New Laptop: Sprint EVDO or Cingular 3G ?

deparson · EVDO Junkie Joined: 30 Aug 2006 Posts: 248

Cool. We like to get off topic Smile

I have never used Cingular for data but I have used Sprint for several months after several years with t-mobil's GPRS and then EDGE data cards.

Sprint, for me, is nearly amazing. I normally get about 1mbps down and 150kbps up with Rev 0 and 400+ up with Rev A. The PC Card is rock solid and I often stay connected to our VPN for 24 hours without any drops including rides in cars, in/out buildings, etc.

Now that we have Rev A when I am at our home I don't normally bother to disconnect and connect to our cable modem service.

The other thing I have seen with using Sprint (may be the same for Cing., don't know) is that they roam really well even in areas of overlapping coverage. i.e. In Chicagoland Sprint and USCC have native coverage but I can still roam (at no charge) on USCC if I happen to be someplace that the Sprint signal does not reach.

I have to put a plug in for this site's opperator. They have helped a lot of people with issues that Sprint and/or other retial shops would not be able to. I don't have any relationship with them other than as a customer.

SoundsGood · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 08 Apr 2007 Posts: 13

SoundsGood · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 08 Apr 2007 Posts: 13

Well guys... I've decided to go with Sprint. Thanks for the help, everyone! Smile

Quick questions: On the Sprint sign-up page it says:

Unlimited Data
* Contract Term: 2 years
* Long Distance Charge: $0.00
* Roaming Charge: $0.50/min
* Activation Fee: $0.00
* Additional Minutes: $0.20
* Early Termination Fee: $200.00

QUESTION 1: I wasn't aware of a Roaming Charge, and 50 cents per minute sounds pretty steep. How often do you guys "roam" with your data cards?

QUESTION 2: I see that Additional Minutes are 20 cents each. If this is an unlimited data plan, why would there be a charge for Additional Minutes?

Thanks!

deparson · EVDO Junkie Joined: 30 Aug 2006 Posts: 248

This relates to datacards that can also be used to make voice calls. Some AirCards allow this.

If you have a voice capable card and you make a voice call you get the charges you pointed out below.

There is no charge for data roaming in the US.

-D

SoundsGood · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 08 Apr 2007 Posts: 13

Ahhh, I see. Phew...

I got nervous for a second there. I could just imagine my first bill: "that will be $460 please" Smile

Thanks again!

8wheels · EVDO User Joined: 24 Mar 2007 Posts: 61 Location: DFW

You might want to take a look at this good, but non-scientific comparison review:

Thunderdome Showdown: HSDPA Vs. EV-DO

http://crunchgear.com/2007/03/21/thunderdome-showdown-hsdpa-vs-ev-do/

Favorite quote: "Sprint ain’t lyin’ about that widest availability thing. Its EV-DO is available everywhere I tried it. In buildings, under overhangs, in closets, on toilets, Texas. Nothing seemed to stop it."

Michael · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 9:13 am Post subject:

Many web sites treat "EVDO Cards" and "Phones" the same, and they are not.

If you sign up for the unlimited plan ($59.99), there are not per minute charges or any roaming charges (when in US). None of the cards that Sprint sells are "voice capable". A mobile broadband only account is not taxed like a cell phone, so, the total tax adds a few dollars to the bill.

If you want to be able to call us for support, get discounts on Routers/antennas, access to tech notes that we publish, consider order from us Smile

Also, I am in Chicago and Sprint coverage is pretty good around here.
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SoundsGood · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 08 Apr 2007 Posts: 13

SoundsGood · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 08 Apr 2007 Posts: 13

SoundsGood · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 08 Apr 2007 Posts: 13

Hey guys, I think I'm about to get banned from using this forum (unfortunately) so I just wanted to say "thank you!" to everyone for the help. I truly appreciate it.

I *was* hoping to stick around and be a member of this community, but someone named Alex has been PMing me, and he is pretty upset with me for asking questions on this forum, but not signing up for service through this site.

Before I get banned, I would at least like the chance to explain myself. Most Internet Forums that I belong to are simply places where people gather to discuss particular topics, ask questions, help others, etc. Revenue is typically made via advertising, affiliate programs, etc. But never before have I run across a Forum that actually got upset at someone because they didn't purchase from them.

Now, let me explain why I am not purchasing Sprint service through this site. I can get this service for $599.88 per year if I buy directly from Sprint's Employee Referral program (I am an AT&T employee and have friends in the business) or $719.40 per year if I buy from this forum. Sure, this forum is a great resource, but I can't justify paying $120 extra per year (EVERY year) for that resource. I simply won't be using the service enough to justify the extra cost.

I explained this to Alex via PM, and here was his reply:

"it irritates the hell out of me when folks like you use a forum operated at our expense, only to give your business to people who will never be able to provide you the same support you've ALREADY received.

even worse is that after you get your device, should you need more support, you're likely to DEPEND on this forum (again, paid for and operated at OUR expense) to give you free answers."

Here's the thing... if this forum is really only meant for people that buy service only from them, I honestly feel that should be stated on the site, and probably upon sign-up as well.

I did not mean to "take advantage" of anyone... I came upon this forum the same way I would any other forum. To learn, to exchange ideas, and hopefully to eventually help someone else that is new to this subject.

Anyway... thanks again guys. It's been, ummm, interesting. Smile

gil · EVDO User Joined: 31 Dec 2006 Posts: 82

Which card arwe you going to get?
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longtimelurker

clarkgable · EVDO User Joined: 14 Sep 2005 Posts: 89

Here's the thing... if this forum is really only meant for people that buy service only from them, I honestly feel that should be stated on the site, and probably upon sign-up as well.

I think that would be in order if that is in fact the motivation for the site.

clarkgable · EVDO User Joined: 14 Sep 2005 Posts: 89

By the way, if demand for the information on this forum is so great, maybe the forum should be divided into two sections -- a basic section that allows access to forums active in the last 24 or 48 hours and a premium section that allows access to archived forums and other features. This way the time and cost of running the forum can be recouped.

deparson · EVDO Junkie Joined: 30 Aug 2006 Posts: 248

I deleted the body of my post based on what the admins already posted; no need to say more.