Who doesn’t want a mobile hotspot? Or a faster connection on the WiMAX 4G network? That’s exactly what the Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot from Sierra Wireless and Sprint provides.
Shown at CES 2010 and available as of January 10, the Overdrive 3G/4G allows users to connect up to five Wi-Fi devices to a network that can be up to 10 times faster than current 3G speeds. Of course, a 4G network has to be available to attain such speeds; currently Sprint 4G is only available in 27 markets, but there are plans to expand service to such markets as Boston, Houston, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. this year. However, when a 4G network isn’t available, the Overdrive slips into 3G mode.
If you’re worried about restrictions, such as being limited to a specific carrier or what types of devices you can connect, don’t; although the Sierra Overdrive 3G/4G is on Sprint, you are free to use a smartphone on a different carrier and you can also connect laptops, gaming consoles or handhelds, cameras, and much more. You’re also able to stream HD movies to your TV or laptop through content providers like Netflix.
Undressing the Sierra Overdrive
Physically, the Overdrive is a bit clunky looking, but there is a 1.4-inch LCD that displays important information like how much juice is left in the battery and your internet connection status. You can also customize your settings through a web interface.
In addition to the onboard GPS capabilities, there’s a microSD card slot for 16GB of shared storage for five connected devices. The Wi-Fi range is good for up to 150 feet.
All this and more can be had with a two-year, $60-per-month plan after a $50 rebate and $99.99. So, it ain’t cheap.
