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Sprint Rolls Out Combination iPad '4G Case' to Promote Overdrive Mobile Hotspot

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Apr 12, 2001
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Last month, Sprint began using Apple's iPhone to promote the carrier's Overdrive 3G/4G mobile hotspot device, claiming that customers could achieve Internet speeds up to ten times faster than AT&T's 3G network by connecting via Wi-Fi to Sprint's 4G network using the Overdrive device.


151804-sprint_4g_case_2.jpg


Sprint has now brought the iPad into the fray, rolling out its own "4G Case" for the device. The case combines a folder like case for the iPad with a pocket to house the Overdrive hotspot device, allowing users an easy way to transport their devices together. The hotspot also supports connections for up to five devices simultaneously.


151804-sprint_4g_case_1.jpg


The Overdrive hotspot device is currently priced at $99.99 after rebates and a two-year service agreement offering unlimited 4G data and 5 GB of 3G data for $59.99 per month. Sprint's 4G network is also currently available only in select markets. Users wishing to use Apple's solution for cellular data access for the iPad in the United States will need to wait until 3G-capable models launch later this month, at which time they will be required to pay a $130 premium for the device and utilize contract-free data service from AT&T priced at $14.99 or $29.99 per month.

Article Link: Sprint Rolls Out Combination iPad '4G Case' to Promote Overdrive Mobile Hotspot
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2010/04/16/sprint-rolls-out-combination-ipad-4g-case-to-promote-overdrive-mobile-hotspot/
The math

Just in case it's not clear...

24 months at $60/month = $1,440.

And of course, 24 months at AT&T's $30/month for unlimited = $720.
 
Toe said:
Just in case it's not clear...

24 months at $60/month = $1,440.

And of course, 24 months at AT&T's $30/month for unlimited = $720.
Click to expand...

That was the point Steve Jobs was making in the keynote :p.

I think it's more useful if you're in a 4G area. Then again, the increased speed might be more useful on a computer than the iPad. I've had many times where my internet (dorm at least) has dropped slower than the 4G, so I switch over.
 
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_1_2 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7D11 Safari/528.16)

Clever marketing. They should give it away to ipad owners who sign up for this service.
 
DTphonehome said:
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_1_2 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7D11 Safari/528.16)

Clever marketing. They should give it away to ipad owners who sign up for this service.
Click to expand...

Actually, that's exactly what they do -- you get the case for free if you buy the Overdrive. It's annoying for me because I've already bought the Overdrive and the ipad ... where's my case!

As for the comparison between 3G and Sprint 4G pricing ... true, but my God ... the speed difference is incredible. You get what you pay for.
 
MacLawyer said:
Nice kludge.
Click to expand...

Better than paying AT&T for another device with crappy 3G service.

The Sprint EVDO-based 3G data network is still faster than AT&T's and gets roaming privileges on Verizon's EVDO network. In the cities that Sprint and Clear have introduced the WiMax 4G services, the speeds are pretty damn impressive.

I use the Overdrive nearly every day in both EVDO 3G and WiMax 4G locations. Yes, it sucks when I can only get 3G, but it's still much faster than AT&T. And I get the bonus of it being a mini hotspot, so I can connect using my iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Pro on the same contract.
 
kayloh20 said:
That was the point Steve Jobs was making in the keynote :p.

I think it's more useful if you're in a 4G area. Then again, the increased speed might be more useful on a computer than the iPad. I've had many times where my internet (dorm at least) has dropped slower than the 4G, so I switch over.
Click to expand...

Since the Overdrive can handle multiple devices, it would also be good for a workgroup or if you want different items to connect. Unfortunately, I don't live in a 4G zone, so this means nothing to me (right now.)
 
Other carriers need to address insane broadband charges

This is an insane price point for 4G which is in very few markets (like 0.1% of the population), and beyond stupid for 3G with a 5GB monthly cap.

Nice gimmick, but Sprint is toast unless it can realign their prices with AT&T $30 unlimited plan. (Sorry unlimited 4G in markets that you can't use isn't justification for spending more money and getting locked in).

AT&T has set the bar....

Users now expect 3G at $30 a month with no contract (no price subsidy, either). A fair premium for 4G (assuming it was everywhere and not just in one or two small cities in 11 states) might be $40 a month with no contract.
 
CyberBob859 said:
Since the Overdrive can handle multiple devices, it would also be good for a workgroup or if you want different items to connect. Unfortunately, I don't live in a 4G zone, so this means nothing to me (right now.)
Click to expand...

The MyFi would work in your situation. Sprint and Verizon's EVDO data network is still faster than AT&T's and is $29.99 as well.
 
AlphaBob said:
This is an insane price point for 4G which is in very few markets (like 0.1% of the population), and beyond stupid for 3G with a 5GB monthly cap.

Nice gimmick, but Sprint is toast unless it can realign their prices with AT&T $30 unlimited plan. (Sorry unlimited 4G in markets that you can't use isn't justification for spending more money and getting locked in).

AT&T has set the bar....

Users now expect 3G at $30 a month with no contract (no price subsidy, either). A fair premium for 4G (assuming it was everywhere and not just in one or two small cities in 11 states) might be $40 a month with no contract.
Click to expand...

AT&T has set the bar? A 5GB plan for a USB dongle (i.e., all data-only plans with the exception of the iPad) is $60/month. You don't get a wi-fi connection, and you don't get 4G. Sounds like Sprint is the better deal.

I guess you could put it another way and ask if this is any less gimmick-y than AT&T's special $30/month plan that only supports one device in the world.
 
Good for Sprint. While I won't use its service because I don't do contracts, I applaud the company for innovative thinking. If it would bring the price down another $10-$15/month, it might even be competitive.

I think this isn't Sprint taking on AT&T on the iPad. What Sprint is doing is getting the Verizon people who want to go iPad, but can't stand AT&T.
 
rdowns said:
But, but, but the case is so purty. :rolleyes:
Click to expand...

Well, this is exactly the sort of marketing gimmick that will appeal to people who pre-ordered an ipad before laying eyes on one. The pretty case isn't meant to attract discerning customers.
 
chicagdan said:
As for the comparison between 3G and Sprint 4G pricing ... true, but my God ... the speed difference is incredible. You get what you pay for.
Click to expand...

Is it really? I'd heard that Sprint's 4G only provides 6-8 Mb/s. Is AT&T's network so bad that that's a huge improvement?
 
Skype

While $60/mo is a lot; consider it without having to pay your cell service.

That is... use Skype with iPhone OS 4.0, which allows it to run all the time.

iPad too big to carry around? Then get an iPod Touch as well. It's still a lot less money than paying for voice and data for an iPhone or, well, anything else.
 
I think this is a great concept and if they can lower the contract pricing (or better yet go month to month) I'd pay $200 for the unit. The ability to connect to 4G and create an ad-hoc WiFi network for a few users is something my company could really use.
 
Tried it

I returned my ipad and my overdrive. Had no wifi problems with ipad but the overdrive was really flakey. I tried it with my laptop to be sure. And it woul just seem to freeze up ...

Just too much fussing around and something extra to haul around..,
 
eljeffe said:
Better than paying AT&T for another device with crappy 3G service.

The Sprint EVDO-based 3G data network is still faster than AT&T's and gets roaming privileges on Verizon's EVDO network. In the cities that Sprint and Clear have introduced the WiMax 4G services, the speeds are pretty damn impressive.

I use the Overdrive nearly every day in both EVDO 3G and WiMax 4G locations. Yes, it sucks when I can only get 3G, but it's still much faster than AT&T. And I get the bonus of it being a mini hotspot, so I can connect using my iPhone, iPad, and MacBook Pro on the same contract.
Click to expand...

1. att internet is faster than sprint 3g get over being a dumb fan boy

2 att is cheaper and built in and has gps

3 unlimited 3g

4 no contract.

5 on device activation.



step away and stop being stupid and look at the facts
 
So I may be one of the only few (on here at least) that HAS an iPad AND an Overdrive:

The biggest thing for me is that they were promoting this, when the Overdrive ITSELF is flawed!!!! The overdrive has MANY documented problems connecting to iPads (mine included..its a P.I.T.A) where it will drop connection, ask for passwords constantly, etc. This is some sort of compatibility issue on the Overdrive's end because the iPad works fine with other Wifi signals I've tried in various places.

Sprint and Sierra Wireless need to step up their game and FIX the issues before promoting the product. The overdrive feels like a BETA: I always am pulling the battery...I should not have to do that daily.

>>>>

Just went to best buy and picked one up for free.. told the lady i had an ipad and overdrive, and wanted to buy the case.. she just gave me it... was very nice. The case i have doesn't have a flap..it has a zipper pocket for the ipad and then a velcro pocket on the front for the overdrive.. nice combo, and was FREE...better than 39.99 for ANY kind of iPad case... I'll take it.
 
Toe said:
While $60/mo is a lot; consider it without having to pay your cell service.

That is... use Skype with iPhone OS 4.0, which allows it to run all the time.

iPad too big to carry around? Then get an iPod Touch as well. It's still a lot less money than paying for voice and data for an iPhone or, well, anything else.
Click to expand...


Let me get this straight. You want me to carry around a mobile hotspot that would ALWAYS have to be on just so I can tether it to an ipad to make/receive voice calls through skype?

That might just be the worst idea I've heard in a while. Imagine the utter nightmare.

If you don't think an iphone plan is worth having, that's one thing (though a lot of us don't understand that line of reasoning). Thinking that it would somehow be worthwhile to have to carry around a backpack full of equipment to make mobile phone calls when you want or need to, thats something completely different.

So what, you save $30 bucks monthly on subscription fees? Couple that with the reality that you don't have reliable phone service and also the fact that you have to pay Skype charges to place calls or to have a phone number people can call you at (im assuming you don't just communicate with people who are in front of their computers) and I don't think you've found nearly as good an alternative to your ATT costs as you think you have.

I think if you want an iPad, get one. Don't plan on replacing anything you have with it. You'll still need a phone and a computer. Its a DIFFERENT kind of device with a DIFFERENT niche.

IMO, when the iphone gets multi-carrier support in the US we'll start to see the tethering features unearthed by the newfound competition. iPhone + iPad + tethering = ideal situation.
 
MacLawyer said:
Nice kludge.
Click to expand...

Yeah, when I read the title of the article, I thought they were going to build the base station into a case like the mophie juice pack* for the iPhone.

They might as well just include a paper bag to hold both devices.

*The Juice pack has a battery built into the case.
 
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPod; U; CPU iPhone OS 3_1_2 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/528.18 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile/7D11 Safari/528.16)

I had an Overdrive for one day. I spent the next two months dealing with billing errors and cancellations that never seemed to get done quite right.
 
tempusfugit said:
Let me get this straight. You want me to carry around a mobile hotspot that would ALWAYS have to be on just so I can tether it to an ipad to make/receive voice calls through skype?

That might just be the worst idea I've heard in a while. Imagine the utter nightmare.

If you don't think an iphone plan is worth having, that's one thing (though a lot of us don't understand that line of reasoning). Thinking that it would somehow be worthwhile to have to carry around a backpack full of equipment to make mobile phone calls when you want or need to, thats something completely different.

So what, you save $30 bucks monthly on subscription fees? Couple that with the reality that you don't have reliable phone service and also the fact that you have to pay Skype charges to place calls or to have a phone number people can call you at (im assuming you don't just communicate with people who are in front of their computers) and I don't think you've found nearly as good an alternative to your ATT costs as you think you have.

I think if you want an iPad, get one. Don't plan on replacing anything you have with it. You'll still need a phone and a computer. Its a DIFFERENT kind of device with a DIFFERENT niche.

IMO, when the iphone gets multi-carrier support in the US we'll start to see the tethering features unearthed by the newfound competition. iPhone + iPad + tethering = ideal situation.
Click to expand...

I was speaking more of the iPod Touch than the iPad. An iPT and a wifi device such as this is not a backpack full of equipment. It is hardly more bulk than an iPhone... but it lets you use an iPad and/or a laptop as you please.

And the key benefit is not the cost savings (though it does provide some) but rather the freedom from AT&T. I know several people who salivate over my iPhone but refuse to have the AT&T experience. I can't blame them, as my service is just awful (and I realize this varies by location).

I dunno if it would really work out in the real world, but an an iPod Touch plus one of these (or one from Verizon) could be much like an iPhone, but without AT&T. And without having to wait until Apple possibly doesn't renew their exclusivity with AT&T.
 
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