Sprint/Novatel U727 USB Wireless Internet Adapter

[ahhaa]

As some of you know, I frequently gripe about my dialup tincans & string rural ISP. :P

The nearby cellstore loaned me a Novatel Ovation U727 to test if I could get them bars in the woods.

Its kinda cool as a device: it is not only a USB flashdrive-sized broadband-via-cell-network adapter, it is actually a USB flashdrive in the same housing, and they threw in a GPS receiver as well. SO... if I get lost in a blizzard (we've had 6 so far this year), I could just whip out my Tosh and know right where the body'd be found come spring.

Unfortunately, the very first note in the pdf manual for software installation says to delete all existing dialup software before proceeding with the installation... no way.

Yes Virginia, there is a digital divide.

[Krispy Kritter]

I don't know how good your cell service is at your location, but most of the major cell providers have wireless internet access plans. Just a thought, and depending on your signal, it's much quicker than dial-up. Setup and use is just like have a cable or DSL connection.

[ahhaa]

yup, & that's what this is.
I got it working without deleting my fussy dialup connection.
It gets 4 of 5 bars, which seems to stay consistent, but the download speeds are all over the map- 30Kps to 90Kps, with about 70Kps as the typical rate.
For comparison, that makes my photos, which are about 3 megs, take a bit more than a minute each. Downloading a 700 Meg distro is estimated at 2 1/2 hours- which I guess is better than the 8-10 I'd see if I was willing to try it on dialup.

The plan cost is $70 a month, with the gizmo costing $50 after rebate.
The gizmo itself looks a bit like a USB socketbreaker.
I don't think the 'hidden' Flashdrive idea is very good for secure situations.

ends