ConnectReviews

Mobile broadband cards are becoming smaller and less bulky over the past couple of years, and have also been adding features as well such as GPS. Like previous cards we've reviewed, many of them are also doubling as microSD card readers, which are ubiquitous in cell phones and smartphones around the world. The latest Sierra Wireless 598U mobile broadband card from Sprint is one of them, and we're taking a look at it today.

The Sprint 598U is one of the latest Sierra Wireless cards, and plugs into any USB port on your notebook (or desktop for that matter), giving you instant access to the Sprint EVDO Rev. A network. Inside the box, you'll also find a laptop clip and a 20-inch USB extension cable. One of our favorite features in most of the newer cards is the no-CD install – the drivers are built-in on the modem allowing for easy installation without first having to find it.

I tested the 598U with my MacBook Pro notebook in the Sacramento metro area and we found speeds to be fairly fast and quick enough to stream online videos, even in HD.

In the design of the 598U, Sierra Wireless and Sprint went one step further, making the Sprint logo light up when the device is plugged in and connected. We thought this feature was unnecessary however, and thought there should be an option to turn it off. Nothing a piece of black tape shouldn't fix though.

The Sprint 598U is a great choice for the road warrior that needs to be connected anywhere they go. Find it at Sprint.com for $29.99 afer instant savings and a mail-in rebate with a 2-year contract.

Pros

• No CD required for install.
• Smaller, compact design.
• Supports EVDO Rev A speeds.

Cons

• Can't turn off Sprint logo light.

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