This is a dated review. For the most recent info, check out AT&T Elevate 4G Vs. Momentum 4G | Which Should You Get?.
Since last year, AT&T has shelved all but 1 old faithful broadband card in favor of new devices such as their MiFi 2372 and 4G broadband cards.
AT&T AirCard & Broadband Card Lineup
| AT&T AirCard/Broadband Card |  |
 |
 |
|
Full Review |
AT&T USBConnect Adrenaline |
AT&T USBConnect Shockwave 4G |
AT&T USBConnect Velocity by Option |
|
Video Review |
Review starts @ 1:26
|
||
|
Form Factor |
USB Broadband Card |
USB Broadband Card |
USB Broadband Card |
|
Interactive Guide/Tutorial |
|
|
N/A |
|
Max Download Speed |
3G (7.2 Mbps) 4G (upgradeable) |
3G (7.2 Mbps) 4G (upgradeable) |
3G (7.2 Mbps) |
|
OS Support |
Windows 7, Vista, XP SP3, Apple Mac OS 10.4 or later |
Windows 7, Vista, XP SP3, Apple Mac OS 10.4 or later |
Windows 7, Vista, XP SP3, Apple Mac OS 10.4 or later |
|
Network Support |
2G (GPRS/EDGE) 3G (UMTS/HSPA) 4G (LTE) |
2G (GPRS/EDGE) 3G (UMTS/HSPA) 4G (LTE) |
2G (GPRS/EDGE) 3G (UMTS/HSPA) |
|
GPS |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Extra Storage |
up to 32GB microSD |
up to 32 GB microSD |
Up to 16 GB microSD |
|
What Makes It Different? |
4G Capable |
4G Capable |
Turn-by-Turn GPS Navigation |
|
Price |
$50 from AT&T |
Free from AT&T |
Free from AT&T |
|
Notes |
Skip this, it’s bulky |
Best of the bunch |
Skip it. Not 4G compatible. |
AT&T Mobile Hotspots
| AT&T Mobile Hotspot |  |
|
Full Review |
AT&T MiFi 2372 |
|
Video Review |
|
|
Form Factor |
Mobile Hotspot |
|
Interactive Guide/Tutorial |
|
|
Max Download Speed |
3G (7.2 Mbps) |
|
OS Support |
Anything that works via WiFi |
|
Network Support |
2G (GPRS/EDGE) 3G (UMTS/HSPA) |
|
GPS |
Yes |
|
Extra Storage |
up to 32GB microSD |
|
What Makes It Different? |
It’s AT&T’s only mobile hotspot |
|
Price |
$50 from AT&T |
|
Notes |
You may want to wait until they come out with a 4G version. |
Retired Models:
Which Device Should You Get?
If you’re interested in broadband cards (also known as AirCards), the AT&T USBConnect Shockwave 4G is the device of choice.
It allows you to future proof yourself for AT&T’s upcoming 4G LTE upgrades as well as access their faster 3G HSPA+ current speeds being launched in multiple cities throughout 2011.
If you’re interested in a mobile hotspot, it may be worth your time to hold off on the AT&T MiFi 2372 since it’s not 4G upgradeable.
The last thing you want is to be stuck paying for faster speeds that your device can’t access.
If you do decide to go with the AT&T USBConnect Shockwave, you’ll want to see AT&T’s 4G plans, 4G speeds and 4G coverage reviews respectively. You’ll learn how 4G can save you $10 a month, how much faster it will be and where you can expect to be covered.
Once you’ve done that, see how AT&T matches up to the competition in the 2011 Mobile Broadband Comparison.
Also in this review:
Indefinite says:
Informative and helpful. Thanks!
Mark Ottosen says:
Slowest ATT USB modems, just read the reviews in PC Mag.
Bulky and covers several ports when plugged into a USB
Drops its signal as many as 10 times in one hour (However, it always shows it is connected)
The software does not load properly, hangs, requires total reboot 30% of the time.
The software meter is totally inaccurate showing 1 gig remaining one min and then over your limit 5 min later, then shows you have ½ a gig left after a reboot.
Software uninstalls improperly, leaving old files and folders, then will not reinstall with out their cleanup software download which does not work properly either.
Customer service admits nothing, takes hours of your time with no outcome what so ever.