Sprint's been pushing its
Novatel U720 Rev A USB modem for a couple months now, but we suppose it's not too terribly late for Verizon to join in with its own rebadged unit, the USB720. Not a lot of surprises here, the two units are fairly identical, straight down to the USB y-cable to boost reception. Verizon does win some points for including Mac support out of the box, whereas Sprint just got that a couple of weeks ago, but the $130 post-rebate pricetag (Sprint's U720 goes for $50 after rebate) isn't helping the USB720 out, especially considering those hefty Verizon data rates. Of course, none of this is official yet -- we're going off of what look to be leaked internal documents -- so perhaps Verizon will loosen up a bit on the pricetag before it starts selling these for reals. Purported launch dates are February 1st for B2B, and February 15th for retail.
posted Jan 27th 2007 10:02PM
Where is this Mac OS X support from Sprint that you mentioned in the post? I have yet to see any official software released for OS X by Sprint.
FYI... as long as MacOS recognizes the device as a modem (like Linux does), then you don't need any software.
I have used both Sprint and Verizon devices in Linux and they are just simple modems that you use your normal built-in old fashioned PPP dialup connections with.
Sure they have pretty software for Windowz users with blinkin lights and stuff...but its all bullshit. Its just a PPP dialer.
Count me in with the people looking for official Mac support for the Sprint U720.
We tested both Sprint and Verizon EVDO cards last year, and found that Verizon had better coverage-- not sure if that's still the case. Haven't tried the newer cards yet, although I am receiving a new Verizon card this week or next to test. Not sure I'll be able to test Sprint again.
I have used the Sprint version on my MacBook with great success...you do have to "lock" the modem (simple installation with included CD) with a PC, though.
I am using the Sprint card today at the Super Bowl as part of my job at www.tixx.com I travel to all the major events its great to have email fax and phone all working off of a Sprint connection EVDO rocks! I can even request better super bowl tickets all day long from the main office!
I just purchased a verizon usb 720. Tried to install it on my new HP 64bit laptop. Will not install on 64bit. Any suggestion?
I hear that the sprint usp 720 will.