New USB EV-DO Rev A modem for Sprint network

Sprint has introduced a new USB modem for its EV-DO Rev A cellular data network. The 598U modem, from Sierra Wireless, is aimed at “out-Wi-Fiing” Wi-Fi: creating a high-speed cellular data link wherever the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network service is available. On the Rev A wireless links, Sprint promises an average download speeds of 600kbps to 1.4Mbps and upload speeds averaging 350 to 500kbps. The new modem also is compatible with Sprint EV-DO Rev 0 and 1XRTT where Rev A coverage is not available. The new modem has integrated support for GPS and a microSD expansion slot, which can support up to 32Gbytes or storage. The vendor’s 598U data sheet is online. No CD is needed: everything needed for automatic self-install and activation on the Sprint network is already in the modem. It works with laptops running Windows Vista, XP SP2, and 2000; Mac OS X 10.4.11 or newer; and Linux. Normally priced at $249, Sprint is currently offering the new modem for free, if you order online with a 2-year contract.