Sierra Wireless Compass 597 Aircard Review

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Summary

What’s Good:
Sierra Wireless bring us an aircard, flash drive and a way to bypass silly WiFi hotspot fees.

What’s Bad:
No swivel on the USB. It can only stick out in one direction.

Price:
No longer available

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Provider:

Reviewed on: 10/02/2008

Bottom-Line:

It’s a good card. The form factor could use a little work. Otherwise, the DSL-like speeds will get those presentations from your email to your computer fast.

Contents
1. Details
2. Image Gallery
3. Manufacturer’s Description
4. Manual
5. Product Specifications

The Sierra Wireless Compass is pretty similar to the Sierra Wireless Mercury. Both come in a USB aircard format and have a microSD slot for extra memory (think flash drive replacement). They contain internal antennas and don’t flip up or down to conserve space.

While they’ve both got 3G speeds, the difference is in the network. The Compass (pictured above and below) runs on Sprint’s EVDO Rev. A network while the Mercury runs on AT&T’s HSPA network.

One definite advantage the Compass here has is price. While you can get the Mercury for free, the you can make $50 off the Compass. Good stuff for these economic times.

Sierra Wireless Compass 597 USB Modem

The Sierra Wireless Compass AC597 USB Modem for Sprint offers excellent on-the-go Internet access for a great price. Support for EV-DO rev A compatibility, means you’ll enjoy high speeds (up to 3.1 Mbps download, and 1.8 Mbps upload). The Compass AC597 USB Modem for Sprint lets you surf the Internet, send and receive email and text messages, and connect to corporate networks from just about anywhere. Finally, the Compass AC597 houses a microSD card reader, making it easy to add memory.

4.
From the Manufacturer

Download Manual in PDF

5.
From the Manufacturer

Dimensions – 3.1 in x 1.1 in x 0.4 in
Weight – 1.0 oz
Data Download Speed – EV-DO rev A (Up to 3.1 Mbps Down/1.8 Mbps Up), EV-DO rev 0 (2.4 Mbps Down/153 Kbps Up), 1xRTT
Download Protocol – CDMA 850, 1900
Compatible Carrier – Sprint PCS
Network Compatibility – CDMA 850, 1900
3G Data Speeds – Yes

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