Since last year’s broadband card review, T-Mobile’s updated all devices to be 4G HSPA+ capable and has geared up to launch their first 4G mobile hotspot.
In total, that brings the broadband card and mobile hotspot line of products up to 3 devices.
T-Mobile USB 4G Broadband Cards
T-Mobile currently has 2 broadband cards available. The 4G T-Mobile Jet and the 4G T-Mobile Rocket 2.0. Since both are 4G devices, the natural question is, what’s different about each?
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T-Mobile 4G USB Broadband Card |
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 |
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Full Review |
T-Mobile Jet 2.0 |
T-Mobile Rocket 2.0 |
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Video Review |
T-Mobile Jet 2.0 Unboxing
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N/A |
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Form Factor |
HSPA+ USB Broadband Card |
HSPA+ USB Broadband Card |
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External Antenna Jack |
N/A |
N/A |
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Download Speed Potential |
21 Mbps (4G) |
21 Mbps (4G) |
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OS Compatibility |
Windows 7, XP, Vista, or MAC OS X 10.4 or higher. |
Windows 7, XP, Vista, or MAC OS X 10.4 or higher. |
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Network Support |
EDGE / HSPA / HSPA+ |
EDGE / HSPA / HSPA+ |
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GPS |
No |
No |
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Extra Storage |
microSD |
microSD |
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Support Info |
Yes |
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Price |
Available Refurbished from T-Mobile for Free |
T-Mobile 4G Mobile Hotspots
T-Mobile has one forthcoming mobile hotspot called (*drumroll*):
The T-Mobile 4G Mobile Hotspot.
So far, the official word is that it’ll have a microSD slot and naturally, WiFi sharing similar to the MiFi.
| T-Mobile 4G Mobile Hotspot |  |
| Full Review | T-Mobile 4G Mobile Hotspot by ZTE |
| Video Review | N/A |
| Form Factor | 4G Mobile Hotspot |
| External Antenna Jack | No |
| Download Speed Potential |
21 Mbps |
| OS Compatibility | Anything that works via WiFi (computers, phones, game consoles, etc) |
| Network Compatibility | EDGE / HSPA / HSPA+ |
| WiFi Connections | Connects up to 5 Devices |
| Extra Storage | No |
| Price | Available from T-Mobile for $80 |
Which Device Should You Get?
If you’re in the market for a 4G broadband card, the device of choice is the T-Mobile Jet 2.0.
While it has practically the same features as the T-Mobile Rocket 2.0 (i.e. microSD, 4G speed and Windows/Mac compatibility), the Rocket 2.0 comes refurbished from T-Mobile while the Jet 2.0 is a newer device.
Better to go with new rather than refurbished especially if you can get either one for free.
If you’re in the market for a 4G mobile hotspot, then the only option available at this time is the T-Mobile 4G Mobile Hotspot.
With the functionality of connecting up to 5 devices you’ve come to expect from similar "MiFi-esque" devices, it’s the first of its kind on T-Mobile’s 4G network.
Get The T-Mobile Jet 2.0 For Free Here
Also, see how they stack up against the competition in the 2011 Broadband Card Comparison, the 2011 Mobile Hotspot Comparison & the 2011 Mobile Broadband Comparison.
Also in this review:
- T-Mobile 4G Review
- T-Mobile 4G Plans Review
- T-Mobile 4G Speed Review
- T-Mobile 4G Broadband Cards & Mobile Hotspots Review
