Clear 4G WiMAX Devices
4G Modems, Laptops & Accessories Review
<< (Page 6 of 6: Clear 4G WiMAX Review)
Knowing what device you pick presupposes you've got an idea of what Clear 4G plan you're gonna get. If you do, there's 4 types of Clear WiMAX devices to choose from:
Most people will end up getting these since they include USB modems that plug into your laptop and traditional modems that broadcast via WiFi or connect via Ethernet. At the time of this review Clear's got 3 modems to satiate your 4G device appetite:
CLEAR USB Broadband Cards
Clear USB Broadband Card |
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Full Review |
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Video Review |
N/A |
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Form Factor |
USB Broadband Card |
USB Broadband Card |
USB Broadband Card |
Ways To Improve Signal? |
No |
Yes (via USB Performance Dock) |
No |
Max Download Speed Potential |
Up to 10 Mbps |
Up to 10 Mbps |
Up to 10 Mbps |
OS Compatibility |
XP SP2, Vista (32/64 bit), Windows 7 (32/64 bit), Mac OS X 10.5 & 10.6 |
XP SP2, Vista (32/64 bit), Windows 7 (32/64 bit), Mac OS X 10.5 & 10.6 |
2000 / XP / Vista / Windows 7 (32-bit editons). Incompatible with Mac OS systems |
Network Compatibility |
Clear 4G WiMAX Network |
Clear 4G WiMAX Network |
Clear 4G WiMAX Network / Sprint 3G EVDO Rev. A Network |
GPS |
No |
No |
Yes (in 3G mode) |
Extra Storage |
No |
No |
No |
Support Info |
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Notes |
Plug in & go without any bells or whistles. |
The original Clear modem's successor. Works with a performance dock for better signal |
Works on Sprint's 3G network for nationwide coverage when not in a 4G WiMAX area. Subject to a 5 GB data cap when that happens though. |
Price |
$50 | Still trying to find you a deal... for now Clear has it here |
$60 | Still trying to find you a deal... for now Clear has it here |
$100 | Still trying to find you a deal... for now Clear has it here |
This is not your run of the mill fancy 3G AirCard with GPS, microSD slots and the ability to cook you dinner.
You literally plug this little black box into your computer, it works its 4G magic and wha la, you've got WiMAX.
As far as form factor is concerned, it does swivel and is about the size of a small USB flash drive looking stick that'll fit in your pocket.
As a fortunate feather in its cap, it plays nice with Windows XP/Vista (most likely Windows 7 as well) and Mac OS 10.5.
Expect to pay $49.99 upfront or $4.99/month for renting/leasing. Be sure to note that leasing/renting will require you to sell your free reigning consumerist spirit for 2 years.
Don't forget it only works with Clear 4G Mobile Internet plans.
N.B. In this case, renting doesn't make much sense. Over 2 years, renting the device at $4.99/month will cost you $119.76 before tax. You'd be paying about $60 extra ($69.77 to be exact) for the $50 device. Just cough up the change upfront.
Clear 4G Mobile USB (PXU 1900)
The Clear 4G Mobile USB is the successor to the original Clear USB Modem. They do practically the same thing with the same specifications with one particular exception:
The PXU 1900 works with the Clear Performance Dock to provide better coverage.
This is a smart move by Clear.
Traditionally, USB modems come with external antenna jacks that users spend hours (days?) figuring out which 3rd party antenna will be compatible. By building a device that serves the same purpose in a much sleeker format, it's got a lot more potential for widespread use.
Since Clear's coverage hasn't reached fringe areas (who'll need it the most) just yet, I don't expect sales to be spectacular. Still not a bad option to have.
Expect to pay $59.99 upfront or $4.99/month for renting/leasing. Be sure to note that leasing/renting will require you to sell your free reigning consumerist spirit for 2 years.
N.B. In this case, renting doesn't make much sense. Over 2 years, renting the device at $4.99/month will cost you $119.76 before tax. You'd be paying about $60 extra ($59.77 to be exact) for the $60 device. Just cough up the change upfront.
The Clear 4G+ Modem is the cool kid of the bunch.
With the ability to hang with the old school crowd of 3G or 4G new school, it fits in anywhere.
Naturally, it searches for 4G coverage primarily, but picks up 3G coverage when it's not available.
It's sort of like how current 3G cards pick up the slower networks of EDGE and 1xRTT when not in a mobile broadband area.
To the Clear 4G+ Modem's benefit, it has a swivel USB port that I definitely support. While it doesn't eliminate the chance of breaking your broadband card, it sure does reduce it.
Its expected that if you're getting the Clear 4G+ Modem you'll be getting the corresponding 4G+ Mobile Internet plan. Otherwise, why would you be paying out the yin-yang for a service you won't use? Beats me.
Support is currently only in place for Windows XP & Vista (most likely Windows 7 too) while Mac OS X support is still on the way. If you don't like 2 year contracts, it'll set you back $224.99 before tax.
To wrap up, it's like the Clear USB Modem but with 3G coverage. If you don't mind tying the knot for 2 years, you pay $5.99 for leasing/renting the modem on a contract plan.
This time, signing a contract makes sense. As a quick comparison note, you'd pay $143.76 over the course of 2 years. That works out to be a discount of $81.23 off the cost of the $225 device if you get the contract upfront.
Deciding on this modem shouldn't be too tough. It boils down to whether or not you're getting the 4G+ Mobile Internet plan. Since we beat the ins and outs of that plan to death already, no more brain cells will be lost on it here.
Working much like your regular DSL or cable modem, Clear home modems grab the 4G signal over the airwaves and then run it to your router or computer via an Ethernet port.
Clear Home Modem |
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Full Review |
Clear Modem |
Clear Modem - Series M |
Video Review |
N/A |
N/A |
Form Factor |
Home Modem |
Home Modem |
Ways To Improve Signal? |
No |
Better internal antenna for improved signal. |
Max Download Speed Potential |
Up to 10 Mbps |
Up to 10 Mbps |
Compatibility |
Anything device with an ethernet port |
Anything device with an ethernet port |
Network Compatibility |
Clear 4G WiMAX Network |
Clear 4G WiMAX Network |
GPS |
No |
No |
Extra Storage |
No |
No |
Support Info |
||
Notes |
Not too much happening here. |
Spend the extra $10 and get this modem. It's better to spend that and have better signal (& speed) for the years you may end up using the service. |
Price |
$70 | Still trying to find you a deal... for now Clear has it here |
$80 | Still trying to find you a deal... for now Clear has it here |
CLEAR Modem
The Clear Modem is your run of the mill modem with one exception.
There's no cable to plug into the wall.
Since we're dealing with WiMAX, it catches the Clear 4G signal wirelessly like your cell phone does 3G. That means instead of plugging in a cable and power adapter into it, you simply plug in the power.
A nice addition to this would've been a built-in battery alongside the ability to broadcast WiFi.
If it did that, it might just knock the Novatel MiFi off the market since it only does 3G while Clear's got 4G. Then again, if it had all of that, Clear wouldn't have a reason to make a whole separate device (the Clear Spot) to sell to you and make more cash. C'est la vie.
Nevertheless, the Clear Modem will set you back a cool $69.99. That's actually cheaper than some cable modems. Like the other modems, you've also got the option to lease it for $4.99/month under a 2 year contract.
Renting the Clear Modem for $4.99 a month will cost $119.76 over the course of 2 years. With the device costing $69.99 upfront, you're paying an extra $49.77. Not terrible but still more expensive. The decision on whether or not this is a deal rests with you.
Clear Modem - Series M
The Clear Modem "Series M" is just like the original Clear modem with the exception of an internal antenna for improved signal (most likely due to the first wave of customer complaints).
It'll run you $79.99 and will still be cheaper than cable modems.
Renting the Clear Modem "Series M" for $4.99 a month will cost $119.76 over the course of 2 years.
With the device costing $79.99 upfront, you're paying an extra $39.77.
Not terrible but still more expensive. The decision on whether or not this is a deal rests with you.
Do you own a CLEAR WiMAX Device? Share your experience here.
I'm copping out on this section my friend.
Why?
There are over 21 different laptops that have built-in WiMAX available. With that number only set to increase, it wouldn't be worth my time or yours to detail the simple fact that they can connect to the Clear 4G network. Rather, I highly recommend you read Why Give A Damn About Mobile Broadband Netbooks?
Not only will it answer that question, it'll then direct you to where you can get not just 3G netbooks, but 4G netbooks as well.
Before we move on, it is important to note that you get a 30 day free Clear 4G trial with any laptop you get. Just be sure to pick the WiFi/WiMAX option when customizing and you'll be good to go.
Right now there are really only 2 Clear 4G accessories that matter. Everything else just falls into the categories of chargers and batteries. Nothing exciting there. We'll save the best for last. First up:
The CLEAR Voice Adapter
The Clear Voice Adapter is just like a little Vonage box that you hook up the internet to along with your landline phone to make calls.
It requires the Voice plan that's an additional $25 on top of the equipment cost ($50). According to Clear, they're running a special that lets you get it for $15 with a plan purchase.
Now to get to the cool stuff.
The CLEAR Spot
The CLEAR Spot is essentially a 4G WiFi router.
While it doesn't have the ability to pull the Clear 4G signal itself, it has USB support for existing Clear USB modems. Once connected, they become like Voltron, a force to be reckoned with.
The Clear Spot will broadcast 4G WiMAX speeds via WiFi for up to 8 devices to piggyback on. That's more than enough for most houses and 3 more than the Novatel MiFi.
The best part has to be the lack of data usage caps along with 4G speeds making for a sweet joyride. You could host an online Halo gaming party with 7 friends if you like. Just imagine the level of trash talk. Pizza and soda bills are not included.
To sweeten things further, it's got a rechargeable battery so you can take it on the go (as seen in the 3G vs 4G speed test). While it'll set you back $139.99, it's still cheaper than most 3G routers by popular manufacturers like Cradlepoint.
Not bad guys. Not bad at all.
Check out the video below to see it in action:
The CLEAR Spot is a personal hotspot similar to the Novatel MiFi. Unlike the MiFi, you will need to purchase a Clear USB Modem separately to get the 4G signal. The MiFi grabs 3G signals directly.
4G Hookup? Sign Me Up
To wrap up, CLEAR 4G WiMAX gives you an affordable option that can replace not just 3G services but your home cable connection as well for a fraction of their combined prices.
Normally I'd have some kind of get everything free crazy deal but I haven't procured one just yet. When I do, I'll be sure to update this section.
For now, you can pick up Clear WiMAX devices directly from their site. If you've already got CLEAR, take a moment and share with us your experience. It'd greatly benefit others who are thinking about getting it.
Still not Clear on CLEAR?
Curious as to how CLEAR matches up to other mobile broadband providers out there? Or perhaps you still feel like you've got more to learn about mobile broadband in general. Either way, the free Mobile Broadband Buyer's Guide has got your back. With an ever growing subscriber base, it continues to educate, and prevent the dreaded buyer's remorse.
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