A question for Overdrive users

mdjeeper · EVDO Newbie Joined: 02 Mar 2010 Posts: 1

We recently moved out in the country where cable/dsl is not available. Currently we are using Hughesnet and not very happy with the service. We are looking into switching to either a MiFi 2200 or an Overdrive unit (we currently use sprint for our cellphones). I know we are not in a 4g area, but the reason we are considering it (other than the possibility of moving in the future into a 4g area) is that one of the advertised features of the Overdrive unit is that it improves in-building wireless signal. Can anyone give me any input on this aspect? Currently, walking around the house we continuously lose cell reception, so this would be a huge selling point for us.

Thanks

Torrey · Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 3:46 pm Post subject:

The overdrive won't improve cell signal quality to other devices. However; I would recommend the Overdrive over the MiFi since you will have the ability to use 4G when its available in your area.

Call the folks at 3Gstore.com - 866-347-8673. They will help you determine which device(s) and service will best meet your needs!

evdoscottc · Posted: Tue Mar 02, 2010 3:57 pm Post subject:

mdjeeper,

The Mifi 2200 (full reviews: http://www.evdoinfo.com/mifi ) and the Overdrive (full review: http://www.evdoinfo.com/overdrive ) are both used on Sprint's network to pick up a 3G or 4G mobile broadband signal. Once they are connected to 3G or 4G they create a wifi hotspot that multiple computers can connect to wirelessly. Most laptops have wifi built in and most desktops will not have wifi but it can be added with a small USB adapter.

Neither the Mifi or the Overdrive will improve your cell phone signal at all, these work only to provide an internet connection to multiple computers.

If you want to improve cellular phone signal in your house you will need a repeater system. read more about repeater systems here: http://3gstore.com/repeaters

If you prefer, you can call us at 866-3GSTORE (866-347-8673). We answer phones M-F, 9am to 7pm central time.

WhtLightning · Posted: Wed Mar 03, 2010 10:19 am Post subject:

I am in the same situation, rural and getting rid of Hughes...

I had the MiFi 2200 which did well with a wavering signal, so I purchased an mag antenna/amp/cradle kit and that stabilized the 3g signal and my avg speeds are in the 800kbps DL and 300kbps UL, which is a great improvement over the satellite.

Then the OD came around, so we upgraded to that device since 4G is supposed to be coming eventually... BAD Decision..

The OD does not rec the 3G signal consistently like the MiFi and worse yet, would not work in the cradle..

So the OD is on it's way back and I have gone back to the MiFi and have stopped worrying about my connection..

I saw somewhere that Novatel is going to introduce their 3G/4G MiFi in the near future, it will be interesting to see how that device compares to the thing they call the OD.

Edit to add: Here's a link to the 4G MiFi deal...

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2010/02/blazing-fast-4g-mifi-could-replace-your-home-connection/

OVD-2 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 16 Mar 2010 Posts: 5

Just out of curiosity, why are you unhappy with your hughes service?