless internet kim @ Jan 26th 2007 4:40PM]

DP, the usb cdu550 is just not hitting the streets. i'd recommend a tethered solution: http://wireless-internet-access-provider.com/macbook-ibook-powermac-apple-usb-pcmcia-wireless-internet.html

[Tony Rayo @ Sep 30th 2006 7:34PM]

http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=208372758&size=o

[Tony Rayo @ Sep 30th 2006 7:35PM]

Grr Engadget keeps killing my text after url, I will have to send them an error report, anyway... DAMN! on size and speed... I wonder how much this would cost... I seem to be the only Sprint user amongst my friends but if I get sweet EVDO usage then I can rub it all in their face =).

- Tony R.

[Dark Moon @ Oct 1st 2006 11:01AM]

Meh!

[bryan @ Oct 1st 2006 9:23AM]

It is the size of an Ipod Shuffle

[alex @ Oct 18th 2006 9:10AM]

Its not the size of an iPod shuffle, thats for sure. Watch for a FULL REVIEW of the u720 on the day of launch -- Brought to you by the EVDO EXPERTS running http://www.evdoinfo.com and http://www.evdoforums.com !

[Ross @ Nov 5th 2006 12:58AM]

I held the Sprint Novatel U720 in my hand today. It's being held from sale because of a "software" issue im told. They are in the stores and ready to go once the issue is fixed.I was told by Sprint Telesales the proposed release date is now Nov.12th Lets hope so! Its not small I would say its 3/4 of an inch thick by 2 inches wide by 4 inches long. It has a built in flip up antenna.

[Ben @ Nov 16th 2006 11:17AM]

That is the only thing so i'm being told my laptop can use. I have an HP dv9030 anyone know of another device I could use?

[steve @ Nov 8th 2006 4:58PM]

definatly a bit bigger than an ipod shuffle, but who cares?? Now you can use Sprints Rev A service with ANY computer...The only downside is the fact that this type of devise will likely get lost or stolen more often than a PC card would, since you have to take it out of a laptop every time you put it in your bag. I would consider insurance with this one. www.MoreMobileInternet.com/free-u720 is taking preorders for a free U720

Steve

[alex @ Nov 29th 2006 5:10PM]

Even though the U720 has not officially been announced by Sprint yet... we have them for sale!

http://www.evdoinfo.com/The_News/Latest_News/Novatel_Ovation_U720_Now_Shipping_20061129856/

We also know that the device is compatible with Intel-Macs!

http://www.evdoinfo.com/The_News/Latest_News/Novatel_Ovation_U720_Mac_Compatible_20061129855/

[Joshua Imhoff @ Dec 8th 2006 9:48AM]

Want to equip your entire business with the new Novatel U720?

Call 800-573-8737 for the best pricing. Get lightning fast shipping with guaranteed support and satisfaction.

We can handle all of your needs small and large. Call today for a free quote. You will be up and running in no time!

[Greg @ Jan 8th 2007 5:55PM]

The U720 USB Modem is the most versatile EVDO device ever. It works in laptops, desktops, and even Macs! With Sprint's Rev A network letting you download at 3.1 Mbps, the U720 USB Modem is a no brainer! You can get one for free! at http://moremobileinternet.com/free-u720

[But @ Feb 24th 2007 1:46PM]

* Been having A LOT of problems with my U720. I have a Mac computer and was able to download the drivers from the sprint site. After the Sprint Rep programmed the U720 and brought I it home, It only worked for only 10 min and never worked again!!! The LED never came back!!!

Burt

[Kodi @ Mar 3rd 2007 12:24PM]

I just switched to the U720 and so far it's working great! I had a Sierra 580 connection card which was good but not compatible with Vista (status of drivers for the Sierra 580 - "working on them"). Wanting to maintain my mobility - right now - I took my new Gateway laptop with a Vista OS to the local Sprnt/Nextel store and walked out with a good deal and a U720. No more dependency on PCMIA slot types as with some of the older connection cards or new technology evolving for PCMIA slots. I have a Sony Vaio which I couldn't get the Sierra 580 to work on no matter what I tried (it worked in an IBM clunker I have). I loaded the U720 on the Sony Vaio and - bingo - connection!! Shop around; it's worth the investment.

[erobos @ May 2nd 2007 10:14AM]

I've been having alot of problems with the u720 and sprint software more specifically. There seems to be some sort of driver conflict but I honestly don't know enough about computers to figure out what exactly is wrong, let alone how to fix it. I installed the software and will connect, but then svchost.exe goes into some sort of loop and eats up all the processor. If I close that process befor hand it sometimes, sort of works for a while. Additionally, everytime I try to connect to some servers for gaming it closes the connection, then stops reconizing the device/reconizes the device back and forth about 3 times a second. It also seems to conflict with windows add hardware. If anyone could help. I'd really appreciate it.

[Wayne @ Dec 3rd 2007 8:58PM]

I have the same problem with disconnecting and not recognizing the device. Only on my vista computor not the XP Did you ever find a cure??
Thanks Wayne

[erobos @ Sep 27th 2007 2:00AM]

No, I ended up cancelling service. I don't exactly remember. But I updated to SP2, trimmed alot of useless programs that came with the computer downloaded and ran adaware se 6.0, hijackthis v2, and CCleaner. I shutdown alot of unecessary processes. That seemed to alieviate some of the problem with problems when browsing. However, I never was able to game effectivly. I hope this helps. I think I may have also played with firmware updates and versions, but don't recall which seemed to be optimum. Good luck, and I hope you figure it out. If so please let me know, I might give it another shot.