Toshiba Satellite M55-S135, Bumpy Road

Tom789

We purchased a Toshiba Satellite M55-S135 computer for our nephew. At first we attempted to use a Verizon 5740 card. And, at first this looked to be successful. But we live in a marginal area, just outside of Ann Arbor, Michigan. For the first few weeks of evaluation, we were getting download speeds of 300 to 400 kilobits/sec. This speed was acceptable. But two weeks ago, the speed dropped to 100 kilobits/sec, which was not acceptable. I tried uninstalling/reinstalling software both Windows and Verizon Manager, but no stable improvement. We also got a replacement 5740 card from Verizon, but no joy. The card seemed to switch from broadband mode to National Access (the slower speed) mode on a whim, spending most of the time (99.9%) at the slower speed. Verizon tech support was very helpful during this time and patient, I made a blunder or two. But we were not able to get the speed above 120 kilobits/sec and stay there.

Talking with Verizon's tech support, I explained how I was having no problem with another card, a V620 in my HP notebook. They decided to replace the 5740 with a V620. Being extremely generous, they did it at no additional cost, even though there is a significant price difference between the two cards.

Well the new V620 is working like a charm. I had to do a reinstallation of windows though. I don't think the uninstallation of the 5740 software got everything, because the V620 was dropping down into the slower speed, (about half the time). With a reinstall of windows, it is working great just like my other V620 card. We are seeing speeds of about 500 kilobits/sec without a booster antenna, and stable speeds close to 700 kilobits/sec with an antenna.

I am going to have to hurt my nephew though. This is the best connection we have ever had for our home and it is costing a bit. The ungrateful bleep, is still complaining about it being too slow.

Tom