Pantech PX-500 vs Novatel U720

Here is a great video that covers the differences between the Pantech PX500 and the Novatel USB U720 cards.

So, which is faster an EVDO PCMCIA or EVDO USB Modem? This video gives you the answer.

Step by Step Pantech PX500 install with Vista

Thanks Tristan McGowan for finding this easy to follow step by step install!

If you run across the rare occasion where you have a customer that has Windows Vista but dose not have an express slot and dose not want to spend the extra money on the U720, You can use the Pantec PX-500 with Windows Vista, Here's How



1A) Install the CD that comes with the PX-500 the same as you would if it was a Windows XP computer.

2A) Use the Sprint Connection Manager to program the MDN and MSID like you normally would.

3A) After doing this you will get an error saying the Connection Card WAS NOT ACTIVATED.

4A) Close out of the Sprint Connection Manager and Restart it.

5A) Hit "GO" and it should say "updating user profile" when that is done you will get another error.

6A) Close out of the Sprint Connection Manager and Delete its shortcut off of the desktop.

AFTER DOING THAT FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW

1B) In the Network and Sharing Center (which you can open from the Control Panels window or by right-clicking the network icon in the Windows Tray), select "Set up a connection or network."

2B) The next dialog presents a list of types of connections that can be created. You want to select * Connect to the Internet

3B) Vista may already have a connection to the Internet. Creating a new connection will not disable the existing connection. Choose "Set up a new connection anyway."

4B) Even though the Sprint service is wireless, the connection to select is Dial-up.

5B) Select Pantech PC Card.

6B) This step is much simpler than it appears. Because the EV-DO card is activated and ready to negotiate the connection with the network, all you need to do here is enter the dial-up phone number #777, leaving the User name and Password fields blank as they are.

Check the Remember this password box and name the connection. Also change the Connection name to "Sprint Mobile Broadband"

After that is done Test the connection by clicking "Connect"

Select the network type as "Home"

7B) In the Network and Sharing Center (which you can open from the Control Panels window or by right-clicking the network icon in the Windows Tray), select "Manage network connections."

8B) Right Click on "Sprint Mobile Broadband" and Select "Create Shortcut"

Now the connection can be accessed from the desktop for easy use!

Windows Vista & AirCards

Most new laptops are now shipping with Windows Vista. I have heard of truckers looking high and low for XP computers, and not finding them. So, like it or not, the latest evil Microsoft product is something we are just going to have to get used to dealing with more and more. Why evil? Windows Vista has the ability to "turn off" anything it pleases, and it pleases Windows Vista to turn off products from manufacturers that have not paid Microsoft a hefty licensing fee... This includes many of our AirCards.

For now, the safe bet is to sell the U720 or S720 to those customers. It is the easiest one to deal with as far install with Vista goes. Also, if they scoff at the higher price, point out that when they get spoiled having SUPER fast internet in the truck, they don't have to go without at home. They just plug it into their desktop, or anyother computer (including a Mac), sit back, and relax.

Here is Sierra's list of Vista supported AirCards:

Windows Vista Support Available AirCard 595, AirCard 850, AirCard 860, AirCard 875
Windows Vista Support Planned AirCard 580/PC5220, AirCard 775
No Windows Vista Support Planned AirCard 550, AirCard 555, PC 3300, AirCard 710, AirCard 750, and all other legacy AirCard PC Card modems.

It will also work with the Pantech PX500. Here is how:

The Pantech PX-500 card works flawlessly with Vista (Build 5600). Needs to first be activated under XP.

Install the Sprint software in Vista - this may hang during or towards the end of installation. If it hangs, cancel or reboot. The drivers are loaded which is what you're looking for. A Pantech dial up connection will be created in Network Connections or you will need to manually create a dial up connection using the Pantech card as the modem.

When I get a chance to research more, I will add more info on AirCards and Vista.