Sierra Wireless 598U USB Modem (Sprint)

by Sierra Wireless

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 1.3 x 0.5 inches ; 1.8 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B001QFZKN0
• Item model number: 598U
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #239,739 in Cell Phones & Accessories (See Top 100 in Cell Phones & Accessories)
  • #14 in Cell Phones & Accessories > Mobile Broadband > USB Modems

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Stay connected to your business as well as online friends and family via the high-speed Sprint Mobile Broadband Network with the Sierra Wireless 598U USB modem. A microSD expansion slot provides convenient back up storage or file transfer on memory cards of up to 32 GB, so you can carry high resolution images, large music files, presentations and other necessary documents with you wherever you go and share them as needed. And with the latest version of Sprint Mobile Broadband software, you can take advantage of the optional Sprint Navigation service.

The laptop clip and 20-inch USB extension cable provide convenient usage options.

The 598U modem is optimized for Sprint's Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) Revolution A (Rev. A) network, which provides average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits and average upload speeds of 350 to 500 kbps. When connecting within a Rev. A coverage area, the U727 can download a 1 MB e-mail attachment in about 8 seconds and upload the same-sized file in less than 13 seconds.

Mobile users can access:

• E-mail with large attachments
• Corporate Intranet and Internet
• Digital imaging
• Location-based applications
• Video/audio streaming
• Rich messaging
• Bandwidth intensive applications for sales and customer service
• Easy installation and activation

Other features include:

• Sprint's SmartView automatic installation software, available for both Mac and PC users, installs directly from the modem on first insertion.
• Simple Activation with just "one" more click after software installation.
• microSD memory expansion to 32 GB (card not included)
• Employs CDMA wireless technology authentication and identification system for top-notch security.
• OS compatibility: Windows Vista/XP/2000; Macintosh OS X 10.3.9 or higher and Linux.
• Easy installation with the software CD provided in the box.
• New innovative design with graphics that light up when the device is inserted into a laptop.

Note: Users must activate this device on a Sprint account before inserting the device.

Product Description

New 2 year monthly service plan of $39.99 or higher required. Device must be activated through 3G Discounters and the device will not be shipped until the activation process is completed. Buyer will be billed $179.99 at time of purchase, receiving a rebate of $150 from WSC upon activation. If buyer terminates plan for any reason within 180 days of the purchase date, buyer agrees to pay seller a $150 service fee plus pay any early service termination fees to the carrier.The buyer also agrees that the service fee may be billed to their credit card at the time 3G Discounters is notified by the carrier of the cancellation of service. To receive rebate buyer must complete form located at http://www.3grebates.com/activations.aspx. By purchasing this item buyer agrees to these terms and conditions.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars I Actually HATE it, September 13, 2009

By 

Barbara Sharpe (Kalamazoo, Michigan) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sierra Wireless 598U USB Modem (Sprint) (Wireless Phone)

If I didn't have a contract, I'd cancel and find another way to get internet service. I really, really HATE this broadband service. I like in a city so there is not reason for the terrible service I get. Level of connection is given in percentages: 0, 10, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100. The only place I've ever gotten 100 was in an airport. At my house, it's frequently at 0 or 10, most commonly at 40. At 40, you can't watch video. YOu have to have at least 60 for that, which I rarely get. I called Sprint and someone actually told me that they can't guarantee service inside. Where the hell else am I going to use the internet? On my roof? My contract is up next year (I think) and, after 5 years with Sprint, I am going to change providers. I want to have an internet connection that works consistently in my house. And if they sent me - and countless others - a product that they cannot guarantee will work in the place that most people use it, then I am finished with Sprint.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars A RIP OFF, October 17, 2009

By 

Crisco931 (Santa Barbara CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sierra Wireless 598U USB Modem (Sprint) (Wireless Phone)

The Sierra Wireless Card is flimsy and has defects. There is some glitch that when it updates its software, it kills the
wireless unit. I've had 4 of these replaced now. The biggest Rip off of all is that Sprint Warehouse says its doesnt
receive them back and sprint charges you $100 after 15 Days!! This time I mailed it back with postal certification
to prove it was received by them. Sprint Customer service says they acknowledge theres a problem but they have
to just send the information higher into their management chain. I also had a sprint Lotus phone widely known for
being defective and yet Sprint still sells them to this day.
Sprint has ripped me off. Bottom line. Im posting this as a warning to others. Avoid Sprint.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Flawless performance, December 17, 2009

By 

kaycee (Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sierra Wireless 598U USB Modem (Sprint) (Wireless Phone)

I don't know what the previous reviewers expectations are - but the device will only work as well as the service connection for your area. I live in an area where we had only dial up or satellite for internet available to us until this - and let me tell you, the blazing speeds I get with this (comparatively) make it well worth it to me! In a rural area, (I think within about a mile of the tower) I get consistently 2mb+ coverage. It works perfectly - runs probably easily 12 hours/day, and I've had it for 10 months. The only time it has gone down, everything in my area is down - including landline and cell phones! Actually, that happened a couple days before Thanksgiving - everything was down, but my Sierra wireless was still delivering dial up speed connection.