Kyocera KR2 Reaching End of Life: No More Updates!

Kyocera's KR2 3G router only debuted a little over one year ago, but we are sorry to report that Kyocera has confirmed that they will not be releasing any future firmware updates for this model.

While Kyocera has never been as steady with their firmware upgrades as Cradlepoint (Kyocera has provided just 3 firmware updates for the KR2 since its launch while Cradlepoint has provided 10 firmware updates for the MBR1000), we first became concerned about the future of the KR2 in April when Kyocera did not display the KR2 at their booth at CTIA. The Kyocera rep at CTIA indicated that the KR2 was an "old" product that they did not plan to follow up with. Since then, multiple customers have received the same confirmation from Kyocera.

Because Kyocera will no longer be releasing any future firmware updates for the KR2, it will quickly become outdated and is not a wise long-term investment. Without firmware updates, the KR2 will not support future devices, meaning even if your current aircard is supported you will likely not be able to use the KR2 with your next device when you upgrade!

If you are currently in the market for a 3G router, we DO NOT recommend purchasing the KR2. Instead, we highly recommend perusing the available Cradlepoint routers and reading through our "Which Router is Right for Me? " guide to help you make the appropriate selection.

Here at EVDOinfo/3Gstore we have generally recommended the Cradlepoint MBR1000 over the KR2 for most customers, as the two units are actually nearly identical and both were developed by Cradlepoint. However, the KR2 has a PCMCIA card slot, which made it the better and often ONLY option for customers using aircards like the AC595, PX-500, PC5750, etc. Since the Cradlepoint routers do not support PCMCIA cards and the Linksys V2 only supports a very limited assortment of Sprint models, there are now going to be a lot of customers asking themselves (and us) "if the KR2 is on its way out, which router can I buy for my PCMCIA card??"

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer for that question. If you have a PCMCIA aircard and need a router, you have three options:

• Purchase the KR2, knowing that it will become outdated and likely won't support any future devices if you ever upgrade
  
• If you have a SPRINT AC580, S620, PC5740, AC595, S720 or PX500, you can purchase the Linksys WRT4G3GV2-ST (please note that this router has problems of its own and we don't often recommend it - Linksys does not release firmware updates often and it is unlikely that THIS router will support future device, either!)
• Upgrade your PCMCIA card to a USB or ExpressCard model and purchase a Cradlepoint router.

If you are looking for a router for your PCMCIA aircard, the best solution is to upgrade to a USB or ExpressCard modem and purchase a Cradlepoint router. Why? Because unlike Linksys or Kyocera, Cradlepoint consistently releases free firmware updates that make their routers compatible with many more devices from more carriers. With a Cradlepoint router, it is VERY likely that if you get a new modem or even switch to a different 3G carrier, you'll still be able to use the router - Cradlepoint routers are a much better long-term investment than the other options available.

• Discuss the end of the KR2 on EVDO Forums
• Read about the Cradlepoint MBR1000
  
• View the 3G router compatibility chart
• Need help picking the right 3G router for you? Read this guide: Which 3G Router is Right for Me?
• Need to upgrade your PCMCIA aircard? Read this article: Upgrading/Replacing your Sprint/Verizon EVDO modem
  
• Discuss Cradlepoint routers on the EVDO Forums