Got a tip for us? Share it...
• • RSS

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

Friday April 16, 2010 1:06 pm PDT by Eric Slivka
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.


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.


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.
[ 42 comments ]

Top Rated Comments

(View all)

Avatar
Toe
24 months ago
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.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
Avatar
MacLawyer
24 months ago
Nice kludge.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
Avatar
kayloh20
24 months ago

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.


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.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
Avatar
DTphonehome
24 months ago
Clever marketing. They should give it away to ipad owners who sign up for this service.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
Avatar
chicagdan
24 months ago



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


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.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
Avatar
eljeffe
24 months ago

Nice kludge.


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.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
Avatar
CyberBob859
24 months ago

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.


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.)
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
Avatar
AlphaBob
24 months ago
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.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
Avatar
eljeffe
24 months ago

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.)


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.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives
Avatar
swarmster
24 months ago

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.


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.
Rating: 0 Positives / 0 Negatives

[ Read All Comments ]