Merlin S620 R.I.P. - Sprint Discontinues the Novatel S620

Michael · Last edited by Michael on Thu Aug 31, 2006 10:45 am; edited 1 time in total

Effective today, the Merlin S620 is no longer available from Sprint. It is completely removed from the ordering system. There may be a few left in the stores, however, Sprint has started the conversion to EVDO Rev A and they replaced it with the Merlin S720.

This is a good move, it does impact PowerBook users, since the Merlin S620 was the connection card of choice, since Mac OS X 10.4.7 supported EVDO Cards. Until the S720 is working, the AirCard 580 is the only connection card, or the Franklin EVDO USB Modem that works with Macs.

We are hoping that 10.4.8 will support the Merlin S720, however, we may not wait for Apple and try to get PowerBooks working with the S720 card (like we have successfully with other cards in the past).
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xenophon · EVDO Addict Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 2004

S620 is still for sale on website and S720 isn't there yet. Hmmm...

http://www.sprint.com/business/products/phoneCategories/connectionCards_phones.html

Good move though.

Michael · Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 10:47 am Post subject:

We also announced the S720 5 days before Sprint did Smile

It may take them a little more time to clear out the S620, BUT it will happen.

It is actually a smart move.
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Ben Miller · Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 1:46 pm Post subject:

The Sprint website is notriously bad. That goes double for the shopping area.

Last time I called Sprint tech support I asked the guy why the shopping area was out of date and why I had so much trouble navigating through to purchase anything. I was told that the company didn't want people to use the website to purchase phones, cards and service. They wanted all customers to go to a Sprint store instead. Maybe the support guy I got was wrong but judging by how bad their website is I wouldn't doubt it.

Michael · Posted: Thu Aug 31, 2006 2:32 pm Post subject:

Maureen here did a great graphic on the subject at:

http://evdoinfo.blogspot.com/2006/08/sprints-merlin-s620-rip.html
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xenophon · EVDO Addict Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 2004

^Cute

xenophon · EVDO Addict Joined: 30 Aug 2005 Posts: 2004

http://www.sprint.com/business/products/phoneCategories/connectionCards_phones.html

S720 now on the site, S620 gone. I wonder if it makes sense to sell any Rev0 cards.

This is a cool new feature for IT shops that manage cards out in the field...

"Enterprise Auto Update Control: Allows IT Manager to host and control updates to the Sprint Connection Manger client; no need to cycle hardware through IT for updates. Control PRL, Firmware and Software."

Ben Miller · Posted: Tue Sep 05, 2006 1:12 pm Post subject:

Sprint did get their site updated very nicely. Also added the Treo 700wx right away as well. I am encouraged.

I think selling the old cards for less money is still a good idea, but I wish they would make it a bit more clear what the difference between the cards is in terms of speed.