Wired on the Road is Getting Even Easier

Sprint just announced its latest cell-network modem, and I think it will be a winner. This is dubbed "Novatel Wireless Ovation U727 EV-DO Rev. A USB Modem" and according to the press release, it "Combines Mobile Broadband Connectivity and File Storage for Sprint Customers."

It looks like Novatel combined a standard USB thumb-drive with its cellular modem... a good thing since the old PCMCIA card slot is disappearing, or at least being used by other gear, as USB becomes the most available connection choice.

To sweeten the offering, the main connection uses EV-DO Rev. A, which (where available) can deliver great high speed connections. So if you're on, or near an Interstate or populated area, you should get near cable-speed connections with this baby.

Sprint says it will be available through their business sales outlets beginning in October. Here's their words...

Beginning next month, the U727 will be sold through Sprint indirect and business sales channels and online at www.sprint.com for a suggested retail price of $279.99 and as low as $79.99 with a two-year subscriber agreement and mail-in-rebate. Sprint retail stores will begin offering the device later this year. Service plans for the card currently range from $39.99 per month for 40 MB to $79.99 per month for unlimited data usage. Customers signing a two-year subscriber agreement will be eligible to receive unlimited data usage for $59.99 per month (no separate voice plan required).

By the way... you'll notice the Verizon logo on the image, so yes, Verizon is also offering the modem but I just don't have the details on their offering right now.

Looking for a portable GPS device?

If you're in the market for a portable Global Positioning System, then advice from Consumer Reports might lead you in the right direction. In its October (2007) edition, the magazine lists as its "best buys" the Tom Tom One ($300), the Magellan Roadmate 2000 ($250) and the Garmin StreetPilot c330 ($300). Some of the other units they tested sell for more than twice as much. In fact, the editor's top rated GPS, the Garmin Nuvi 660, retails for $700. Paying more, said CR "brings niceties such as hands-free Bluetooth callling," but overall the editors liked the three units here noting that while they didn't offer "everything," they were especially easy to use and did their job well.