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3Gstore U600 Introductory Promotions!

You can Order the Sprint U600 from the mobile broadband experts at 3Gstore.com for FREE after $50 mail-in rebate with a new 2 year service agreement NOW (ships 9/12/10)!

If you need a router for your Sprint U600, for a limited time you can add one of the below routers to your U600 order for an UNBEATABLE price:

• Add the PHS300 + Car Charger & Spare Battery for $99.99 (save $130+ off MSRP!)
• Add the MBR1000 for $129.99 (save $120 off MSRP!)
• Add the MBR1200 for $189.99 (save $160 off MSRP!)

To take advantage of these router promotions, simply add the router of your choice to your U600 order.

All U600's ordered with Sprint service from 3Gstore are shipped pre-activated (so that they are ready to use when you receive your order!) and include our esteemed free technical support.  Also, for your convenience, your CradlePoint Router will have the latest firmware installed ($15 Value) - which is required to support the U600.

Related Links:

Next generation wireless service from Sprint covers users in 21 states and more than 50 cities coast-to-coast


OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Sep 01, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Sprint (NYSE: S) today announced that customers in Boston, Daytona Beach, Fla., and Providence, R.I., will experience the power of 4G. Starting today, wireless customers and business users can experience faster mobile downloads, streaming video with minimal lag, and turbo-charged Web browsing - all on the first wireless 4G network from a national carrier.

Sprint began deploying 4G in 2008 allowing customers to break free from the coffee shop to experience Wi-Fi-like mobile speeds for their wireless devices. Today, college students in the Boston area can share a fast Internet connection on-the-go; grandparents in Daytona Beach can see and hear their grandchildren via video chat on a 4G capable device; and healthcare professionals in Providence can enhance emergency care with mobile video conferencing. Professionals in education, public safety, construction and professional services, also can benefit from 4G devices by integrating calendar services or sending large files or e-mail at quick speeds.

"We are proud to be the leader in the race to 4G," said Matt Carter, president of Sprint 4G. "Sprint is the first national wireless carrier to make 4G a reality for our customers. In particular, it's rewarding to deliver 4G service to Boston - my hometown. And, we have been hearing from our customers in Boston, Providence and Daytona Beach that they want and need 4G service. Today, they have it."

Ahead of competitors, Sprint offers a growing portfolio of 4G-enabled devices:

• HTC EVO(TM) 4G - America's first 3G/4G Android(TM) handset featuring blazing-fast 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, mobile hotspot capabilities to connect up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices and an 8MP camera with HD-like video capabilities. The phone is available for $199.99 with a new line or eligible upgrade, two-year service agreement and after a $100 mail-in rebate (taxes excluded).
• Samsung Epic(TM) 4G - Sprint's Galaxy S 4G-capable smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard, Super AMOLED touchscreen, hotspot to connect up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices and a dual camera. Samsung Epic 4G is an all-in-one device for staying connected, getting work done and enjoying the latest in entertainment while on-the-go. The phone retails for $249.99 with a new line or eligible upgrade, two-year service agreement, after a $100 mail-in rebate (taxes excluded).
• Overdrive(TM) 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot - By connecting to Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot by Sierra Wireless, a Wi-Fi enabled device like iPad(TM), Zune HD or iPhone(R)1 can turn into a 4G device, making downloads, streaming video and Web browsing faster. Not only does it enhance everything your favorite device was built for, it also connects up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as your computer, game console or camera. Overdrive is available for $99.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate (taxes excluded) with a two-year service agreement on a new line activation or eligible upgrade.
• Sprint 3G/4G USB 250U Modem - Accommodating both horizontal and vertical USB ports and providing an ideal fit for virtually any laptop, Sprint's 3G/4G USB 250U by Sierra Wireless is the perfect solution for those wanting 4G speeds on-the-go. Customers can purchase Sprint 3G/4G USB 250U from Sprint for free (excluding taxes) after a $50 mail-in-rebate, a $49.99 instant savings and with a two-year service agreement on a new line activation or eligible upgrade. Sprint's 3G/4G Mobile Broadband Connection plan is priced at $59.99 per month for unlimited use on the Sprint 4G Network and 5 GB of data on the Sprint 3G Network (price plans exclude surcharges and taxes).2

Sprint takes value and innovation to customers one step further with the Everything Data Plan, which includes unlimited Web, texting and calling to any mobile in America while on the Sprint network for one low price, and by offering Sprint Free Guarantee to give customers a chance to try 4G for 30 days and be reimbursed if they are not fully satisfied.3 Sprint is recognized in the 2010 American Customer Satisfaction Index as the most improved company in customer satisfaction, across all industries, during the last two years.

Sprint 4G is now available in 51 markets: California - Merced, Modesto, Stockton, Visalia; Delaware - Wilmington; Florida - Daytona Beach, Jacksonville; Georgia - Atlanta, Milledgeville; Hawaii - Honolulu, Maui; Idaho - Boise; Illinois - Chicago; Maryland - Baltimore; Massachusetts - Boston; Michigan - Grand Rapids; Missouri - Kansas City, St. Louis; New York - Rochester, Syracuse; Nevada - Las Vegas; North Carolina - Charlotte, Greensboro (includes High Point and Winston-Salem), Raleigh (includes Cary, Chapel Hill and Durham); Oregon - Eugene, Portland, Salem; Pennsylvania - Harrisburg, Lancaster, Philadelphia, Reading, York; Rhode Island - Providence; Texas - Abilene, Amarillo, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Killeen/Temple, Lubbock, Midland/Odessa, San Antonio, Waco, Wichita Falls; Utah - Salt Lake City; Virginia - Richmond; and Washington - Bellingham, Seattle, Tri-Cities, Yakima.

Sprint is delivering the power of 4G as the majority shareholder of Clearwire, the independent company that is building the WiMAX network. For more information, visit www.4Ginfo.com. Check coverage with 3Gstore's 3G/4G coverage map.

Clearwire Introduces Rover: Instant Gratification to the Internet Addicted

• Nation's First Pay-As-You-Go 4G Mobile Broadband Service
• Unlimited Usage for Just $5/day, $20/week, $50/month
• Redefines "Friends with Benefits" with Rover Puck(TM)
• Rover Stick(TM) Available for Those With Commitment Issues

 

KIRKLAND, Wash., Aug 30, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Clearwire Corporation (NASDAQ:CLWR) today unveiled Rover^(TM): the nation's first pay-as-you-go 4G mobile broadband service for tech-savvy Gen Y customers. The Rover brand is designed for digitally addicted youth who refuse to settle for long-term contracts, overpriced internet service, or speeds slower than what they've become accustomed to at home.

Rover is available in all of Clearwire's 49 4G markets across the U.S. at rover.com. Rover is also available at CLEAR stores, Best Buy stores and select independent wireless dealers in Houston and St. Louis.

"Simple, commitment-free wireless services are wildly popular with the Gen Y crowd, and Rover provides them with the first pay-as-you-go unlimited mobile internet offering at 4G speeds," said Mike Sievert, chief commercial officer for Clearwire. "We've built Rover from the ground up with products, pricing and features designed specifically to serve a younger market who knows how you get connected is just as important as where. Expanding our offers to meet this underserved segment is an important new business opportunity for Clearwire as we continue to extend our leadership in mobile broadband."

"The opportunity for pay-as-you-go mobile broadband should not be underestimated," said Carrie MacGillvray, program manager and wireless analyst at IDC. "Prepaid - or pay-as-you-go - data provides an option for consumers to experiment with the power of mobile broadband without being saddled with a two-year commitment. A prepaid mobile broadband service can offer consumers the ability to access and share Internet service, at home or on the go, in an affordable way."

PUCKS AND STICKS

Friends with Benefits

Rover's flagship device is the Rover Puck: an ergonomically designed portable Wi-Fi hotspot that lets you share broadband access, or "Puck", with up to eight devices at home, out on the town or nearly anywhere the feeling strikes you. The Rover Puck can easily slip into a purse or backpack and serve as an on-the-go broadband access point for devices such as laptops, netbooks, the iPad^(TM), the iPod touch^(R), smartphones, PSP^(R) systems, game consoles, and Wi-Fi enabled digital cameras, among others. Users have the option to connect up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices simultaneously.

The Rover Puck features mobile download speeds of three to six mbps, with bursts over 10 mbps (up to 4x faster than conventional 3G), using Clearwire's 4G network. The Rover Puck is available today for $149.99 (plus tax).

Going Solo

The Rover Stick^(TM) is a personal 4G USB modem that connects any notebook, laptop or desktop to the Rover 4G Service. The Rover Stick is compatible with MacBook^(R) and MacBook^(R) Pro laptops using Mac OS X, as well as netbooks and notebooks running Windows^(R) XP, Windows Vista^(R) and Windows^(R) 7. Offering the same super-fast internet speed as the Rover Puck, the Rover Stick is available today for $99.99 (plus tax).

No Commitment Issues

New users receive two free days of service to ensure Rover's metro-focused 4G coverage fits their mobile lifestyle. Rover has a 14-day no-hassle return policy for any device purchases made on rover.com or in CLEAR stores.

Rover is priced at $5/day, $20/week, or $50/month for unlimited 4G internet usage. Depending on the retail channel, customers will be able to purchase a Rover Re-Up PIN code or physical Rover Re-Up card in $20 or $50 denominations. Rover Re-Up is available online at rover.com, at all retail outlets carrying the Rover Puck or Rover Stick, as well as at Rover Re-Up specific retail locations. Rover does not require a credit card to activate service and is designed to bring broadband internet to a new audience.

GENERATION Y

The Rover brand is designed for a demographic that has grown up in a wireless world. They manage their life through the internet, and their devices signify status. Rover provides products and service to meet their need for all things internet.

"Rover's target audience has never known life without internet. They love their devices and they want as much speed and capacity as possible, without the limits and commitments of most mobile options," said Seth Cummings, GM, Rover. "Rover offers iconic devices along with straight-forward pricing, and plans where unlimited truly means unlimited. It is not in Rover's DNA to be constraining, confusing or complex."

MARKETING CAMPAIGN

Launch campaign

Rover's initial communications will showcase the dramatic ways in which 4G mobile broadband can change human behavior in previously unimagined ways. More information is available at www.evology.com.

Life @ 4G

Rover.com invites users to experience "Life @ 4G." Rover-sponsored athletes and music artists will be profiled, showing how Rover influences their careers and lives as they live Life @ 4G. Sporting a Rover wingsuit, base jumper JT Holmes, who travels up to 150 mph during freefall proximity flying, lives life with the Rover Puck and no strings attached.

Rover Activity Badges

Rover believes in loyalty, and will introduce a badging system that rewards users for participating in Rover activities. For example, the "Trendsetter" badge recognizes early adopters of Rover in each market, and the "Friends with Benefits" badge acknowledges users who refer friends to the Rover service. Badges have become wildly popular on location-based apps and are expected to resonate with the youth consumer and motivate usage.

 

Look for CLEAR to announce a new "Pay As You Go" Service this Monday.  More will be posted when CLEAR officially announces exactly what they are doing. 4Ginfo.com suspects that there will offer day, week and possibly MegaByte (MB) Plans.

Stay Tuned...

With the popularity of the Apple iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch, it's no surprise that a myriad of companies have created and marketed accessories aimed at iDevice users. CLEAR's iSpot is a particularly unique accessory that's already become a hit with web-loving iDevice users - it costs just $99, and for just $25/month it provides unlimited 4G WiMAX internet access via WiFi to up to 8 iDevices! Forget about shelling out for AT&T's 3G service (which is not unlimited and not nearly as fast as 4G) or relying on public hotspots; the iSpot allows you to be your own hotspot for all of your mobile Apple devices, with blazing fast 4G speeds and no usage limit.

What makes the iSpot different? Mobile broadband hotspots aren't new - the 3G MiFi and 3G/4G Overdrive hotspots have been available for some time now, and CLEAR even has a 4G-only hotspot called the "Clear Spot 4G" that looks remarkably similar to the iSpot. In fact, the Clear Spot 4G is indeed essentially the same piece of equipment as the iSpot... but the iSpot is re-branded and altered (using MAC address filtering) so that it ONLY works with iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch devices. While limiting a device so that it only works with specific equipment may sound like an odd choice, it allows CLEAR to offer the monthly service for a far lower price. The Clear Spot 4G, which can be used with any wireless-capable device, requires a monthly service plan of $40/month (and either a 2-year contract or a $35 activation fee to choose month-to-month service). The iSpot, on the other hand, only requires a $25/month service plan, no activation fee, and no contract! AT&T's 3G data plan for the 3G-capable iPad is $25/month, and that doesn't provide unlimited access - nor does it provide 4G speeds, and obviously doesn't give you internet access for your iPhone or iPod Touch. Obviously the iSpot isn't as flexible as something like the 3G/4G Overdrive, but it's absolutely the most affordable way to provide high-speed WiFi to your iDevices.

What does the iSpot look like? Like Apple's iDevices, the iSpot is compact, sleek, and attractive. It's 4.33" x 2.44" x .71" and a very lightweight 4.58 ounces - very similar in size to the iPhone. It's a bit larger than the Novatel MiFi (see below), but certainly small enough to drop in your pocket, purse, laptop back, etc.

The design of the iSpot is very straightforward. The only button on it is the power button, which also has a tiny LED light in the center of it that indicates the battery status - it lights up in green when the battery is fully charged, and turns red when the battery is close to drained. The top of the iSpot features an LED status indicator that conveniently displays quite a bit of info. The 4G status indicator flashes red while it's searching for signal, then lights up in either red (indicating a weak signal), yellow (good signal), or green (excellent signal) once it has connected to the CLEAR network. The WiFi status indicator lights up blue when the unit is transmitting WiFi.

Is the iSpot easy to set up? The iSpot comes with everything you need: the unit itself (of course), a standard-to-mini USB cable for charging via your computer, an AC power supply, and a setup guide that's refreshingly succinct (unlike some 100-page instruction manuals we've run into over the years!). It is also worth noting that the iSpot's battery comes pre-charged, which is a very nice touch - you can start using it as soon as you get it.


Setting up the iSpot for the first time is very easy in theory, but many users (this reviewer included) have encountered problems. Before using the iSpot for the first time, it needs to be activated. It can be activated by connecting your iDevice to the iSpot's WiFi network (the default password for the network is printed on the bottom of the unit; you can change it later if desired) and opening a new browser window - you should see a prompt asking you to create your CLEAR account and accept the terms of service, and then you should be ready to surf the web.

Unfortunately, because of the way CLEAR restricts use of the iSpot only to iDevices, many users have had trouble with this initial activation. Upon connecting for the first time and opening a new browser window - which is supposed to launch the activation described above - some users instead see a message telling them that their device can't be used with the iSpot... even if it is indeed an iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch (all of which are compatible).

Simply put, the iSpot determines which devices are allowed to connect by comparing the device's MAC address to a list of pre-approved MAC addresses in CLEAR's system. All iPads, iPhones, and iPod Touches SHOULD be approved - but the firmware that's pre-installed on the iSpot apparently "missed" some of these approved MAC addresses, which is why some users' devices aren't being detected as compatible. Luckily, CLEAR quickly released a firmware update for the iSpot  (which can be downloaded from CLEAR's site) that solves this problemand is easy to install. As soon as we performed the firmware update, all of our iDevices were able to connect and we were able to complete the activation. A bit frustrating (obviously having the device work correctly right out of the box is always preferred!), but not a "deal-breaker".

Once it's set up, how's the performance? Activation issues aside (and not all users experience those problems), the iSpot is a joy to use - assuming you're in a 4G coverage area, of course.

Connecting your iPad, iPod Touch, or iPhone to the iSpot is as simple as connecting to any other WiFi network. The iSpot comes password-protected, and the default password is printed on the bottom of the unit (you can change this and other settings if you prefer). The iSpot uses wireless "G" for its WiFi radio, and gives you three options for balancing wireless range and battery life: you can set the wireless range to "short" to conserve battery, or "medium" or "long" for more WiFi range. When set to "long", the battery will drain faster, but the iSpot will provide a wireless range of up to about 150 feet (depending on walls and interference).

The battery life of the iSpot is surprisingly good. The manufacturer likely could have opted to make the iSpot a bit smaller by using a smaller battery, but the large battery really makes a big difference. CLEAR's specs indicate that the battery will last up to 4 hours, but that seems to be a conservative estimate - in our testing it lasted for nearly five hours. Once the battery does die, it charges back up very quickly - from dead to fully charged in under two hours! If 4-5 hours of usage time isn't enough for you, we do carry an external battery for the iSpot that will power it for up to 8 additional hours.


How do you manage the iSpot and its settings? The iSpot has a variety of configurable settings, from changing the name of the WiFi network to setting it so that specific devices are (or aren't) allowed to connect to the hotspot. CLEAR has provided a convenient (and free) app for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch (just search for "iSpot" in the app store on your device) that allows you to view your signal strength, see how many users are connected, change WiFi settings, and more.


More advanced changes and access to other information about the iSpot can be performed via your web browser. You can access the iSpot's full web admin portal by typing "http://ispot" (no www or .com) into your URL bar while you're connected to the iSpot via WiFi. You can even access the iSpot's web admin via your laptop or desktop computer by connecting it to the iSpot's WiFi network, but you'll only be able to manage settings - you won't be able to surf the web (remember, the iSpot is only for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch).


Is the iSpot right for me? The iSpot is clearly geared towards a very specific audience: iDevice users who live in cities with 4G coverage. Obviously that doesn't apply to everyone, but for folks who do live in a 4G area and want reliable, fast internet access for their iDevice(s), it's really a no-brainer. The device itself is only $99, the monthly service is only $25, there's no activation fee and no contract (so you can cancel anytime), CLEAR's WiMAX service is VERY fast, and the service is unlimited! It's the ultimate accessory for the iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch, and you don't even have to pay a premium for it.

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Related Links:

• Order the iSpot with $25/month CLEAR Service
• View a list of WiMAX markets
• Discuss the CLEAR iSpot on 4Gforums

The Samsung Epic 4G, the second 4G-capable phone from Sprint, launches in four days (8/31/10) and can be pre-ordered NOW at 3Gstore. Overnight shipping is available for just $12, so if you pre-order now you can be using your new Epic by Wednesday! To sweeten the deal, 3Gstore is also sending all of our pre-order customers a FREE car charger and free replacement battery to power and charge your Epic on the go!

Like the HTC EVO, which debuted in June, the Epic is expected to be VERY popular - but the good news is that Sprint appears to be much more prepared this time around. While many customers have been waiting to get their hands on an EVO for weeks or even months, that should NOT be the case with the Epic. We anticipate that everyone pre-ordering the Epic from 3Gstore by Monday should be able to get their order shipped on launch day! The Epic costs $249.99 after rebate with new service or eligible upgrade (taxes excluded).

If you've been waiting on the EVO and are eager to get your hands on a 4G phone without the wait, consider the Epic! You can read about the differences between the Epic and EVO here, and it can be pre-ordered at 3Gstore.com/epic.

The Epic has a number of enticing features (see below), including the mobile hotspot feature that helped make the HTC EVO so popular (for $29.99/month, you can turn the Epic into a WiFi hotspot that provides unlimited 3G and 4G access for up to 5 WiFi-enabled devices). It also features both a physical QWERTY keyboard as well as a virtual one, which is sure to please folks who rely on their phone for emailing and texting. 

More about the Epic:

• Pre-order the Epic at 3Gstore
• What are the differences between the Epic and the EVO?
• Read the Epic FAQ
• Read Sprint's Epic announcement 
• Read the Epic fact sheet
• Discuss the Epic on the EVDO Forums

Key Epic Features:

• 3G/4G capability
• Samsung 1GHz Cortex A8 Hummingbird Application Processor
• 4-inch Super AMOLED capacitive display with pinch-to-zoom
• Google full HTML browser - bandwidth and quality that rival that of netbooks
• Android 2.1, with access to more than 50,000 apps on Android Market™
• Simultaneous voice and data capability in 4G and Wi-Fi coverage areas, enabling Web surfing and more while talking
• Google™ mobile services including Google Search™, Google Maps™, Google Talk™, Gmail™, YouTube™ , and syncs with Google Calendar™
• Visual voicemail
• Messaging - personal and business email and text messaging, as well as IM through a downloadable Android Market app
• 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability - connects up to five Wi-Fi enabled devices to UNLIMITED 3G and 4G for $29.99/mo
• Dual camera: 5 MP camera/camcorder with autofocus, Power LED flash and 3x digital zoom for HD video (720p) recording for capture and playback on an HD television and front facing VGA camera for video chat and more
• High-quality video streaming and downloads at 3G and 4G data speeds
• Media player with 3.5mm stereo headset jack
• Sprint applications including Sprint Football Live, Sprint Navigation Sprint TV®, and NASCAR Sprint Cup MobileSM
• Bluetooth® 2.1 with A2DP Stereo and EDR
• Built-in WiFi®: 802.11 b/g/n
• Expandable memory: 16 GB microSD card included; supports up to 32 GB

This bundle includes the 3G/4G dual-mode 250U USB modem, battery-powered Cradlepoint PHS300 travel router, and the super portable classic Booster Antenna (for the 3G signal - there aren't any antennas for the 4G signal yet, sorry!) for just $139.99 - plus you'll receive a $50 mail-in rebate from Sprint and a $25 mail-in rebate from Cradlepoint, making your final price just $64.99! New two-year Sprint agreement required, ends 8/31/10. Click here to order the 250U/PHS300/Booster Antenna bundle for $64.99 after rebates!

Like all products sold by 3Gstore, this package includes our esteemed technical support, and same-day shipping is available for orders placed by 1pm CST. This offers expires at 11:59pm CST on 8/31/2010, so don't miss out!