Comments on: Novatel U727 & CradlePoint CTR350 First Impressions

By: Michael Taback

Michael Taback — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 23:27:05 +0000

So I can't use the Candlepoint CTR350 as both a wireless router (with Verizon USB 727) and to connect to a desktop so that all can share the Internet connection. Seems like I can't just connect the CTR350 ethernet port to the desktop and have the desktop connect to the Internet.

Is that correct? If so, what router do you recommend?

Thanks.

By: Michael Taback

Michael Taback — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 17:27:05 +0000

By: Oscar

Oscar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 01:39:03 +0000

Can I buy this cradlepoint thing at BestBuy or CircuitCity ??

By: rodfather

rodfather — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:40:21 +0000

Maybe so. It doesn’t have a USB port which is pretty pointless to me since I’m using a USB modem and none of my UMPC’s have a PC Card slot. Plus the Linksys is huge compared to the Cradlepoint which won’t fit in my gadget bag.
I doubt the interface has anything to do with performance.

By: John

John — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 14:10:09 +0000

I have both the Cradlepoint CTR350 and the Linksys WRT54G3G-ST routers. In a head to head comparison, the Linksys wins hands down. Flawless up time, never disconnects accidentially, instant connection when turned on, and outstanding WIFI broadcast. The connections are always faster with the Linsys, probably because it uses the superior PCMCIA connection or Express card connection (using an adapter) that just blasts the data through without having to go through a USB port and the associated overhead.

The Cradlepoint still has issues with the Franklin modem, so if you really want a trouble free setup, get the Linksys WRT54G3G-st. Its about $20 to $60 more, so shop around. Its well worth the additional expense.

By: EVDOalex

EVDOalex — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 22:59:36 +0000

For you fans of the CTR350, here is some hot news!

A second model of CradlePoint EVDO Router will begin shipping December 20th — the new PHS300 Portable HotSpot improves upon the CTR350 by adding a rechargeable battery, providing a new kind of wireless freedom that no previous router ever has!

Check out the full PHS300 Router Review at:

http://www.EVDOinfo.com/PHS300

Available only from the EVDO Experts at http://3gstore.com

By: rodfather

rodfather — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 05:39:57 +0000

Ya that definitely sounds very cool. Wonder if they can fit a GPS receiver in there and also have it geotag the photos.

By: Kurt

Kurt — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 23:12:44 +0000

I’m thinking you might want to get an Eye-Fi card for your camera now, to go with the CTR350.

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/review/lightning-round-eye fi-wireless-sd-card-316537.php

You could shoot photos with your DMC-TZ1 and have them auto-uploaded. I just think that’s cool.

By: rodfather

rodfather — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 21:08:40 +0000

Yes I was able to get the GPS working and posted here:
http://rodfathermobile.com/2007/10/11/gps-working-on-the-u727/

Not sure why it won’t work with the Navigon program. Maybe it has to be bought and unlocked first?

It’s working fine with iGuidance.

By: xraider

xraider — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 20:59:58 +0000

I just bought this too and am trying it on my Q1 Ultra. I’m having the same problem recognizing the GPS on the pre-installed Navigon NavigatoR program. It does get recognized by MS Streets & Trips though, but I prefer the Navigon program.

Any luck with iGuidance GPS recognition?

By: Josh Bancroft

Josh Bancroft — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 20:48:03 +0000

Great overview – thanks!

I’m all but convinced that I’m going to get one of these. The idea of a tiny wireless hotspot that goes with me all the time is pretty profoundly lifechanging. I think this is going to be a new class of device that everyone will be using in the next 5 years (just like cell phones were only for rich geeks in the beginning ).

Looking forward to updates!

By: Tax Man

Tax Man — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 13:03:28 +0000

Great report! I love it when people come up with new ways to put gear together to create a mobile workspace or playspace. The bowling alley will never be the same.

By: rodfather

rodfather — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 07:59:09 +0000

Everything turned out great. Thanks.

By: Michael

Michael — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 05:31:24 +0000

Glad that it is working for you! We are impressed too.

We goofed on the first few shipments and included the CD and directions, but didn’t upgrade the router with the latest firmware. We got that fixed now. Anyone getting a U727 with service and a CTR350 together, we will upgrade the router to the latest firmware so it is just plug and play.

Thanks for a great report and let us know how it goes.