Rodfather Mobile

Verizon just announced the availability of a new USB EVDO modem for $149.99. CNN is touting the Novatel U727 as the industry’s first to have integrated data storage which is incorrect. I just posted last week the availability and review of the Franklin CDU-680 which includes storage and location-based GPS.

Ok now this is looking like a winner. I mention the device in the USB WWAN Roundup post but from this picture, it looks very different. What sets this apart is the size and inclusion of a miniSD slot capable of taking in up to 4GB cards. It supports Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux operating systems.

Comparing this to the Sierra Wireless 595U/875U USB modem, measuring 3.7″ (H) x 1.5″ (W) x 0.8″ (D), the Novatel is significantly smaller at 2.76″ (H) x 0.98″ (W) x 0.47″ (D).

This is very appealing. Just based on its size, it’s is looking like the best solution for a USB WWAN modem. I really want to avoid Verizon for their ‘unlimited’ data service since they’ll cancel your account if you exceed 5GB’s. Unlimited my ass. I doubt I’ll ever exceed 5GB’s a month, but it may happen and it’s BS unlimited is not really unlimited. But one thing about Verizon, when they announced Rev. A availability, it was upgraded on their entire network.

Here are the specs taken from the Verizon site:

Features

• BroadbandAccess and NationalAccess Compatible
• 2–in–1 USB Device: BroadbandAccess and Memory storage (4 MB+ capacity–sold separately)
• Rev. A Capable: Typical download speeds of 600–1400 kbps and upload speeds of 500–800 kbps
• Compatible with all devices supporting the Type A USB interface including desktops, notebooks, tablet PCs and PDAs
• VZAccess Manager software for easy connection management
• Intuitive user interface
• High performance, flip–up antenna
• 3–color service state LED
• External Antenna Port/Connector (external antenna sold separately)
• 2–way Text Messaging capable (via VZAccess Manager)
• NDIS driver support
• VPN compatible

System Requirements

• Universal Type Serial Bus (USB)
• Windows® 2000, XP, Vista and Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher; Linux
• 32 MB RAM memory
• 14 MB free hard disk space

Specifications

• Dimensions: 2.76″ (H) x 0.98″ (W) x 0.47″ (D)
• Weight: 1.13 oz
• SAR: 1.14W/kg User–Lap Position

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. and SAN DIEGO, Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ — Verizon Wireless, the leading wireless company with the nation’s most reliable wireless voice and data network, today announced the availability of the USB727 Modem. Developed by Novatel Wireless , a leading provider of wireless broadband solutions, and carrying the distinction of being the world’s smallest Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) Revolution A (Rev. A) modem stick, the USB727 features an integrated microSD(TM) slot, allowing for the seamless storage and transport of up to 4 GB of files, photos or videos. Customers may purchase the USB727 Modem today online at http://www.verizonwireless.com and through Verizon Wireless’ business sales channels. USB727 Modem will be in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores including those in Circuit City on October 5.

The USB727 is designed to work with any computing device equipped with a Type A USB port — including most desktops, notebooks, and tablet PCs — and provides on-the-go access to Verizon Wireless’ national high-speed wireless broadband network. With out-of-box support for most operating systems, including Windows(R) (Vista, XP, 2000), Mac(R) and Linux, the USB727 enables Verizon Wireless customers to stay connected to online resources with speeds and performance similar to those of traditional cable or DSL connections.

The USB727 is optimized for Verizon Wireless’ EV-DO Rev. A network and the company’s BroadbandAccess service which provides average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps. Verizon Wireless customers with the USB727 can download a 1 Megabyte e-mail attachment — the equivalent of a small PowerPoint(R) presentation or a large PDF file — in about eight seconds and upload the same-sized file in less than 13 seconds.

Designed to be extremely durable and fit comfortably in any pocket, the USB727 combines a variety of innovative features into its tiny form factor, including an integrated dual-band diversity antennae system with flip-up antennae to maximize data speed performance and provide a strong network signal reception. VZAccess Manager Software is included to simplify set-up and navigation through the USB727’s features.

Pricing and Availability

The USB727 is available at $149.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and new two- year agreement. Customers can get BroadbandAccess service for Internet browsing, e-mail and intranet access for $59.99 monthly access with a new one- or two-year customer agreement. Business customers may contact a Verizon Wireless Business Sales Representative directly at 1-800-VZW-4BIZ.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to http://www.verizonwireless.com.

CNN Via GottaBeMobile
USB727 Verizon Product Page