I need your help in choosing!

bandt · EVDO Newbie Joined: 13 May 2008 Posts: 5

Hello, I'm new to the forums and EVDO. I have decided it's probably a good idea to buy an EVDO-specific router for my Sprint Novatel U727, since routing through the ethernet port on my laptop into a Linksys wireless router is just too much hassle to continue with.

I have decided on CradlePoint, but not on a particular model. I will be using my connection for web browsing and gaming (XBOX360 and Nintendo Wii, possible Playstation 3 later), therefore I need at least 1 ethernet port for the XBOX360.

My two choices are the MBR1000 and the CTR350. I like the CTR350 for the low price, but I'm not sure how much of a hassle the firmware update to enable the ethernet port to send out will be, and the lack of an external antenna since the Nintendo Wii already isn't in love with the wireless signal from the Linksys router. The MBR1000 seems superior in its expandability, in software and hardware (extra ethernet ports and longer wireless range if I were to move to a new home for example).

I am stuck between going for the cheaper solution, or the better solution. Perhaps you all could clue me in on the finer points of why I would choose one over the other Smile

Also, I am contemplating the purchase of a booster antenna after having gained 10-15 dBm by putting my modem in the back of a coffee can on the windowsill Smile

Would I be able to get a significant amount more signal from the booster? I average 3 to 4 bars and -85 to -95 dBm without the coffee can setup, and 4 to 6 bars and -72 to -82 dBm with it (although it is probably also affected by the fact that the modem is sitting outside, though I'm not sure how much).

Thanks for listening to my questions and I hope you can help! I have read a lot about the superior support of 3GStore so I thought I would ask for help to get my purchases right the first time Smile

EDIT: Oh, and I apologize if this is the wrong subforum for my post.

Alex · Site Admin Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Posts: 1943

I'd suggest you get the CTR350 from 3Gstore.com so that you:

A) get our gaming tip sheet and support from experts; and

B) will have 14 days to see if it performs adequately or you can get a refund and get the MBR1000.

As for a booster antenna... you'd get better performance indoors than with no antenna, but probably not any better than your coffee can does now.

bandt · EVDO Newbie Joined: 13 May 2008 Posts: 5

No gaming tip sheet with the MBR1000? So you would say the CTR350 is better for gaming overall? Thanks for your help!

rcmtnbike1 · Posted: Tue May 13, 2008 1:39 pm Post subject: Go with CTR-350

I just hooked up with the CTR from 3gstore.com and play ps3 online and it works great. I connected with a ethernet cable cause a hardline is the best and it comes with the updated firmware. I'm a fan! Go with the CTR you won't be let down!

bandt · EVDO Newbie Joined: 13 May 2008 Posts: 5

Hm, I'm trying to get to decide to get my order in before 3PM for same-day shipping, and it seems I should probably go with the MBR1000 just for expandability, and this router is for home use so extra range could really come in handy. Does anyone know of any problems using this router for gaming?

Alex · Site Admin Joined: 19 Sep 2006 Posts: 1943

sorry, did not mean to imply the MBR1000 does not come with gaming tipsheet. it does. and is as good a router as CTR350, for gaming purposes.

go ahead and place order online until 330pm. i know the truck hasn't been by yet.

http://3gstore.com/MBR1000