Verizon rolls out UM150 EV-DO USB modem

It looks like Kyocera's latest router isn't the only new EV-DO device makings its debut today, with Verizon also taking the opportunity to bust out its new UM150 EV-DO Rev. A USB modem. Nothing too special here, but it will get the job with minimal protrusion from your laptop, and it also boasts a retractable antenna and a Y-shaped extension cable to accommodate your various mobile broadband needs. It'll even double as a standard mass storage device thanks to the built-in microSD card slot. Full price is $130, but Verizon will knock that down to $80 for those willing to sign up for a two-year contract.

[Mitchell Oke @ Oct 20th 2007 7:58AM]

You call that minimal protrusion?

[steven @ Oct 20th 2007 8:45AM]

Obviously the picture is larger than the real thing. duh

[Delvis343 @ Oct 20th 2007 10:51AM]

If the picture is smaller than the real thing, why is the USB port so small in the picture?

[CUBSWILLWIN @ Oct 20th 2007 9:40AM]

micro sd card slot meaning it's like a reader for downloading vids and music for your phone or sansa.

[Simon @ Oct 20th 2007 11:27AM]

Please don't call a broadband ROUTER a MODEM it's incorrect terminology used by the industry to make it easier for the tech-idiots to understand. As engadget is marketed towards those who know the difference you should be calling the device what it is, a broad band usb router! A modem is a device which tops out at 56k and ties up the whole phone line.

[Scott Neary @ Oct 20th 2007 11:37AM]

True, its not modulating and demodulating a signal from digital to analog and vise versa, but a router, its not.

[Simon @ Oct 20th 2007 12:02PM]

True, I suppose its not routing traffic from the Internet to an internal network.

[Clinton Christian @ Oct 20th 2007 12:11PM]

Common misunderstanding? hmmm.

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/modem

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/router

That device is a modem. :)

[Grant @ Oct 20th 2007 1:26PM]

I agree with most of the replies, but in essence all something needs to be a modem is for it to decode the info coming in, and encode going out.
It doesn't matter if its OTA, phone lines, or over a cable line.

We really won't be able to rid ourselves of modems until there is a worldwide lan set up, even with something as fios(fiber-optic), you still need a modem to decode the light pulses.

[Paul @ Oct 20th 2007 12:23PM]

"A modem is a device which tops out at 56k and ties up the whole phone line."

pardon me while I el oh el

you've never heard of a "cable modem" or a "dsl modem" then?

here is a simple phrase, learn it well to help you on your journies "routers route, modems bridge"

so ask yourself, does it route? or does it bridge?

[Shadyman @ Oct 20th 2007 4:21PM]

Does it float or does it blend?

[my2pac @ Oct 20th 2007 12:30PM]

I am wondering EV-Do Rev.A coverage of Verizon.. The coverage is nationwidly?

[Kennyb123 @ Oct 20th 2007 12:49PM]

First... I'm positive "nationwidly" is NOT a word.

2nd, take 2 minutes and log on to www.verizonwireless.com and check their EVDO coverage for your zip code.

No, it's not "nationwidly."

[Alpha Terminus @ Oct 20th 2007 5:01PM]

I have the USB 720 Ev-Do in Davenport, Iowa. It works great, even at my in-laws house 20 miles away in a town of 1000. In the Quad Cities I get 0.8-1.2 mbps. At their house I get 600 kbps as long as the modem is on the 2nd floor (not a problem with the wireless Kyocera KR1 router). Anywhere I've been in rural Iowa I can still get 100 kbps, which is fine for e-mail, etc. This technology is actually something that far exceeded my expectations, unlike most technologies I have encountered.

[Alpha Terminus @ Oct 20th 2007 5:03PM]

On my 61 inch DLP it is larger than life. On my 3 inch Ipaq screen it is smaller...

[Remi @ Oct 20th 2007 11:02PM]

will it 'just work' in linux?

[ken norness @ Nov 29th 2007 8:48PM]

I have a um 150 ev-do usb modem.I would like to plug this into a router to provide wireless service to two +- computers.Can this happen this way?

Can someone give me a brand name and price for such a router?

[Eric @ Aug 26th 2008 11:51PM]

You can use a cradlepoint router available now at best buy. they dont list it on line though
You can check it out at http://www.cradlepoint.com/mbr1000/mbr1000.php

[Robert @ May 24th 2008 8:42PM]

Just bought an ASUS eee with linux, having a heck of a time trying to figure out a way for them to work together. Any ideas??? Any drivers???

Thanks.............