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Friday, 26 June 2009 |
Tekkeon TekCharge MP2250 -- Battery Pack for Portable 3G Routers
The Tekkeon TekCharge MP2250 -- Battery Pack for portable 3G Routers
The Tekkeon TekCharge MP2250 is the baby brother to the myPower ALL Plus MP3450i we reviewed back in January. The new MP2250 is just 2.8” (W) x 5.6” (L) x .90” (D) and weighs just over half a pound at 8.5 ounces. Included with the battery pack are: instruction manual, special right-angle output cable, special plastic brackets and the DC tip that accommodates the portable series of Cradlepoint routers: CTR350 , CTR500 , PHS300 and CBA250 .
MP2250 ships with special cable, brackets and user manual
The Tekkeon TekCharge MP2250 provides 5-volt power that is ONLY suitable for the Cradlepoint portable 3G routers and does NOT provide the power needed to operate the MBR-series of Cradlepoint routers. The MP2250 requires the A/C adapter of a Cradlepoint portable router for charging purposes and does not ship with its own A/C or D/C adapter.
The Tekkeon TekCharge MP2250 includes special brackets that provide a way to secure the output power cord and conveniently 'clamp' on to a portable router like the Cradlepoint CTR500 shown below:
Tekkeon MP2250 with 'clamped on' Cradlepoint CTR500 3G router
Tekkeon and Cradlepoint engineers worked closely to ensure that the output power of the MP2250 stayed within the voltage limits required by the portable Cradlepoint routers, and also made sure that the MP2250 provided enough amperage to accomodate the demands of cellular modems operating under weak signal conditions.
Customers can rest assured that unlike other 5v battery packs designed mainly for devices with lower amperage requirements like cell phones, ipods and portable gaming systems, the MP2250 will provide all the power needed by any portable Cradlepoint router.
Unlike the bigger and more powerful MP3450i, the MP2250 cannot possibly provide improper voltage to a Cradlepoint portable router, making it the better choice for users who need a no-fuss external battery. We should note however, that the MP2250 does not serve as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) like the more powerful MP3450i can. If you need the UPS feature, please purchase the MP3450i
To test the runtime of the Tekkeon MP2250 we powered a CTR350 with a Verizon USB modem and then connected a MacBook over WiFi G and had it continuously reloading the front page of EVDOinfo.com (which is not the lightest of pages one could read on the web). This CTR350 testing is considered to be our "Light Use Test" and under these conditions the MP2250 kept the CTR350 running for over SIX HOURS.
The MP2250 will also work with the Cradlepoint CBA250 BroadBand Adapter and the PHS300 Portable Hotspot. When used with the PHS300 (shown below), the MP2250 adds to the runtime of the router's internal battery, allowing for 8 to 10 hours of total runtime.
The MP2250 works well with the Cradlepoint PHS300
For those customers who only need to provide power to one of the Cradlepoint portable routers, the MP2250 is a smaller solution than the MP3450i. When used with a CTR350, PHS300 or CTR500, the MP2250 will provide customers with half as much runtime as the bigger MP3450i -- as much as six hours of battery power.
The MP2250 (top) is the 'little brother' to the MP350i (bottom)
Many customers of mobile broadband have been attracted to the MiFi recently, but found that they needed something more -- more power, more wifi range, more ethernet ports, more versatility for carriers and devices -- but they really loved the all-in-one sexiness of the MiFi. In response to customers' desire for a truly portable and ultimately useful battery powered modem+router combination, 3Gstore is planning to offer a water-resistant case that encloses a Cradlepoint CTR350 router, a USB modem and the TekCharge 2250... it will look something like the unit below but a solid color instead of a clear case. Sure, its not as sexy as the MiFi, but it is so much MORE than the MiFi can offer.
MP2250 in water-tight case -- COMING SOON
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Last Updated ( Monday, 29 June 2009 )
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Thursday, 25 June 2009 |
iBooster for iPhone Now Available From 3Gstore for $234.95  The Wilson iBooster for iPhone is here at last! The long-awaited amplifier and charger system for the iPhone is finally here and we here at EVDOinfo/3Gstore are thrilled about this amazingly useful little iPhone accessory. The iBooster is a sleek cradle for your iPhone (including the original iPhone, iPhone 3G, and iPhone 3G S) that comes along with a magnetic mount antenna to boost your signal strength for both voice and data while charging your iPhone at the same time. The pass-through Dock Connector also allows you to simultaneously plug in your iPhone accessory of choice, such as an FM transmitter to use with your car stereo, or to plug in to your iPhone-ready stereo. If that wasn’t enough already, the iBooster allows you to use your iPhone’s speakerphone for complete hands free calls.
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Last Updated ( Friday, 26 June 2009 )
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Wednesday, 17 June 2009 |
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How to Block URLs with your Cradlepoint Router
Using a Cradlepoint router is one of the most popular (and most
effective, and easiest) ways to share your mobile broadband service,
but many people don't realize that these routers are capable of a lot
more than just "routing". For example, did you know that you can easily
block access to websites/URLs you do not want users on your network to
visit?
It's true - with just a few quick changes in the admin page for your Cradlepoint MBR1000, CTR500, PHS300, CTR350, MBR800, or CBA250,
you can prevent any or all of the computers connecting via your router
from accessing any URL you specify. With Cradlepoint's Access Control
and Web Filter functionality, you can control what content your kids
can access online or prevent users from visiting data-intensive
websites that could eat up your 5GB limit.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 24 June 2009 )
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Wednesday, 17 June 2009 |
Got an old PCMCIA aircard and need a router?
Make the switch to a Cradlepoint MBR1000 and Compass 597 for just $279.99 Without Extending Your Contract!
The Sprint Sierra Compass 597 with the Cradlepoint MBR1000
In the early days of EVDO, all aircards came in the classic PCMCIA style. As computer manufacturers began moving away from PCMCIA and not including PCMCIA slots on their newer models, carriers began offering modems in USB and ExpressCard formats to accomodate a wider variety of computer users, and now the PCMCIA format is all but dead. Most new computers (especially laptops) do not offer PCMCIA card slots, and none of the Cradlepoint routers support PCMCIA aircards. The Kyocera KR2 has a PCMCIA card slot, but that router is on its last legs itself, as does the Linksys V2 router, but that router supports so few modems and is updated so infrequently it is not recommended either.
So what do you do if you have a Sprint PCMCIA card and want to use a Cradlepoint router?
3Gstore has the simple, affordable solution: Purchase the Sprint Compass 597 + MBR1000 Upgrade Package and upgrade to a Rev-A USB modem and Cradlepoint MBR1000 without making ANY changes to your Sprint contract for just $279.99!
What you get:
- Brand new Cradlepoint MBR1000 router
- Brand new Sprint Sierra Compass 597 Rev-A USB EVDO Modem for Sprint with NO
contract required - use on your existing contract without having to
upgrade or change your contract at all!
Who is this package best for?
- Sprint PCMCIA aircard users who want to use a Cradlepoint router
- Sprint customers wanting to upgrade or replace their aircard but do not want to change their contract and need a router
- Sprint customers needing a Cradlepoint router and wanting a backup aircard
Why do I want this package?
- NO CONTRACT CHANGE - simply do an ESN swap to move the service from your old aircard to the new Compass 597
- SAVE MONEY - the MBR1000 has an MSRP of $249.99 and the Compass 597 sells for $149.99 by itself. Save $119 by buying the package!
What are you waiting for? Order the Sprint Compass 597 and Cradlepoint MBR1000 for just $279.99 and enjoy a Rev-A USB modem and the best 3G router without breaking the bank or changing your Sprint contract!
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 17 June 2009 )
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Tuesday, 02 June 2009 |
Boost Signal to Your Sprint/Verizon MiFi 2200
The new Novatel MiFi 2200
has a lot going for it and is quickly becoming one of the hottest
mobile broadband devices available for Sprint and Verizon. People love
the convenience of being able to share their EVDO connection wirelessly
with up to five computers without needing a separate aircard and
router! There is a lot to love about the MiFi, but there's one thing
it's missing: a port to connect an external antenna.
We've already told you the bad news - there's no antenna port on the
MiFi. There's good news, too, though: it IS possible to boost your
Sprint or Verizon signal for your MiFi wirelessly!
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Last Updated ( Friday, 12 June 2009 )
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Friday, 12 June 2009 |
MiFi 2200 versus the Cradlepoint PHS300 3G routers that allow you to share your mobile broadband connection with multiple computers have been available almost as long as mobile broadband itself, but the release of the Cradlepoint PHS300, the first cellular router to feature a rechargeable battery, gave mobile users the unique ability to go TRULY mobile. The new hot-selling Novatel MiFi 2200 includes a built-in cellular modem and WiFi radio that allows the MiFi to provide essentially the same functionality as the Cradlepoint PHS300 with a USB modem. With two great options for a battery-powered mobile broadband WiFi hotspot, many users are now wondering which option is best for their needs. EVDOinfo is here to help - we've taken a close look at both options and broken down the pro's and con's to help you make the most informed decision for YOUR needs! To start, let's examine the features offered by the MiFi and Cradlepoint PHS300. The following chart will list features found on one or both devices, and ranks the feature on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being best: | Feature/Description | MiFi | PHS300 | | Portability | √√√√√ | √√√ | | Battery Runtime | √√√√√ | √√√ | | Ease of Use | √√√√√ | √√√ | | Carrier Versatility | √ | √√√√√ | | Data Device Compatability | √ | √√√√√ | | Future Network Compatability | √ | √√√√√ | | Web admin features | √√ | √√√√√ | | WiFi Range | √ | √√√√√ | | BroadBand Speeds | √√√√√ | √√√√√ | | Coolness factor | √√√√√ | √√ | | Obviously, while the devices provide similar features, they're not exactly identical. Let's take a closer look at how they stack up in more specific comparisons. Portability, Battery Runtime and Ease of Use:
The MiFi 2200 is considerably smaller, has longer battery runtime, and is very easy to use. The PHS300 is not difficult to use, but it does require at least the additional step of attaching a supported USB modem to it. If that USB modem is not supported or needs more recent router firmware to operate with the PHS300, there's more work to be done to be functional. With the MiFi, there will never be a concern that the modem won't be compatible with the router since its an all-in-one unit. Compatability and Versatility:
The MiFi 2200 is always tied to the carrier that sold it. You can't activate a Verizon MiFi on any other network, nor do we expect that you can upgrade the internal/embedded cellular modem to take advantage of any future technology. The PHS300 provides the user with option to support a wide range of cellular carriers and in most cases, support for most of the devices offered by that carrier. Because the cellular modem is not embedded into the router, the PHS300 can support different cellular technologies like 3G/EVDO from Verizon/Sprint/Alltel, or 3G/HSPA from AT&T and even 4G/WiMax from Clear/Sprint . WiFi Range:
In order to provide four hours of battery runtime, the MiFi 2200 only has about 30ft of WiFi range. At its maximum WiFi power setting, the PHS300 offers 50 to 150 ft of range to and from the router and about 2 hours battery runtime. At its lowest WiFi power setting, the PHS300 will still provide 20 to 50ft of WiFi range to and from router, and just over three hours of battery runtime. Web Admin:
The MiFi 2200 provides the functionality that the majority of users will find more than adequate. However, some enterprise IT managers who need maximum control and remote connectivity will demand the "geekier" admin features offered by all of the Cradlepoint routers such as: Remote admin; DDNS support; DMZ; OpenDNS support; WDS support; and Traffic Shaping. The Bottom Line:
This article isn't meant to decide which device is a clear winner... we feel that both the MiFi and the PHS300 are worthy options and that each customer may have specific reasons to need or choose one over the other. Want even more cellular routers to ponder? Check out our Router Selection Guide at http://www.EVDOinfo.com/whichrouter Can't decide which router is best for you? Feel free to contact the Mobile BroadBand Experts at 3GStore to discuss your needs!
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Last Updated ( Friday, 12 June 2009 )
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Wednesday, 10 June 2009 |
Got an old PCMCIA aircard and need a router?
Make the switch to a Cradlepoint MBR1000 and Novatel EX720 for just $249.99 Without Extending Your Contract!
The Sprint Novatel EX720 with the Cradlepoint MBR1000
In the early days of EVDO, all aircards came in the classic PCMCIA style. As computer manufacturers began moving away from PCMCIA and not including PCMCIA slots on their newer models, carriers began offering modems in USB and ExpressCard formats to accomodate a wider variety of computer users, and now the PCMCIA format is all but dead. Most new computers (especially laptops) do not offer PCMCIA card slots, and none of the Cradlepoint routers support PCMCIA aircards. The Kyocera KR2 has a PCMCIA card slot, but that router is on its last legs itself, as does the Linksys V2 router, but that router supports so few modems and is updated so infrequently it is not recommended either.
So what do you do if you have a Sprint PCMCIA card and want to use a Cradlepoint router?
3Gstore has the simple, affordable solution: Purchase the Sprint EX720 + MBR1000 Upgrade Package and upgrade to a Rev-A ExpressCard and Cradlepoint MBR1000 without making ANY changes to your Sprint contract for just $249.99!
What you get:
- Brand new Cradlepoint MBR1000 router
- Factory tested/certified Novatel EX720 ExpressCard Rev-A EVDO Modem for Sprint with NO
contract required - use on your existing contract without having to
upgrade or change your contract at all!
Who is this package best for?
- Sprint PCMCIA aircard users who want to use a Cradlepoint router
- Sprint customers wanting to upgrade or replace their aircard but do not want to change their contract and need a router
- Sprint customers needing a Cradlepoint router and wanting a backup aircard
Why do I want this package?
- NO CONTRACT CHANGE - simply do an ESN swap to move the service from your old
- SAVE MONEY - the MBR1000 has an MSRP of $249.99 and the refurbished EX720 sells for $99.99 by itself (and a brand new no-contract upgrade costs at least double that). Save $100 by buying the package!
What are you waiting for? Order the Sprint Novatel EX720 and Cradlepoint MBR1000 for just $249.99 and enjoy a Rev-A ExpressCard and the best 3G router without breaking the bank or changing your Sprint contract!
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 10 June 2009 )
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Mac EVDO
