Cradlepoint serves as OEM for newer EVDO Routers

Michael

On our EVDO Blog we stated that Kyocera (for KR2) and Sprint (for PHS300S) are having CradlePoint produce their latest routers. For more information, please read the blog post at:

http://evdoinfo.blogspot.com/2008/01/cradlepoint-serves-as-oem-for-new-evdo.html

OK, so now that you read it, please post your comments on this topic.

We live and breathe routers and router support all day long and we have had our fair share of issues with different router companies, see:

http://evdoinfo.blogspot.com/2008/01/evdo-router-manufacturers-get-report.html

WE think it is a great move for Kyocera, Sprint and others to have CradlePoint build (OEM) their routers, but what do you think?

Please post your comments, also, indicate what router you are currently using, for how long, which router you may purchase in the future and WHY.

Looking forward to reading what others have to say.
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Alex · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 4:07 pm Post subject:

Oh... please try to keep the router "bashing" under control.
make your points, but lets keep it sane, please? Wink

JoeCHecht · EVDO Junkie Joined: 05 Jan 2008 Posts: 409

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

I've owned products from both. For me it comes down to support by the manufacturer. For me that is Cradle Point for now. The experience I had with the other company was less than pleasant and got nothing accomplished. At least Cradle Point appears to listen and react. The "other" company did not and practically hung up on me AND also I like talking to someone I can understand as well. Cool

Tony

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

My main concern is that, if one company becomes the primary manufacturer for EVDO routers, then creativity, inventiveness, and out of the box thinking will be stifled if not just completely shut down. And as mentioned by Joe, who do you think is going to get the attention, Sprint, 3GStore or me when we call and/or email with a problem or request?

I foretell the downfall of the great CS we've come to expect from Cradlepoint. Plan for the worst and hope for the best I guess.

khelben · EVDO Newbie Joined: 15 Mar 2008 Posts: 10

I'm going to have to agree with the consensus here. Cradlepoint is making a great product right now and the potential for further greatness is present. Becoming an OEM for other companies while excellent for them financially may adversely affect consumer responsiveness. I can only hope that this won't be the case, at least until Cisco buys them out.

tz1 · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 5:42 am Post subject:

So now all the routers will have the annoying quirks (javascript scrabble for the password and form fields so I can't automate anything, not remembering where I want to be redirected to, URL destroying bounce pages)?

That is my main problem. The ecosystem will be reduced. And there are some significant annoyances with the existing software.

I should see if I can find a cheap embedded PC and put Linux on it and configure it as an AP.

karlyn · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 6:52 am Post subject:

I've had the Linksys WRT54G3G-ST for just about a year. When purchased it was the only router that would work with my Alltel PC5750. If the Linksys died next month I might buy the KR2 because I'm using an old PCMCIA card, but I'd more likely buy a new air card and purchase one of the CradlePoints (although I'm curious about the NexAira routers, too).

After watching the Linksys/Sprint nonsense this year I'm convinced I'd rather not purchase a router that's burdened by a partnership. The dual-party firmware approval process apparently takes forever and there seems to be no advantage to it.

I also have to say that even though I haven't used the Open-WRT variant on my Linksys I really like the fact that the capability is there (even if it did void my warranty).

Llama · Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2008 7:20 am Post subject:

Hardware · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Posts: 147

I think you are all assuming way to much here. Just because CradlePoint is licensing the hardware and firmware to another company, that doesn't mean that they will be taking on any of the other aspects of those routers.

90% of the complaints I've heard people make about other routers is that the firmware doesn't get updated/fixed, and that calling for support is painful.

So the real question will come down to who's going to be supporting the OEM routers that CradlePoint is making? I somehow doubt that if you by a KR2 you'll be calling a CradlePoint support team and likewise for a Sprint unit.

So let's just see I suppose, time will tell quickly enough.

tz1 · Posted: Wed Mar 19, 2008 11:43 am Post subject:

And if you are NOT the OEM, and there is a problem in the firmware, how do you properly identify or escalate it? Some of the original KR1 problems (e.g. unbricking) required escalation to D-Link.

Support might be fine for some of the generic setup problems, but what about more complex things? If Sprint or Kyocera or whomever doesn't have the information, they can't provide the answers.

kencrudup · Posted: Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:27 am Post subject:

I know I'm digging up an old thread, but so far, the Sprint-branded PHS300 (which I got 'cause of a decently-lower retail price) is the same firmware as the current Cradlepoint release (even down to the version numbers), and the only differences appear to be a few Sprint logos splattered about here and there. In fact, I'd be highly surprised if you couldn't just crossflash it back to CP firmware should circumstances warrant it (but in all honesty, 2.2.1(? I think that's what's in there now) does everything I need and there's no issued I'd need to address anytime soon.)
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Kenneth R. Crudup, Los Angeles, CA 90034

Hardware · EVDO Heavy User Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Posts: 147

You're wrong on your post there Kencrudup.

Try loading a PHS300 firmware onto your SPHS, it won't load, and vice versa.