Sprint is the only mobile carrier to offer unlimited wireless data. That makes the Overdrive Pro 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot by Sierra Wireless an especially tempting proposition, because you can get access to unlimited 4G (WiMAX) data for as little as $44.99 per month. While WiMAX is no match for Verizon's blazing fast 4G LTE network, the Overdrive Pro manages to deliver some solid speeds. That, along with its great LCD, tons of router options, and good battery life, make it our latest Editors' Choice for mobile hotspots on Sprint.
The Overdrive Pro has very similar functionality to its predecessor: it connects to either Sprint's 4G WiMAX network or its CDMA network and provides a wireless network for phones, tablets, notebooks, or other Wi-Fi devices to connect to and access the internet. The Overdrive Pro improves on the original by increasing the size of the LCD screen by 45 percent, and allowing up to 8 devices to connect simultaneously, whereas the original would max out at 5.
One of the complaints of the original was its long power-up and power-down times, both of which are said to be improved by 35 percent in the Overdrive Pro. The range is up to 150 feet for Wi-Fi connections and there is support for 802.11n devices. It also includes support for GPS and location based services to the devices that are connected to the mobile hotspot. The Overdrive Pro has a microSD slot that can be used to share files between the connected devices as well.
We're in the midst of testing for Sprint's network for our Fastest Mobile Networks story, which will give you the big picture on Sprint's 4G nationwide speeds relative to other carriers. But Sprint's current 3G/4G service plans offer one big advantage over AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Cricket: truly unlimited data usage, at least on 4G. 3G data costs $44.99 for 3GB, $59.99 for 5GB, and $89.99 for 10GB. But each of these plans come with unlimited 4G data, so if you live in an area covered by Sprint's 4G network, you can use a hotspot like the Overdrive Pro as an alternative to your current home connection.
The Overdrive Pro 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot by Sierra Wireless is the best Sprint hotspot today. It's no reason to run out and replace your Novatel 4082, but it's a good choice for newbies. Speeds are solid, and support for up to eight devices and the informative LCD seal the deal. Though Sprint's network can still use some improvement, the Overdrive Pro sure makes unlimited 4G data seem like an enticing option.
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