Worth buying a KR1 now or waiting for something better?

mreeves562 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 22 Feb 2007 Posts: 3

I'm new to the forums, but I've learned alot by reading these topics in the past few days. I've been using Verizon for almost a year, we finally got off 1x in Sept and onto EVDO in my area. My faithful desktop died last week and I broke down and bought a new laptop. Problem is, they don't make 'em with PCMCIA slots anymore. And the thing is going to come pre-loaded with Vista (although I'm tempted to overwrite with XP!) I'm using the el cheapo 5740 with a desktop adapter which works even though it isn't the fastest thing on the planet.

So here is my dilemma. Do I buy a KR1 now and just plug in the 5470 for the not so fast wi-fi? Or wait for a new model or firmware that supports more Rev A cards and upgrade everything all at once? I have a friend who works in a nearby Verizon call center who says that we are getting Rev A in the early summer here in Greenville SC. I really would like the wi-fi aspect of the KR1, because I can use it with the new laptop and hook up my Wii as well. But I just know that I'm gonna buy the darn thing and they are going to release a new one a month later that supports all the Rev A cards..... Any advice you can give would be well appreciated!

Alex

Mackieman · EVDO Junkie Joined: 31 Oct 2005 Posts: 485

While I'm clearly biased about this issue, I would like to note that KR1 is Rev. A compatible right now using the Sprint Novatel S720 device. Moving forward, KR1 will be made compatible with several other Rev. A devices, though I cannot say exactly when. And, these updates are provided as a firmware upgrade for KR1; you will not need to buy new KR1 hardware to support additional EVDO devices.

mreeves562 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 22 Feb 2007 Posts: 3

Thanks for the info on that router. Can I ask another question? Will one of the ExpressCard to PC card adapters work on that router? The reason I'm asking is the Dell I just bought has an ExpressCard slot and *IF* Verizon releases a Rev A capable Express Card, I'd like to get it and use it in a router with adapter for home, and in the laptop while traveling.

Alex · Posted: Thu Feb 22, 2007 6:08 pm Post subject:

we already know that the expresscard adapter we sell, works with the current verizon expresscard and the KR1.

we expect that the expresscard adapter will allow the new verizon rev-a expresscard to work in KR1 as well...
what we don't know is whether that combination will suffer from speed loss like S720 did when it came out, and U720/USB720 suffer currently.

watch this forum thread for more info:
http://www.evdoforums.com/thread4946.html

Mackieman · EVDO Junkie Joined: 31 Oct 2005 Posts: 485

mreeves562 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 22 Feb 2007 Posts: 3

Thanks y'all for all the information. I purchased a KR1 today from 3Gstore.com and I'm excited to get it home and hooked up. I hope it will connect my Wii! Also hoping that Kyocera will hasten to support more Rev A cards so that I can trade in my slow 5740 for something speedier. I will be checking back often for information. Thanks again for all the help.

~Mandy

glenns · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 18 Feb 2006 Posts: 12

Folks, I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for any firmware updates for the KR1 which supports more USB or PCMCIA (Rev 0 or Rev A) cards, it's been months since the last one and the KR1 still only supports a limit number of devices, mine has turned into a dust collector waiting for updates and ready to go on E-Bay. Maybe someday Kyocera will wake up, great product but a major disappointment, I would look for another alternative that supports more devices before purchasing a KR1 or use ICS from your laptop if you want to share connections with other PC's.

horsessmellfunny · Posted: Thu Mar 01, 2007 8:12 pm Post subject:

Go with the Top Global MB6000 router. I saw this puppy run for two days straight. We had two different cards going in it at different times. A Sprint AC 580 and a Verizon V620. We had mutiple users on the wifi and no problems. It didnt even get warm! It has a funky shape (which is cool), and it works incredibly!
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Bigdave · EVDO Addict Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1069

While I wouldn't refer to my KR1 as a dust collector I am also disappointed with the lack of updates. I really thought through reading this forum that it would soon support the U720 so I went ahead and bought the USB card on Dec 28. On January 15 the following post was made: