Reviews about Modems

GottioYano says "good but not best" about Sierra Wireless AirCard 595 - Verizon Livery

GottioYano — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:20:18 GMT

I received the new Sierra Wireless 595U USB modem which I happened to win when I attended the last meeting of the Wireless and Broadband Forum. In my previous life (working at Telecom) I was always involved in the testing process so I had access to the cool toys before they were released. This is the first time that I actually get to review an EVDO product outside of Telecom as someone who is more independent. I have a long history with Sierra Wireless gear and I have always respected their engineering and product design. So, thanks to the WBF and Telecom for giving me a new toy.

I have decided to write the review in two parts. This, the first part, is about the USB modem hardware. Tomorrow (for reasons that will become apparent) I plan to butcher the USB modem and extract the component I am more interested in. Butchering the modem will render it inoperable as a USB device.

The Sierra Wireless 595U is the long awaited EVDO Revision A modem from Telecom. Vodafone have had their Vodem in the...

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HOOSIER-LADY1 says "Sprint 598U Modem is a great product for home or on the go." about Sprint 598U Modem (812320003155)

HOOSIER-LADY1 — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:24:05 GMT

I have had my Sprint 598U Modem for 3 weeks now and love it. I use this product in my home office and while on a road trip out of state I had no problem using my inter-net. I wont leave home without it. I had no problem downloading important business forms. You can play games, surf the web, check email, watch videos and much much more with ease. This is my first broadband experience and I must say it is a great one. I really don't have anything negitive to say about this product. I would recomend Sprint 598U Modem to anyone. When I recieved it in the mail all I had to do was insert the modem in to USB connection on the side of my lap top and follow the directions. It was easy. I recieved a laptop clip and a starter guide with my modem. If you want a product that is fun and have a way to keep up with friends and family then Sprint 598U Modem is what you are looking for.

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dsmburton says "Very Dissatisfied as tends to overheat" about Motorola AT&T Motorola High Speed DSL Modem 2210-02

dsmburton — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 03:00:56 GMT

I live in an older apartment complex and as a result of that the only higher speed option for computer use that I can get is dsl. I have AT&T service and love it but was told because I was having intermittant outages that I needed a new dsl modem and had to buy the Motorola 2210-02 so I did but I had to wait awhile because it was not available locally but I knew I was taking a trip in a week to a bigger city so waited to get. It is supposed to be for high speed but slowed everything down and then had a severe problem with overheating. The design of this model is flawed and it often has problems with overheating. I used it for less than two months before having to have it replaced with a different one that is from a different company and since I have had the new one my internet is much faster. I would like to recommend that you seriously consider not getting this model. I am hoping to get my money back when I bring back to where I bought it but don't know if I will be able to...

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missann1 says "Great Tool - like magic!" about Sierra Wireless AirCard 595 - Verizon Livery

missann1 — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:10:46 GMT

This aircard is a winner. I used this card for a year before getting a USB type. It sustained a signal in the backwoods, highway, and airports. It can't be knocked out of the socket and travels easily. I used it on an IBM computer. If there is an issue, first make sure the card is fully engaged.

These are pricey and as with most aircards, you have to be mindful of usage, unless you are grandfathered into the unlimited plans.

Setup was easy and quick with self-installation via a CD. The bars gave an indication of signal strength and there were a few times when low strength hampered internet connectivity. This would also affect logon as authentication would take longer or not happen for a time. But this was not a perpetual situation. Waiting a few minutes or moving a couple feet usually did the trick.

If you're in a dark room, the blue flashing line can get annoying, especially if you're watching videos.

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jpmorlguy says "This rocks" about AT&T USBConnect Mercury Broadband USB Modem (AT&T)

jpmorlguy — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 20:17:57 GMT

This device is awesome. I formerly had Sprint service and an older connection card. I recently changed to keep all my AT&T services together and this USB Mercury card is awesome. It connects very quickly. The software installation was very easy to use. It's built right in so you don't need a disk or anything. Also, the ability to use it as a USB device is handy. I have a large card that I added in so now I don't have to carry 2 seperate devices to store and to access the internet. Given that I travel so much, it's been a lifesaver!

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cassiya2 says "The Verizon USB760 Modem offers mostly-reliable connections " about Verizon USB760 EVDO Rev A Modem w/2yr Service

cassiya2 — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:57:20 GMT

I reside in a rural area and although I do love the quiet life I live here, being so far from a major town does pose a serious problem for a tech-savvy girl like me: the only internet available out here in the sticks is either dial-up or mobile broadband. I've had dial-up from several different providers before and none of it wasn't worth the money I spent on it, so I decided to give mobile broadband a try. I went with Verizon because they are my cellphone carrier, and also because they were offering the Novatel USB760 modem on sale and with a great $50 mail-in rebate.

Pros: Broadband is much faster and more reliable than dial-up, so it doesn't take forever just to check my email. I usually have a good connection, though it sometimes fluctuates in speed (probably depending on the high user volume).

Cons: Getting internet this way is ridiculously expensive, and if I was able to get regular DSL I'd drop the mobile broadband in a heartbeat. The biggest con is that the supposedly "unlimited"...

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scottys55 says "The Westell 327W is a very good modem to use for networking." about Westell 327W

scottys55 — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 01:48:11 GMT

The Westell 327W is a very good DSL modem to use for networking. It offers one phone line port for a connection to a phone jack, and it also includes 4 Ethernet ports, to connect to 4 computers. This modem can also be used as a wireless router, but it only supports WEP security, not WPA/PSK. You do have the option to have no security, though. The front display of this modem is very easy to understand. It shows the power status, and it also features link lights for all 4 computers connected to it. Besides that, it also shows the wireless activity, along with the status of the DSL line, and the Internet. This modem can easily be connected to a Ethernet switch or hub to connect more computers to it. I would highly recommend this DSL modem.

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rodcarolhannah says "Great, if you spend alot of time on the road!!" about Sierra Wireless AirCard 595 - Verizon Livery

rodcarolhannah — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 06:51:01 GMT

This aircard is great if you spend alot of time on the road, like I do, it's a life saver!! The card works in almost all main traffic corridors for highway travel. I used this card for over a year and rarely had a problem, other than the few places where the Verizon guy "couldn't hear me", like in Wyoming and a very few other places. The monthly charge on this product is also very reasonable, at $60.00 per month. The deposit, even with bad credit, is also very reasonable and it is returned at the end of the first year, if payments are made on time each month. The customer service is also outstanding with this product.

I would recommend this product to anyone.

This product does not work in all newer computers. I had to upgrade when I bought a newer machine, but the new card came with a 50% rebate. I would have upgraded soon anyway, the card was nearly two years old and my contract was nearly ready anyway.

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bkovacs says "Small, capable and reliable... but not fast enough" about Sierra AirCard 595U USB Wireless Data Modem

bkovacs — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 22:27:34 GMT

I work for Sprint Nextel. Therefore, all my cellular products are from Sprint Nextel for at least a couple of reasons. One big reason is that I get excellent prices on the products and services that Sprint Nextel sells, and that's why I ended up getting the Sierra Wireless AirCard 595U wireless modem. The general public can buy the monthly wireless data service from Sprint for the AirCard 595U for $60. A similar service is available from Verizon for the same price. The AirCard 595U is either free or low-cost (perhaps $20) if you get a contract for the wireless data service. (As a Sprint employee, my cost for high-speed data service is MUCH less than $60.)

How it works

The Sierra Wireless AirCard 595U uses a technology called EVDO, which is available from both Sprint and Verizon. Basically, using the card connects you to high-speed data using cell phone towers, and it connects at speeds similar to that of a wired DSL service from the telephone company. Typical connected speeds with an EVDO...

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somstottle says "Do not waste your money...Buy a different Brand!" about Motorola SURFboard SB5101 Cable Modem

somstottle — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 15:51:42 GMT

I have went through 2 of these modems in the past 9 months. They are just a waste of money. There is no warranty on them. They work great and are easy to install but be prepared to buy a new one every year, at least. I have now learned my lesson and bought a little more expensive one and it comes with a warranty....

coconut226 says "This is an excellent wireless aircard modem." about Sierra Wireless AirCard 595 - Verizon Livery

coconut226 — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:56:21 GMT

I ha purchased a new computer for my bedroom. The one that I had was slow and old. I had another brand wireless USB adapter on the old computer which would not connect me to the internet on the new computer. I went and purchased a new adapter, same name, which woukld not work. I called the tech center for my computer, the tech center for my internet server and the tech center for the wireless router no one could get me connected to the internet. After trying for three or four days and running back to circuit city to purchase and return the adapters. I was fed up!

My daughter had purchased a Verizonwireless Aircard 595u for her new laptop and she seemed to be very pleased with it so I decided to try one myself. I went and purchased one, called the 800 number and was connected to the internet in a matter of minutes. I give this product a five star rating and I would reccommend it to anyone.

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HappyGeorgian says "Great little laptop modem--plug in and ready to go!" about Trend Net TFM-560 U External Modem

HappyGeorgian — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 19:45:35 GMT

I recently purchased a Dell laptop on ebay that didn't come with a modem. I didn't even think to ask about that (I thought they all had modems preinstalled), so I was in the market for a modem for the very first time!

This unit plugs into the usb port and has a cd and booklet with it. Very easy to get up and running.

While I use a wifi network every day, I needed a dialup backup that this unit provides.

Very easy and economical. I love it!

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wb6sds says "Works well for on-the-road use where there is coverage." about Sierra Wireless AirCard 595 - Verizon Livery

wb6sds — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 05:35:11 GMT

I travel extensively all across the US and have found the quality and availability of Verizon data and voice service to be superior to all others (including the beaches on Kauai), with similar costs for similar levels of service. The AC595, with appropriate firmware revisions and where provided by the Verizon Network, supports EVDO Rev A which significantly increases throughput on their national broadband network. At $60/month for unlimited use (with some restrictions in the small print) this card/service is ideal for anyone needing mobile coverage and typical Internet access for email, research, and all but the most intensive of applications such as streaming video or routine transfer of very large files. While it may not compete speedwise with a cable modem, you can't take a cable modem with you! If you consider the cost of Internet access in many hotels is $10/day, you don't have to be on the road much to recover the cost of this service. It does not rely on the spotty availability......

eddolfan says "excellent price & excellent quality" about Motorola SURFboard SB5101 Cable Modem

eddolfan — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:32:23 GMT

the most reasonably priced cable modem available. this unit is so small it fits anywhere. it is the unit offered for rental by my cable provider, but it is far more practical to buy it from any electronics or computer store than to rent it. all reviews are high on this item....

ZoeKaya says "Glad I made the switch" about Westell 6200 DSL Modem

ZoeKaya — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 20:00:47 GMT

I just love this product! I have had no problems with it and it sure makes surfing the web a simple task. I used to have dial up so this is quite the improvement. Once in a while a video may pause for a second or two, but that is rare. Everything opens quickly and downloads are really fast. The price is also quite attractive. I got a really good deal so it was hard to turn up. ...

st4rguitar says "Slow, disappointing, unreliable, & over-priced with no way out!" about Sierra Wireless AirCard 595 - Verizon Livery

st4rguitar — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 18:51:32 GMT

My husband and I purchased the Verizon air-card with hopes it would help us feel more free with where and when we worked. We both are full-time employees, but the majority of our work can be done from home or anywhere there is an internet connection. Even in peak areas with optimum connection, this card still just CRAWLS and is SO slow sometimes it'll take 5 minutes for an email to load. I understand it can't work everywhere, but that slow of a speed is ridiculous. Perhaps they should connect with another carrier in order to have more locations where the card can connect -- and to have a FASTER connection. I am not an impatient person, but sometimes this aircard makes me want to throw my laptop against the wall! We would cancel it, but the cancellation fee is close to $300 -- not to mention the monthly fees for the air card are essentially $2/day ($60/month.) It's frustrating to have to pay a premium for service that is the opposite of premium....

pkmom says "From the mountains to the sea this aircard is hard to beat!" about Sierra Wireless Aircard AC875

pkmom — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 15:49:19 GMT

I am the proud owner of a Sierra Wireless 875 Aircard. After using it almost a year, I can only wonder why the networks waited so long to develop this type of access. It's been great!

Specs:
The card itself is from Sierra Wireless. Designed for 3G networks, it is a type II pc card with a fixed internal antenna. With theoretical data rates of up to 3.6 Mpbs, the card can be used worldwide with HSDPA/UMTS and quad-band Class 12 EDGE/GPRS connectivity.

Card features include:
* High performance antenna in rugged housing
* Simultaneous voice and data capabilities
* Supports HSDPA and UMTS on the 2100, 1900, 850 Mhz band
* Supported by Sierra Wireless developer tools for third party user interface and applications
* Windows XP, 2000
* Field firmware upgradeable

When using this there have been a few glitches but by and large I'm very happy with the product and wireless internet service.

The card itself cost $150.00 from Cingular with agreeing to a 2-year contract. (Although you can......

Gus81 says "Nice cable modem" about Linksys BEFCMU10 Cable Modem

Gus81 — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 17:52:43 GMT

I've had the Linksys BEFCMU10 Cable Modem model for a couple of years now, and it's still works very well. It managed to support the latest speeds of my cable broadband internet service provider and also supports the latest standards like DOCSIS 2.0. If there's any minor problem with this modem which is probably common with a lot of cable modems, it's that the moderm does hang sometimes, and so you do have to restart it. Otherwise, it's a very good cable modem to get....

epsgambler says "Stay Internet Connected All Over This Great USA" about Sierra Wireless AirCard 595 - Verizon Livery

epsgambler — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 17:26:10 GMT

We are going to be on the road all across the US in August. We need to stay connected to our friends and family as we travel. We want to post information about our travels on Internet review sites We don't want availability of wireless or wired connections to the Internet to limit our choices of where we stay. We went to our local Verizon store and came away with a Sierra Wireless Aircard Model 595, their latest.

This card plugs into the side of our laptop in the PCMCIA slot that most laptops have. It is powered by the laptop. A CD that comes with the card loads into the laptop. When all this is done and you have paid for service through a wireless telephone service provider you have Internet access wherever they have digital capable cell towers. It is simple to do and it works.

Speeds aren't bad, much better than dial-up, about like satellite Internet service. The Sierra site claims speeds of 3.1 mbps download and 1.8 upload. This feels about right. Once the card has dialed up the service...

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PattyTherre says "Unreliable, cheaply made junk. I'm done with Westell!" about Westell 6200 DSL Modem

PattyTherre — Sun, 01 Jul 2007 01:39:58 GMT

Quick View: Run away if someone suggests this modem to you!

The Westell 6200 DSL Modem

When I got DSL, I got a Westell modem from Verizon. The older one worked fine. Then I was "upgraded" to the Westell 6100. This sleek black modem is very simple with a few lights and Ethernet connections as well as a phone jack. Just plug in the Ethernet cord and the phone jack and badda boom, you can get online. But not so fast. We have a router which we use to network our computers. We hooked that up and all was well. However, we noted that the modem would randomly turn off. The lights would go out and our connection would die.

After enduring this sometimes hourly, I called to get a new modem. Verizon sent me another Westell 6100 Modem. This time, the thing worked but only when the lights indicated that it wasn't on. If the red light, which indicates it is not ready, was on, we could get online. If the green light, which indicates it is fully functional, was on, we could not connect. Then there was...

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