Beware buying a KR router

firedude · EVDO Junkie Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 435

Having just owned my KR1 just over a couple months I'd not buy another. Not because of performance but due to lack of support by D-Link and Kyocera. I had it 2 months and had to change to Sprint. It worked fine on my Verizon U720, but Sprint doesn't sell the U720 anymore and instead the U727 which the KR1 doesn't support. I called D-Link and asked them if there was a way to ad the Sprint U727 to the firmware and make it compatible. The gal basically stated that I was out of luck. Almost those exact words too. She was also very rude and flat did not want to discuss it all all and very short.

I told her I wasn't happy sitting here with a $200 router and all I could use it for was a paper weight just after owning it for 2 months. I told her I wasn't impressed (exact words lol.) The fact is they do not want to support anything new on the KR1 with the KR2 due out. It's all in marketing. Don't support the old so they have to buy new. I can live with buying new, but after only 2 months????! With all the KR1's out here they should give their customers a bit more support. There are other issues besides devices that they are not addressing too. Carriers change devices all the time and the folks at D-link take advantage of that and come out with new products so you have to buy them. LOL, they'd have me buying a new router every few months.

Don't get me wrong as I love the KR1...or did. I don't like D-Links support and disregard for their customers. Look at the list of devices the KR1 supports versus the list from the Cradle Point folks. My new router will be a Cradle Point from 3G. As far as I'm concerned D-Link is a dinasoar product.

Victor · Site Admin Joined: 14 Jul 2006 Posts: 105

Firedude,

I can see why you feel that way towards D-link. Support reps that are merely Script readers are just as much help as tit$ on a bull.

In defense of Kyocera, they did come out with many revisions to their router to support alot of the devices that were in the marketplace and then some. I admit, CradlePoint does indeed have a much more extensive list of supported devices though.

Just a suggestion, what if you search sprint u720 on one of the online auction sites, pick up a modem for a little less than 100 bucks and then you have a router that will support both your modems on either carrier. Later down the road, you can invest in a CradlePoint router when your ready to make the move.
_________________
- Victor

Bigdave · EVDO Addict Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1069

I agree with the last part of your post about choosing the CradlePoint routers over the KR1 but I think you're a bit mistaken about the definition of "support". They do still somewhat support the KR1 but they're not actively updating the firmware to add support for new devices. IMO, that's 2 different things. Of course the developers of this device were never quick to move when it came to adding support for new devices back when the KR1 was in it's hay day . . . . as a matter of fact, using the word "slow" to describe them is this area would be a huge exaggeration/compliment.

But, because you bought it to work with your existing device, for which it worked perfectly (by the way, be glad you weren't trying this combo back when the U720 first came out . . . . what a crap shot that was . . . waiting around for it to be supported while it only worked at speeds of around 600kbps down . . . geez!) and now you want to slam them for not adding your NEW device to a piece of equipment they are no longer actively developing? Are you serious firedude? Confused

Just an FYI for you . . . . Ford Motor Company is no longer developing anything new for the 1965 Mustang . . . or for the Model T for that matter. Just in case you were wondering................................... Laughing

firedude · EVDO Junkie Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 435

Good points and thanks Victor. I simply feel they should not stop supporting a product they still market is all. I feel they are selling their customers like me short. It's a great router, but it has already became extinct.

I gave your idea some thought, but have decided to dump the KR1 because it simply isn't going to be supported anymore. I don't knock the product at all. It's a great evdo router, but I don't want a dead end item to start off with.

Besides Alex already talked me into a new CRT350 LOL! Laughing

I just want to make sure people (newbies) do their homework first and not end up with a dead end product like I did. I only had the thing 2 months lol! The U727 is supported by both carriers and by Cradle Point and I really don't see the CTR350 becoming a dead end product in a couple of months. Your idea was a most plausible one and thanks. After the way I was treated on the phone yesterday by D-Link, I'm ready to move on. Wink

One thing I've learned through all this in changing over from the satellite (even though I had Verizon 1xRTT for 5 years as backup) and my big problem with Verizon recently is that had I started here with you and the 3
G folks I would have no doubt saved myself a lot of grief and time AND money. I partly (I said partly now lol) blame myself. Oh well time to move on......... without D-Link lol.

Tony

Alex · Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 7:51 am Post subject:

firedude · EVDO Junkie Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 435

Bigdave · EVDO Addict Joined: 08 Nov 2006 Posts: 1069

Well, for the most part my analogy was meant to mainly provide a bit of humor Cool

so I'm glad you caught that part Alex but . . . . . . maybe I am the one who misunderstands.

Here's what I see . . . . and really don't get.

The KR1 currently does NOT support the U727.

The KR1 currently DOES support several other devices.

If I go ahead and buy the KR1 HOPING they will add support for the U727 and they never do then that means they don't support the KR1?

Obviously all things in the technology world have an EOL and will reach a point where they are NOT supported but I don't think that's the case with the KR1 quite yet is it?

Using this definition of support then the gentleman in the other thread who has the 3 KPC680s from a cell co nobody but him has ever heard of can legitimately claim thet CradlePoint doesn't support their devices? Confused

Don't get me wrong . . . I feel for ya firedude and have been in your position before. I also agree with warning newbies but I guess to me it's just common sense not to buy something without doing the homework FIRST.

But now I read your latest post and reread your OP. Let me see if I do have enough information to understand.

You bought your U720 through Verizon.

KR1 supports the U720

For some reason you had to change to Sprint.

Sprint no longer sells the U720.

You buy a Sprint U727.

KR1 clearly states the devices they support which does NOT include the U720.

Apparently you're hoping they will add the Sprint U727.

Since the KR2 is imminent obviously they will NOT add the U727 to the KR1. (Their willingness to add and support new devices and the speed at which they've done so has been less than stellar all along, to put it nicely. Of course you weren't aware of this without having gone back and read tons of old posts.)

I really can't see where you have a leg to stand on. I'm not trying to rub salt into your wound but seriously? Seems to me you might direct some of your frustration at Sprint for no longer selling the U720? Would seem to make about as much sense to me.

I'm sorry for the struggles you and your wife have been through this year and it's great that you guys have persevered and overcome and I thank you for your service as a fire fighter for all those years. Sounds like you're a pretty great dude firedude. I'm not really sure what all that has to do with the whole KR1 thing as we all have our struggles in life. I could fill up a paragraph or two myself but . . . . . . . anyway . . . . . .

What I DO get here is that you wanted to be sure to get it out for newbies that they should be sure to do their homework because $200 is $200 no matter who you are.

I think that point has been made.

firedude · EVDO Junkie Joined: 26 Mar 2007 Posts: 435

Thanks Dave and yes I agree to do your homework. I bought something new that I "assumed" was supported by the current market and learned my lesson well and unfortunately the hard way. Anyway my service is great, 3G's been a great help as well as the folks on this board and on with my evdo adventures I go. Wink

rlm1949 · EVDO Newbie Joined: 25 Apr 2007 Posts: 4

Bought the KR1 and thought support would be there. Yeah right.

Now, everyone is talking KR2, so much for trust in their support.

Personally, I think the company should offer 'the KR1 customer' an allowance for their KR1 upgrade to the kr2.

chassit · EVDO User Joined: 12 Nov 2008 Posts: 38

I have no experience with the KR1, but have used a KR2 router with a KPC680 card (Alltel EVDO service) for the last 5 months. The combo has worked extremely well...

Alex · Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 2:10 pm Post subject: Re: kr1 Trust Factor