We’re here live at Sprint’s 4G palace at CES and we’re giving the Overdrive by Sierra Wireless a test drive. Before we get on with this we review, one thing is clear about this new mobile hotspot: it is hot like fire. Currently we’re writing this post using the Overdrive and we’re seeing 4.6Mbps downlink and 560kbps uplink — plus WiMax in Las Vegas has crystal clear signal where we are. Hit the break for more of our thoughts on the Overdrive and check out the gallery!
The device itself is bigger than the MiFi, but it’s not very heavy. It’s sleek and super easy to use. As soon as you take it out of the box, it asks you if you want to connect to the 4G network and you’re prompted to click the power button to accept. Once you’re on, that’s it — you’re on. All you have to do is find the Overdrive on your Wi-Fi list and select it. The password is shown on the device screen in parentheses so people you’re sharing it with can easily hop on, too. Additionally, the Overdrive supports up to five simultaneous users, just like the MiFi, so there’s plenty to go around.
Overall, the new device is ridiculously easy to use and speeds are blazing fast. If you travel a lot or are always in areas with no Wi-Fi, you can’t go wrong with the Overdrive, especially with the WiMax speeds. Right now, WiMax is available in 27 markets and Sprint expects to launch in more markets including Boston, Houston, New York, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. in 2010. Browse some great hands on shots in our gallery, and of course, you can hit us the 4G Resource Center if you’d like to find out more about Sprint’s WiMax offerings
Click on over to our Sprint Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot hands on gallery!
Read more about the Sprint Overdrive in our 4G Resource Center
