Sprint Overdrive and 4G iPad Case Review

Sprint Overdrive and 4G iPad case Review

Sprint has always been one of the leaders for the largest and fastest 3G coverage.  I have been a customer with various USB and PCMCIA air cards on Sprint for the last 3 years, and have reviewed the Novatel MiFi as well.  With the growing 4G WiMAX network on their side, Sprint is ahead of the game when it comes to speed.  However, it wasn’t until the Sprint Overdrive from Sierra Wireless came along that you were able to harness that speed onto any Wi-Fi enabled device.  The Overdrive allows you to connect up to 5 devices simultaneously at connections up to 10 times faster than traditional 3G networks.  The 4G WiMAX service provides faster speeds, more capacity, and a better experience for the user on high bandwidth applications.  The Overdrive can be purchased for $100 with a 2 year commitment.  The cost for the unlimited 4G service is $60 per month.  The devices used in this review were provided by Sprint.

In the Box

• Sierra Wireless Overdrive
• AC Charger
• microUSB cable
• Standard 1800 mAh Lithium Ion Battery
• Getting Started Guide

Specs

• Technology: CDMA/EVDO Rev. A (850/1900 MHz) and WiMAX (2500 MHz)
• Weight: 4.51 oz.
• Size: 3.14″ x 3.14″ x .61″
• Cubic Volume: 6.01″

Features

• Up to 5 Wi-Fi enabled devices can be connected simultaneously
• MicroSD slot for shared storage up to 16GB
• LCD displays information such as connection status, number of devices connected and battery life
• GPS capable
• Range of 150 feet
• 4G speeds peak at over 10 Mbps down and 4 Mbps up
• 3G speeds peak at over 3 Mbps down and 1.5 Mbps up
• Backwards compatible with all EVDO and 1xRTT networks
• Seamless transition from 4G to 3G
• Devices can be tethered via USB extension cable to charge the batter and share connection at the same time

Software
The Overdrive is completely configurable through a web interface at 192.168.0.1.  In the interface, you can change the administrative password, Wi-Fi network information, and choose from a wide variety of security types including WEP, WPA and WPA2.  The interface works in a wide variety of browsers, including those on many phones, negating the need for a laptop to configure the device…nice when out on the road.

Hardware

The Overdrive itself only has 1 button, allowing for power to be turned on and off.  On the bottom is the microUSB port for charging and tethering, as well as the microSD card slot.

On the top is the volume mute switch.

Under the battery cover is the 1800mAh battery.

Experiences
When I was shipped the Overdrive, I had planned to test out its functionality while traveling in the Las Vagas area, one of the few 4G markets near me.  However, circumstances caused me to change my plans, so I was never able to spend time in a Sprint 4G area during the month of using the device.  Currently, Sprint covers 28 markets with 4G service, with 15 more coming online before the end of 2010.

However, I did notice that Sprint’s coverage throughout areas where I expected to lack 3G, actually did have service.  If you stick to major freeways, and even many highways, you should find yourself in 3G coverage most of the time.  I used the Overdrive as an in-vehicle wireless hotspot for multiple devices during a cross country trip from Minneapolis to Phoenix, crossing 8 different states and 1700 miles.  Scenes from this trip can be found in this video – The Cell Phone Junkie’s Cross Country Road Trip.

A few of the gripes that I have with the Overdrive are concerning the software.  First off, it takes nearly 90 seconds for the Overdrive to boot up.  When out and about, you want to be able to get access to the 3G service quickly, and this length of time is unacceptable.  Also, once the device is up and running, you may find it resetting on a fairly regular basis.  I determined that heat is a big factor, and whether from sunlight, or just heavy use, it will restart itself often.  Couple both of these items together, and I found myself frustrated regularly while using the device on the go.

It’s not all bad though, as the service the Overdrive provides is quite good.  I spent many days with the Overdrive as my only connection, and was content with the service it provided.  Whether it was inside a house with no internet connection, or sitting in my office where the Wi-Fi was out, the Overdrive would hum along, giving me enough speed to process email, surf the web, and even watch Slingplayer or Netflix to pass the time.

4G iPad Case
Sprint has seen the iPad, and decided to cash in on an opportunity.  The Wi-Fi only version of the iPad was released in early April, and once the 3G version came around, customers had only 1 choice for service, AT&T.  So, they created the “4G Case by Sprint” and is giving it away for free at participating Best Buy stores in 4G markets.  This custom designed case fits Wi-Fi enabled devices like the Apple iPad or the Barnes and Noble nook.  It comes with a pouch in the front that fits the Overdrive, making it easy to carry and protect both.

Overall
The Overdrive from Sprint picks up where the MiFi leaves off.  It adds the power of the 4G WiMAX network with an informative LCD display to keep you informed of the Overdrive’s status while on the go.  The universal nature of Wi-Fi, coupled with the ability to connect up to 5 users at a time makes it attractive to a wide range of applications.