Kyocera announces KR2 EV-DO router
By Donald Melanson 
posted October 19th 2007 11:31AM
posted October 19th 2007 11:31AM
While Kyocera's old KR1 EV-DO router should still get the basic job done just fine, those looking for a few new features may want to consider the company's just-announced KR2 model, which brings the router up to date with some of the latest and greatest specs. Chief among those is support for 802.11n WiFi, as well as support for an expanded range of EV-DO devices, including various PCMCIA cards, ExpressCards, and USB devices. Otherwise you'll get the usual four Ethernet ports to connect the odd non-WiFi device, an "industry leading" firewall, over the air updates, and a fail-over capability that'll automatically kick the EV-DO into gear if your DSL or cable connection drops out. No word on what it'll cost, but it's apparently "coming soon."
For a real cool EV-DO (and GSM) router available now, look at cradlepoint.com . Amazing little box and one of a few with powered USB port so if needed, it will charge your device as well.
no vpn == no sale
This isn't very practical for those places that charge an assload for unlimited on wireless cards. I pay $25 for unlimited EDGE in China, and I could move up to an unlimited international plan for $100/month if I so wished (I would if I had an iPhone and traveled a lot). What lies between $25 and $100? Nothing- but at China Mobile's data rates ($6/MB anywhere in the world) It'd be less than 20MB before the plan became worth it. Really, where's the unlimited iPhone plans, AT&T?
I'm eagerly awaiting the official release of the iPhone here in China. It's coming in time for Chinese New Year, and the same government regulations exist as in France, so unlocked iPhone for all. But at a more reasonable price, because here they have unofficially-unlocked iPhones to compete with.
I'm still looking for the elusive router that will convert 3G to WiFi over bluetooth and still be pocketable.
Think WiFi halo wherever you go.
A guy can dream...
I sure hope it is better then the KR1. I had updated it to the latest firmware, but it only lasts for a few hours before the wireless AP just freezes. You have to do a hard reset on the device. Other then that, it has proved to be very useful.
Love my KR1. The specs on KR2 look good, but why only 10/100 Ethernet ports? Sure, it's more than sufficient to handle the EVDO traffic, but with NAS, media-sharing, etc., doesn't it make sense to go with 1G ports in addition to the 802.11n?
By the way, I just got back from a Xmas trip from VA to Cape Cod and back, with the KR1 serving internet all the way (exernal antenna on the roof, Sprint network). Kids in the back you-tubing on their laptops for hours. Love it.