*The AD3700 is no longer available. Try checking out other broadband card reviews.
There’s been a bunch of fuss over the Verizon Wireless AD3700. It’s been dubbed the “Global USB Modem”, ‘King of the Serengeti’, ‘Superior Alien Technology’ …okay, maybe not the last two.
Nevertheless it’s been lauded by Verizon as being compatible with virtually any 3G network in the world (EV-DO, GSM, GPRS, EDGE and UMTS).
As such it’s supposed an ideal partner to their international plans (read: a great way for them to pillage bullocks of cash from your bank account every month). Is it a bad deal?
It strongly depends on what it is you need/want in a broadband card.
In this review, we’ll cover:
1. Aesthetics
2. Cool factor
3. Speed
4. Coverage
5. Official Tech Specs
6. Support Info
7. Drawbacks
8. How much it costs and where to get it
So What Does It Look Like? (Aesthetics)
It looks like the Verizon MiFi with a USB connection to be honest.
If you’re not familiar with the MiFi, then you could say the AD3700 looks like a rectangular swiss army knife (which incidentally now have USB flash drives on them. Can you say 21st century?).
ZTE, the makers of the AD3700, could’ve done better in the form factor department. It’s like a mini hovercraft docking on your main ship.
This wouldn’t be a problem if it were the high open seas but most people with broadband cards are traveling.
Whether it be car, boat, plane or spaceship, you’re probably gonna run into some confined spaces where it’s form factor loses it’s shiny new car smell and just starts getting in the way.
As an ‘work anywhere kind of person’, speed, efficiency, and functionality rank pretty high for me. Imagine the cross country truck driver who’s got limited cab space to work with. What happens when it bumps into something and messes up the USB connection?
It sucks big-time.
Trust me, I’ve got first-hand experience.
Outside of the form factor, the AD3700 has an overall clean, shimmery appearance. It’s high gloss, red & black Verizon colored finish does sing ‘executive at work’.
It would be a nice look with a swivel-usb for it to point upwards along the back of a laptop. To Verizon’s credit, it does ship with a USB extension cable. That should help with it being hitched right up against your computer.
What’s Nifty About It? (Cool Factor)
It’ll work anywhere.
With support for EV-DO, GSM, GPRS, EDGE and UMTS, you are covered for roaming anywhere and anytime. The only limiting factor will be Verizon roaming agreements. That’s not gonna be a huge concern though. You can be sure they’ll pass on any exorbitant roaming fees in dangerous territories to you. Speaking of dangerous territories, a common question is “Will it work in [insert current U.S. warzone here]”?
Most times, the answer is no. We’ll get into more on where it will work in the coverage section of this review. On that note, its nice to know that:
“Users simply activate the global feature on their Verizon Wireless account and the AD3700 automatically detects the local network and connects to the fastest Internet speed available from almost anywhere in the world.”
How Fast Is It? (Functionality)
Verizon mobile broadband speed is similar to DSL and about ten times faster than using dialup.
“With a Verizon Mobile Broadband Card, you get average download speeds of 600-1400 Kbps, peaking at 3.1 Mbps, and 350-500 Kbps average upload speeds, peaking at 1.8 Mbps. Similar to DSL, and about ten times faster than using a dial-up modem”
While this is technically true, alot of you tend to ask how fast a specific card will be. While the individual card does not usually affect the speed (so long as it’s EVDO Revision A).
The speed can also vary depending on location. As I explain in Lesson 8: Who’s The Fastest (Mobile Broadband Buyer’s Guide), Sprint has the best speeds overall. For now, they have a double whammy on speed and coverage, two of the biggest concerns mobile broadband users have. Verizon follows closely behind and is actually #1 depending on the market.
A couple real world applications that work well are email, web surfing, sending large attachments, video streaming, music streaming, and online gaming. I’ve personally used my EVDO Rev. A broadband card from Sprint for all of the above. The latency is much better than I would expect for online gaming. From Real-Time Strategies to First Person Shooters, it handles it pretty well.
How’s The Coverage? (Functionality)
Verizon’s mobile broadband network rivals Sprint (the largest mobile broadband network). Add the fact that they’re the most reliable and you have a winner. This AD3700 runs on Verizon’s Mobile Broadband network.
After some reviewing that I cover in great detail in Lesson 10 of Mobile Broadband Buyer’s Guide, you’ll see how Verizon holds its own in nationwide coverage. For the short sum up, it’s consistently #1 or #2 in nationwide domestic 3G coverage.
If you’re wondering how it’ll fare out internationally, check out our review on International Wireless Broadband. That way, you can check out the specific countries you’d be traveling to.
The AD3700 Global USB Modemoffers a single global compact USB design. This USB modem works on multiple technology bands eliminating the need to carry two devices.
It connects via its swivel Type A USB port, has an external antenna connector and comes with the SIM card pre-installed for GlobalAccess*.
Additional perks on this global traveler are auto-connect, 2-way Text Messaging, VPN and NDIS support. The AD3700 also comes with a USB modem extension cable for added convenience while on the go.
Features:
Mobile Broadband
Global Access Capable
Swivel Type A USB Port Compatibility
Note: NOT MAC OS Capable
2-way Text Messaging Capable
Pre-installed SIM Card
Service Status Indicator (LED) – 1 Color
VPN Compatible; Dial Up; NDIS support
Included Accessories:
USB Modem Extension Cable
SIM Card pre-installed
VZAccess Manager CD
Quick Reference Guide
Global Support Kit
So what do you do if you already own the AD3700 and are having problems? A couple things. You could check out the Verizon software support page, try the frequently asked questions on the AD3700 or read the user manual. Don’t know where to find that stuff?
I’ve got your back:
Yup.
No Mac compatibility or support. Sorry Apple fans. If you wanna rock the AD3700, you’ve got to do it to the tune of Windows operating systems (2000, XP, Vista and unofficially Windows 7).
As we mentioned before, there’s also the crackpot form factor. While we could forgive ZTE for the design issues based on packing in all sorts of radios for global compatibility, it still feels like they could’ve done better. Ergonomics is king for the mobile worker.
How Much Does It Cost & Where Can I Get It?
If you’re getting the AD3700 for it’s global features, I say go for it. If you’re just looking for a domestic mobile broadband card, I’d say check out the Verizon MiFi. It’s got cooler features and a better form factor.
Pick it up for free and make $50
(at the time of this review)
If you pick it up through our partner, you’ll be feeding me, the starving webmaster at the same time. Talk about win-win. I get food and you get the shiny new red and black toy for free.
But I’m still not sure on mobile broadband…
Still have questions? Sign up for Mobile Broadband Buyer’s Guide. If that’s you, then sign up for the free “Mobile Broadband Buyer’s Guide“.
It’s like your pre-marital counselor and prenuptial agreement all in one. It’ll save you from any future heartache and checkbook punches that might come your way.
It’s been designed to explain in short, detailed lessons what most people don’t know about mobile broadband.
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