Verizon Wireless Prepaid - Verizon Novatel USB Modem

It set up OK worked for one day . Next day I plugged it in to test once more as I was going to use it on a trip and it didn't work. Just DOA. Exchanged it for their prepaid HOTSPOT .. cost more , worked much easier and WORKED all the way from Chicago to Seattle on the train just swell.

I bought the VZ USB modem to have mobile broadband access when traveling. My need is very sporadic, so I wanted the Prepay, "No Commitment" Plan ($15/24hrs/75MB, 30/week/250MB, $50/month/500MB). $129 seems like a lot for the stick, and I suspect prices will come down when the competition gets lively. VZAccess Manager comes already loaded on the modem, with a .pdf instruction manual for both the software and the device itself. Installation on my MacBook Pro was straightforward and went without a hitch. The fun began when I tried to connect to the Internet: "Unable to connect, try again later; Error 901." After many tries over many days, visiting web forums, back-and-forthing with VZ Support people by e-mail I still couldn't connect, but had learned that my version of VZ Access Manager was not up to date, the VZAM update site has conflicting advice, the "matrix" recommending version 7.05 for Mac OS (Leopard), the "Wizard" recommending version 4.2.3; and the several different sets of instructions I found, on the modem, on the web, and from VZ Support by e-mail, were different and sometimes contradictory. I finally called the Support number, as I should have sooner, and a wonderful, sympathetic, confidence-inspiring woman set up my account, provided me with a number and password for my device, took my payment information, and walked me through the steps to connect to the internet. ALL of the instructions, contradictory or not, had indicated that connection would occur automatically once the VZAM installation was complete. Long story a little shorter: VZ's assumption is that you have bought your modem with one of their contracts, and consequently with an account already set up. What Best Buy sells is the modem without an account or contract, so you have to call to get set up. You'd be crazy to buy the USB760 for $129 if you're going to take a contract, since there are significant rebates available on the price of the modem in such a case. I paid for a 24 hr connection just to test-drive the modem. Used up the 75MB pretty fast, what with e-mail and web-surfing. But I think I'm going to like the USB760 a lot: it's hardly bigger than a flash drive, plugs right into a USB outlet, and you can keep VZAccess Manager handy on your desktop or in the dock (Mac). I could detect little or no difference in speed from my regular DSL connection. The device will take a microSD memory card that enables it to do double duty as a flash drive. My only disappointment is that usage is updated only after disconnection and reconnection. I certainly recommend this device to anyone needing wireless broadband access. Up to you to decide whether you want the No Commitment plan or one of the contracts, but know what you're getting into as far as set-up is concerned.

Everything is just fine EXCEPT the set up process. The instructions seem logical until you do them and nothing works. I finally had to call customer service/help desk and they got me going. My brother had the same problem with the one he bought. Once it's set up though, it's great. I did a lot of heavy duty data analysis work with it without a bump. Found out I bought way too much data time and it didn't take as much as I thought. Getting ready to take it on vacation again!

I just got this to try for a week to check it out and it works very nice. I'm use to having 12-18Mbs on my internet service but I get about 1-2Mbs with this and I guess that's good for a mobile wireless card. Nice to be able to connect about anywhere. Great for emails and browsing. I just had to get used to my data usage so I wouldn't run over on data limit. Anyway, I like the Verizon mobile modem and the Verizon service very well. They now have 1 GB a month for &50 instead of 500Mbs. That,s an ok price without a contract. Have a nice day.

Overall the product works as advertised and I didn't notice any performance difference between the Verizon wireless USB modem and my normal laptop wireless connection. The setup as provided in the Getting Started manual was straight forward. Initially the connection was slow but progressively improved through out the set up process. Once it is setup you have to disconnect and then wait 10 minutes before you launch your first web browsing session. After that it work great !

I had tried a T-Mobile USB prepaid broadband stick previously, but couldn't get it to work with Ubuntu Linux. The Verizon stick, which I tried next, worked quickly and I had no problems. It does however, cost more. A downside is that to order service for a period of time, you have to use their Verizon connection manager software, which doesn't run on Linux. You also have to use a PC to register the stick. I have to use my other computer, running Windows 7, to buy time, which I then use on my Linux laptop.

This broadband adapter is great for Internet access while on vacation. Most hotels charge for Internet access and this adapter makes it convenient for laptop users. I use the "pre-pay" option and purchase broadband only when needed like vacations. It is fast and reliable although it would not be my preference to use it as a primary, everyday Internet provider.

After the first use, I have a better idea of the time or usage to purchase. I thought I was a low user and only bought one week. Used my 250 within the first 4 days. I need a month for about 10 days of internet use. This is exactly what I needed for temp usage where I don't have internet connectivity. Which is about 4 weeks a year.