Sprint's iPad '4G case' features an Overdrive pocket, oodles of irony
By Ross Miller 
posted April 16th 2010 4:19PM
posted April 16th 2010 4:19PM
Update: Don't take the playful tone personally, we actually love the concept. More so, we just think Sprint is being funny here. We'll have some detailed test results of our time with Overdrive / iPad soon!
[Thanks, John]
That's actually a really good idea. Keep up the good work Sprint.
@Proverb
It is a better alternative to the $130 for 3G.
@metaesapuet I want HTC EVO 4G and iPad using it as a hotspot. Engadget make this happen for me.
@Proverb
4G is great, but for only 8 percent of the US population.
@Proverb It would be a better idea if the monthly service fee was more like AT&T's iPad data plan.
At $49 a month vs $29, the extra $130 for the 3G iPad (minus the cost of the Overdrive) will pay for it self quickly
@metaesapuet True but you're also forgetting the monthly costs associated...the extra $130 will probably save you more money in the long run with the contract-free $15 or $30 plan per month.
@leemahi Yes and it also connects to Sprint's peppy 3g band as well. Either way, 3g or 4g, it's better than being on AT&Ts network.
@Proverb
I think I'd rather use that overdrive and case for a laptop
@liuping The iPad 3G plan can only provide internet access to the iPad... The overdrive can provide internet access to anything. The price is worth the extra utility IMO.
@ANDZT That's my plan. I'm getting the Evo and using it with everything. I'm canceling my laptop's built in 3G and just using the Evo's signal Ipad too. I am so psyched for the Evo that I'm getting twitchy.
@Proverb
Agreed...Sprint Rocks. I'm still trying to figure out what is going on in the heads of those overpaying on other carriers. My one friend made the argument that she got a 15 percent discount from Verizon as a teacher so she's staying put. A couple more discounts and her inflated bill will actually look as attractive as my Sprint bill.
@DaveBach
Wife and I are w/Sprint AND we get 20% off through my employer! We have the "EVERYTHING" plan, it rocks out with it's cock out!
@Dank Dillweed Way to incorporate Motorhead lyrics into a reply! :)
@DaveBach
Except Sprint has a smaller 3g network then AT&T and while it does roam on Verizon it roams on verizons 2G network.
Not to mention if you live in the PNW Sprints overall reception quality is not very good.
@TMoney2007 The iPod 3G can not provide Internet access to the iPad. Steve said so. Maybe a jailbroken version can, I have no idea.
@Proverb
+1 to sprint for working out a way round the USA carrier embargo. Better than the ridicule verizon attempted
@DaveBach she'll get 15 to 20 percent off at sprint as well. all the carriers have these programs.
@MacBandit
But we get great sprint reception in Chicago and Indy. I love the NW, but.....only there like 1/2% of my time.
@Dank Dillweed Unless you've been grandfathered in, Sprint doesn't give discounts on the everything plan (and neither does Verizon nor AT&T).
@ISEPIC
I dunno, wifey's been w/Sprint for 13 years, me about 6. My employer is "THE" major soft drink company, and they used to give us goddammed awesome benefits. Things are a little diff now, but I still get my Sprint discount!!!
For the life of me I can't understand engadget's disdain for Sprint. Did they shoot your dog or something?
@Proverb
When Multitasking is released for the iphone I am thinking about getting rid of my phone contract and using this little doohickey with my Skype number. I'll be able to talk on my iPhone and browse the web on my iPad all for $60 a month.
@ISEPIC I have an everything data plan for $69.99 and get 20% off through my employer. Had it for over a year now.
@leemahi
And there was a time when 3G was only for 8 percent of the population too whopdeedoo. That was pointless comment. The more aware consumers are of 4G the sooner we will see it widespread, so Kudos to sprint, and yeah this is very funny
@MacBandit Sprint's 3G coverage map is actually much, much larger than AT&T's. Much larger. Like 2 or 3 times larger.
@Proverb Except that AT&T 3g is faster than sprints. Read the pc world test.
@Proverb
http://www.pcworld.com/article/189592/atandt_roars_back_in_pcworlds_second_3g_wireless_performance_test.html
@Luxury Guy: Yes, jailbroken iPhones can tether via WiFi to laptops, so I believe they should be able to do the same for the iPad.
@ISEPIC Sprint doesn't give discounts on the "Simply Everything" ($99) plan, nor any "Everything Plus" employee referral plans.
However, to this date, you can get employee discounts on Everything Data 450 or 900 plans, as well as the 1500 or 3000 family plans, with zero hassle. Signed up for a new plan less than 3 weeks ago.
@MacBandit Sprint's 3g network is larger than AT&T's. By a long shot.
@JimmyBoy Yeah except this case is for Sprint's 4G overdrive and not their 3G EVDO...so uhh...AT&T winning those 3G speed tests doesn't really matter that much for the people getting this for 4G coverage.
@tekdemon
Except that the Overdrive is both 3G and 4G and automatically switches between whichever is faster.
I use the iPad with the Overdrive now. This is a very elegant solution for carrying both.
CharlesJR
@MacBandit that's funny, i live in seattle and get great reception on sprint all over the area.
@Proverb - Wait, so let me get this straight: I can pay more (on Sprint) and only drive my sports Car (iPad) 5 miles (5GB limit) on a few select fast race tracks (4G), or pay less (at&t) and drive my car on the Autobahn (slower but fast 3G) unlimited (all you can eat, no GB cap)? I’ll pass! Oh and that Verizon MiFi attempt on slow azz EVDO with data cap, at an even higher price is the biggest joke of all, LOL.
Its all about the EVO now Sprint. Sayin...
@Proverb You know this would actually be nice.............. If 4G was in my friggin area!!!!!!!!
You blew it.
@Palpatine TWSS
@Palpatine
haha, if you need a case then they blew it
@Palpatine Popeatine
@Palpatine Its a trap!
This is very interesting, will look into this option.
sprint is trying too hard, but i gotta hand it to them thats a pretty nifty idea.
@onemadrssn
WTF does that mean? Do you mean that they're hawking their services? I think I see a certain company from Cupertino filling the airwaves with ads constantly for something they're making lately, no?
@Dank Dillweed True... It'd be foolish of a corporation not to... Idunno... Try to make money
I like it.
Sprint vs AT&T... FIGHT
@Mattd00d
sprint wants to get in on the action too. cant wait for the EVO! sprint premier is awesome
@leemahi aren't you the guy just 2 days ago advocating to not reply to comments? now you're on page 1 replying to 2 comments. for shame....
@Mattd00d Level two ... fight!
Eww. That's like breeding a pitbull and a chihahua with 2 legs and one ear