Gizmodo
The Gadget: Sierra Wireless' Compass 597 offers the same 3G mobile broadband as its 595u counterpart, but in a much smaller package.
Price: $50 (w/ two-year activation and current Sprint web special — $250 normally)
The Verdict: Like other cards in the Sierra Wireless line, the 597 has a microSD reader, GPS, and 3G data speeds. But the two things worth focusing on are the size and software package. It's about half the size (in length and thickness) than the Sierra 595u, making it easy to carry around and set up. It doesn't fold up like the 595u, but it's unobtrusive enough that it doesn't really matter. It also has a soft orange glow coming from a light at the top, which could either be nice or annoying depending on preference.
The Sprint software works on Mac and PC, and is really worth using on the go. It allows you to tap into the GPS function to display current position, search for streets and locations or display the rate at which your moving. And it shows reception strength in decibels.
Speaking of reception, the 597 antenna is as good as any of the other Sierra products, though we haven't been able to compare reception to the similar Novatel U727 card. But all in all, The Compass 597 is a solid mobile broadband choice. [Sprint]
Comments
Graaaaa....I wish I could justify the expense of this to myself. This plus a nice Sero data plan would rock, but then I already have my 3G enabled AT&T phone with me at all times, so I can just plug that into my laptop and accomplish the same thing.
And yet still I want this. That's some good marketing there Sprint.
Will it fit in a MacBook Air's USB Port?
Ahhh, to be independently wealthy. It sure would be fun to have stuff like this, of course isn't that why we all read Giz in the first place?
From an aesthetic design perspective, I am amazed at how gadgets continue to look so much alike. This could be mistaken for a bluetooth hands-free headset, or a flash drive, or a ... It has the same basic design as half of the gadgets on the market. They should add some pink polka dots to it, just to give it a little flair.
@late_night - yes, the compass works well with MacBook Air.
check out other MBA 3G options at [www.EVDOinfo.com]
For those interested in more information about the compass,
read my comprehensive review (pix & video) at [www.EVDOinfo.com]
If it gets lost, can it self-destruct?
Even without that, nice package, except... hey, does that stick straight out of a USB port? See, I have the same issue with flash drives. I plug one in, and instantly have to handle my laptop gingerly because I'm afraid I'm gonna snap the sucker clean off in the socket. Maybe it comes with an extension cable?
@ps61318: I know, it's like dealing with a laptop with morning wood.
@GeekyNerdGuy: Um, yeeeeeah. Exactly - although snapping off my, ahem, "morning wood" as you so quaintly describe it would be far more traumatic and really less likely - corpus cavernosa being somewhat resilient.
Kind of like these little modems here, at least according to Sierra's website. They've given this a great deal of thought, apparently, including a nicely done white paper on the subject. I may have to reconsider my concerns.
@TendoMentis: @TendoMentis:
How can you use this for internet purposes? I have a 580i SE phone on AT&T with unlimited internet. The unlimited media net. Can I do this too?
@ps61318 the reviewer doesn't mention the cool usb-flex cable the compass comes with.
you can see it in use in video review at [www.EVDOinfo.com]
I have one of these, I love it! It get uber-hot on the MBP though. Kinda like everything else around it.
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