T-Mobile webConnect Rocket 2.0 USB WWAN modem now on sale
By Darren Murph 
posted July 22nd 2010 12:28PM
posted July 22nd 2010 12:28PM
Timely, no? In concert with its HSPA+ expansion, T-Mobile USA has decided to come clean with that webConnect Rocket 2.0 that we peeked a few weeks ago courtesy of a leaked presentation slide. Said device isn't drastically different than the original, offering a mildly overhauled design and "a new rotating swivel USB form factor." The bigger news is the expanded platform support, with this bugger now playing nice with Windows 7, XP, Vista and any version of OS X since 10.4. It's up for grabs right now via the source link if you're in the mood for those so-called "4G speeds," with an on-contract stick costing absolutely nothing and a no-strings-attached version running $199.99.Update: We've updated the post with a new image of the actual device, though it's not quite ready for primetime on T-Mobile's site just yet. When it hits, it'll run $49.99 on contract, with the 1.0 version going for zilch on contract.
Now if only there were a slate like device that had USB ports.....
@Plazmic Flame
Finally, a rocket small enough to fit in my pocket!
@Dr Tobias Funke
Finally a rocket that actually fits in my pants.
So wish hardware makers would build this tech INTO their laptops etc as dongles are a massive nuisance - in particular on the train.
If there is one reason why the iPad is a winner, it is the built in 3G.
Click.
Slide.
Go!
:)
@Oflife
wifi tethering for me on my phone :)
@Oflife If you really are comparing the iPad to a full fledged laptop which many iPad justifiers are wont to due out of buyers remorse...
Choice. iStuff won't give you one.
With devices like these that you buy, you can choose which ISP you use. Some are better in certain areas than others. So laptop manufacturers don't force you to use one tech forcing you to upgrade on a yearly basis when a newer version is released.
Laptops are hands down more useful an any super-sized iPhone.
Yes even Macbooks.
iPads are good for certain things. This device is good for laptops that are good for those things and the rest that the iPads can't do.
iPad 3G experience in reality.
Click.
Slide.
Slow!
:S
@HektikLyfe OK, well before I buy an iPad, let me know, is it that slow? I thought it's solid state OS and A4 made it extra zippy poos?
@Oflife No, its not slow in the least. In fact, if you read all of the impressions abound, 99% of them rave about the speed of the device. Haters gon' hate.
@Oflife
The iPad 3G is really quite fast, bashers such as HektikLyfe probably have never touched the device before. I get comparable up/down speeds to AT&T's DSL service (which doesn't say much for AT&T's DSL!!!), with pages loading faster on iPad than on Opera/Chrome on a laptop.
Total time it takes to load a website such as engadget.com including time to wake-up the iPad, load MobileSafari and load the website is less than 5 seconds total.
So wait, does this require a contract to use or no? I understand it has an upfront cost of $199.99
@Franktank These aren't in my market yet, but if they are anything like the old ones, you can do this without a contract, and save a few bucks each month
would i be able to just pop my phone's sim card in it and be able to use it or would it know i'm cheating
@skyblaze The system would recognize that you aren't on the right data plan for the equipment that you are trying to use. It will let you connect, but every web page you go to will prompt you to sign up for an appropriate data plan.
According to my T-Mobile research, here is the information that I found according to their site.
1) With or without a contract, you can get a NO OVERAGE FEE 5GB data plan for $40 a month. If you go over 5GB, you don't get charged. Your speed just goes down for the next month.
2) With a 2 year contract, the modem is free.
3) Without a contract, the modem costs $200.
4) The link Engadget has given is to the older model.
Dubya-Dubya-AN Radio! The hottest station in town!
We don't slow down you speed for the next month, just the remainder of the current month. Once your next billing cycle hits, your back to hspa + speeds.
the link and pic is for the original Rocket 1.0 that's been around since the first city went beta with HSPA+
i know this because i've had one for a few months now. the new one is more rounded, with a swivelly usb plug instead of the retractable kind like the current version has.