Sprint 4G Series: Welcome to the Overdrive

I previously posted a full review of the Sprint Overdrive and then I actually bought my own. However, I ended up returning it because I found myself using my smartphones more than the OverDrive so I went with a smartphone solution and returned the OverDrive. Sprint sent along another review unit for some extended usage opportunities so I am kicking off the Sprint 4G Series that will take place here over the next month or so and cover several different areas of usage in my life. Let's kick off this series with an introduction and my plan for the rest of the series.

Features

The Sprint Overdrive is similar to the very popular MiFi with support for connecting up to five WiFi-enabled devices to a portable hotspot. The Overdrive supports 4G (WiMAX) and 3G (EV-DO) networks so you get the ultimate in data speeds. In addition, the Overdrive has a microSD card slot so you can insert a card and share the content with the connected devices. A GPS receiver is also included in the Overdrive so you can map your location on a PC or Mac that has no integrated GPS receiver.

In the box

The Sprint Overdrive box is modeled to appear very similar to the Overdrive itself with diamond-shaped corners and glossy black plastic. You will find the Overdrive unit, A/C charger, USB cable, Get Started Guide, Terms & Conditions of services, information book, and recycling envelope. To charge the Overdrive you simply insert the USB cable (with a microUSB end) into the charging adapter and plug it in. You can also charge up the Overdrive while connected to your PC or Mac computer.

Specifications

The Overdrive is available now from Sprint for $99.99 after a $50 rebate. Specifications for the Sprint Overdrive include the following:

• 1xEVDO Rev A, Rev. 0, and 1XRTT
• WiMAX 2500 MHz
• GPS
• 1.4 inch 128x228 pixel LCD front display
• microUSB for charging and tethering
• microSD card slot
• 1830 mAh battery for 3 hours of continuous usage
• Dimensions: 3.14 x 3.14 x 0.61 inches and 4.51 ounces

Plan for the 4G Series

There are a few distinct areas/times of my life that I think you may be interested in hearing about that I hope also apply to your lives and that is how I plan to break down this Sprint 4G Series.

• Commute: How does the Overdrive fit into a 1.5 hour train commute? What does it replace? How is the performance on the train? Do you share connectivity with others? What's the etiquette when it comes to this on a commute?
• Work: How does the Overdrive fit into a work/office environment? Does it replace or supplement working at the office?
• Business travel: How does the Overdrive perform during business trips out of the local area? Can you use it to enjoy Internet media in a hotel?
• Home: Can the Overdrive replace your home Internet service? Sprint stores place the Overdrive next to a Roku box, so what are those real life experiences like with a connection to the Roku? Can you drop DSL/cable for the Overdrive?
• Play: Is there a place for the Overdrive in your leisure time? Is it portable enough and powerful enough to fit into your leisure life?

Throughout my evaluation period I will also be testing out and reporting on signal strength, speed, and battery life of the Overdrive.

If there are any other areas you want to see me cover or tests you want me to conduct, please leave a comment and I will try to incorporate them into the series.