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For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.
by Wilson Rothman
Testers in eight big cities across the United States compare mobile broadband connections from AT&T, Sprint and Verizon. Tests use both a Lenovo and a MacBook Pro laptop, concluding that hardware doesn't… make much difference. Sprint wins overall, but the best choice depends not only on the city but on the area within the city. Nearly 100 readers weigh in with comments, including a few complaints that T-Mobile isn't included.
by Brian Nadel
Reviewer Brian Nadel tests 3G mobile broadband from AT&T, Verizon and Sprint by using them on his notebook computer (each with the appropriate card). He performs a variety of tasks in various situations,… including moving vehicles -- cars and commuter trains -- within a 50-mile radius of downtown Manhattan. Sprint is easy to use but slowest; Verizon is "a midrange performer" and AT&T is judged fastest -- with an average download speed of 614 Kbit/sec. The review warns that speeds are very inconsistent, however, and that mobile broadband shortens battery life considerably.
by Marc Aarons
Despite being created by an online marketer, this is the one of the more comprehensive sites we found for wireless broadband, with useful articles as well as reviews of all aspects, from routers and… aircards to providers. Comparisons are detailed, with most sources of information well documented. Cost comparisons take into account factors such as early termination fees. An online selection tool recommends one of the five services covered, based on the factors you choose as most important to you. A separate article on the site recommends Sprint WiMAX (Xohm and Clearwire).
by Brian Nadel
To test the new 4G Xohm network, reviewer Nadel compares it with AT&T mobile broadband, since earlier tests in New York City rank AT&T faster than two other 3G services. Though the Xohm network still has a… few areas with spotty connectivity, it's more consistent than AT&T and about three times as fast. This article also provides a lot of information on future plans for the Xohm network for 2009 and 2010, plus an overview of the devices available for connecting to Xohm.
by Editors of J.D. Power and Associates
This large survey of over 22,000 wireless-plan customers in six regions of the United States is relevant if you're choosing a mobile broadband provider. Customers rate wireless providers on five factors,… with call quality carrying the most weight. (Transferring data on a mobile broadband connection to the Internet also depends on the quality of the connection.) Verizon slightly outranks T-Mobile in most areas. AT&T slightly outranks Sprint, but both rank toward the bottom in all six regions.
by Todd Haselton
This review on the Laptop magazine blog compares Xohm with Sprint EVDO on a Sony laptop, by putting both through a series of tests at a Starbucks in Baltimore, where both carriers provide a strong signal.… Downloading web pages is about three times as fast with Xohm, and video plays without buffering pauses. Xohm's upload speed is also much faster. Xohm speeds drop by about half when in a moving vehicle, but are still good. With no long term contract required, Xohm's only drawback is the limited area in which it is now available
by Contributors to BroadbandReports.com
This comparison chart, updated weekly, includes 10 mobile broadband services, including both 3G and 4G providers. Contributors rate their mobile broadband providers according to six criteria, including… reliability, tech support and value. Sprint earns a Silver award here, meaning that between 70 and 80 percent of their recent ratings are positive -- currently and within the last five months. Verizon ranks lower with a Bronze award. Individual user reviews provide more detailed information, and for each service, the site includes links to news about it plus a forum for its users.
by Sascha Segan
This hands-on review gives Cricket Broadband a rating of 3.5 stars out of a possible five. Tests in the Tuscon, Ariz., area find download speeds averaging 532 kbps. Downloading web pages and audio goes… smoothly, but video "stuttered a bit" and the service isn't suitable for playing games online. The service wins kudos for its relatively low price, but loses points for a hidden 5 GB usage limit, plus relatively slow and spotty Internet connections.
by Jennifer L. DeLeo
by Editors of Consumer Reports
by Ken Kaplan
by James A. Martin
Several PC World readers report on their experiences with various mobile broadband devices and providers in this three-part review. Links to the other parts lead to more reader feedback plus editor James A.… Martin's review of his vacation trip to a remote spot using the Sprint mobile broadband capability built into his Sony laptop. Most of the reports here cover Sprint (giving it higher marks for connection reliability and speed than for customer service), but one reader reports on experiences with both AT&T and Verizon.
by Contributors to Amazon.com
by Editors of TopTenReviews.com
We'd rank this comprehensive comparison review higher if it were based on hands-on testing. Editors compare seven mobile broadband services here, with brief individual reviews plus a comparison chart that… covers detailed features as well as prices. Rankings are based on ratings for just three factors: coverage, support and rates. Details are limited, and sources of information aren't clearly documented.
by "Poizen Ivy"
by "Joe"
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