Summary
What's Good:
The AT&T Quicksilver is simple and classy. 3G speeds coupled with plug and play usability makes for getting things done fast.Supports up to 32GB via microSD.
What's Bad:
It would be nice to have it come with a microSD card.
Price:
$199.99
Free
(at time of review)
Provider:
Reviewed on: 10/21/2008
Bottom-Line:
If you're big on functionality and design, this
could be the card for you. It gets an A for innovation. It's an elegant design that stays compact for working in cramped spaces.
Contents
1. Details
2. Image Gallery
3. Manufacturer's Description
4. Manual
5. Product Specifications
1.
Details
The AT&T Quicksilver USB Connect is the best USB card for style and functionality. Important in USB form factor is the ability to swivel.
If a card just sticks out like a sore thumb, it's asking to get knocked up and damaged.
The quicksilver pictured below avoids that by turning 90 degrees if necessary. If you like, you can suffer through the flash tutorial narrated by an overly excited sales rep or buzz through the highlights below.
In addition to swiveling, the body also serves as a protective case where the USB remains when not in use. Considering that it's also about the size of a real thumb drive, it won't give be like the guy with the clunky cell phone.
Another feature of the Quicksilver is the microSD slot. It holds cards up to 32GB. I particularly like the way they positioned it for easy access. You can hot-swap it in and out pretty quickly. Definite requirement for today's worker bee pace.
Another sensible idea was to store the installation files on the card itself. As soon as you plug it in, it begins self-installation (I think viruses work this way too).
Pictured above is the AT&T Communication Manager. It can manage your WiFi and mobile broadband connection in one place. It works pretty similar to Sprint's manager which lets you configure auto switching between WiFi and 3G. A noteworthy mention is the ability to send text messages through the messaging tab.
I have no idea why you would send texts from your laptop. Just email or call the person. Or better yet...*drumroll...text from my cell phone!
With the device plugged in, you also get LED blinking lights that tell you what's up. A deep ominous blue fading in and out means you're on a 3G network. Green means you're on the slower EDGE.
MAC OS X Users
You'll need to download AT&T's GlobeTrotter Connect (GT Connect). It does the same thing as the ACM above. Be sure to download and install GT Connect before inserting the Quicksilver. That's the major installation difference between the PC and Mac.
If installation is successful, you should be able to hit connect and go.
Bottom-Line:
The AT&T Quicksilver USB Connect is a device with thought gone into it. This hasn't been seen in a USB Broadband Card for quite a little while. Pick up the AT&T Quicksilver for free with a 2 year agreement definitely isn't bad either.
2. Image Gallery
3. Manufacturer's Description
The AT&T USB 881 7.2 Unity wireless mobile broadband card is the latest version of Sierra Wireless's AC881 USB laptop connect card for AT&T. The USB 881 7.2 Unity is now optimized for AT&T's Unity plans as well (though it still works the same for all non-Unity customers.) Like all of the latest AT&T laptop cards, the AT&T USB 881 7.2 Unity supports HSUPA - for a staggering upload speed of up to 7.2 Mbps and download speeds up to 2.0 Mbps. Built to work in universal USB 2.0 slots, the AT&T USB 881 7.2 Unity wireless mobile broadband card is easy to set up, plugs in for instant recognition and lets you surf the Web, send and receive email and text messages, and connect to corporate networks.
Best of all, the AT&T USB 881 7.2 Unity supports both Mac and PC, so you're covered for anything, anywhere in the world!
4. Manual
From the Manufacturer
Online Manual in Flash
5. Technical Details
From the Manufacturer
- AT&T Quicksilver USB Connect (AT&T)
- Access the internet and corporate business applications on the go. Send and receive email with large attachments while mobile.
- International capable - Tri-band 3G UMTS/HSDPA (850/1900/2100) & quad-band EDGE/GPRS (850/900/1800/1900)
- Compatible with Apple Mac OS X (Panther, Tiger, Leopard) and Microsoft® Windows® XP, 2000, and Vista Operating Systems
- Includes rechargeable battery in the card, reducing drain on your laptop/notebook battery!
- New USB form factor with advanced data performance
- Advanced high-performance integrated antenna
- Works on both AT&T's 3G BroadbandConnect and EDGE networks
Related Reading:
Wireless Broadband Exposed (The Free Online E-Course)
The Top 4 Places
to Get An Aircard
2009 Broadband Card Comparison
Wireless Broadband Service Comparison
What is Mobile Broadband? Tech Talk Demystified
International
Wireless Broadband - AT&T Tops the Chart
Need more info? Check out the rest of the mobile broadband reviews.
