Friday, April 2, 2010

First, 4G is fast, very fast. Comfortably beating our internal DSL for most transfers. Interestingly enough CowTown (Ft. Worth TX) is 4G ready. Don't ask me why a city that proudly calls itself CowTown is one of the first cities with 4G, I guess the folks in New York were busy. I'm hesitant to do any of the internet speed tests that are available because frankly I don't trust them. As I said my impression is that this thing is comfortably faster, out browsing, syncing and transfers to the internet. 

Setup is very easy, simply plug the unit in, point your browser to it and give it a name and password. Once the system reboots you are ready to log into it from any wireless device. Thus far it has worked with my Ubuntu based Netbook (more on that later), my iPhone and my Desktop. It just feels like you are using a regular WiFi access point, except this one fits in your pocket and travels with you.

I am an admitted device addict, for me the Overdrive is ideal. I can switch devices and not have to worry about switching providers. For example I may get an iPad next week. I don't have to wait for the 3G version nor do I have to worry about how my AT&T contract will convert or suffer through the agony of having an iPhone contract and a iPad contract. Also at a show like SNW everyone on my team can get online. That will give us the competitive edge as others try to fight their way onto overcrowded WiFi connections. 

On the storage side (yes there is one) the Overdrive can accept up to a 16GB Micro SD card to be able to share files with other connected users. Its a NAS! In fairness, I don't think NetApp is going to be shaking in their boots over this, but it is a clever use of the space. I don't happen to have a Micro SD handy but we'll pick one up over the weekend and see how it works. 

So far no major downsides with the unit. It automatically switches between 4G and 3G. 3G speeds are OK, especially if your just checking email. This is important since Florida and most of the country is not 4G enabled yet...just CowTown and now the rest of Texas. 

There have been complaints about how quickly the battery runs down. While it is probably too soon to comment this has not really been a problem. I've been online at 4G right now for about 1 1/2 hours and I am still at 34% battery power remaining. Most of my mobile broadband use is quick checks and take less than an a hour, checks of email. Anything with extended access I'm going to likely be at a place that I can get to an AC outlet. It also has the ability to charge off the USB port of your laptop if its a must. There is also a setting which I have enabled that allows for better power utilization but limits the range of the WiFi signal. Since most of the time it is sitting right next to my laptop, this is an ideal setting for me. 

The service is $60 per month for 5GB of 3G and unlimited use of 4G service. This places it within the range of what other providers are charging for 3G only service. So from a business standpoint, especially one that thrives on being online, this is an easy expense to make. We'll provide ongoing updates on the unit but for right now, I'd label the Overdrive a winner. 

George Crump, Senior Analyst