A few days ago, Engadget reported that the recessed USB port on the Macbook Air made it virtually impossible to use a 3G modem (USB version) with the skinny machine. It was one of the machine’s shortcomings that felt like a real deal breaker.
Nevertheless, I had already purchased the Macbook Air, so it was a little late for recriminations and remorse. And since I happened to have Novatel Wireless’ U727 USB modem for Sprint’s EVDO network lying around, I decided to plug it in and see for myself whether or not it worked. I’m not sure if Engadget used this modem, but for me the device plugged in without problems, showed up on the desktop, and after some minor tinkering, got me online at decidedly 3G speeds.
Setting up the device wasn’t that easy, as some “genius” at Apple decided to hide the Internet Connect option in the Macbook Air version of Leopard. I had to download the drivers from Sprint’s support web site, install them and restart the machine.
I activated the modem using the Sprint software, and soon thereafter found the modem in the network preferences panel. Following the instructions Sprint offers, it didn’t take very long to get going, though every time I need to get online, I need to do so by going to network preferences panel. I think this is yet another example of Apple’s narcissistic approach to usability — as well as a more clear-cut example of just not thinking things through.
After half an hour, I was busy using the Macbook Air on Sprint’s EVDO network. I was able to get around 900 Kbps downstream — not bad, given that we’re currently sharing a T-1 line in our office. And I have to say, the EVDO connection came in quite handy while hanging around the doctor’s waiting room.
My recommendation: Buy this modem to get the most out of your Macbook Air — $279 for a new one, $79 with a 2-year contract from Sprint.
Photo by Photo Matt
Just got my Air this morning. A thing of beauty. The fan is a bit loud?
not sure andy – for me there is no fan noise whatsoever thus far.
.. how fast is the wake-up boot once you muddy up the machine a bit by launching a few dozen apps, and sleep repeatedly ?
Does the SSD option also have a fan? I suppose yes, but that would be the last moving part in the thing.
Thanks for the response. I’ve only used my Air for about 30 minutes. 1.8 C2D with the 80g hard drive and the fan was surprisingly noisy. I’ll have to keep an eye on it. Thanks for the 3g usb modem tip!
It looks like it will also work with the Sprint 595u (Sierra Wireless). I got some hands on time with one in an Apple store, and my biggest concern would be the small trackpad button, and the poor tactile feedback from it. Compared to my current MacBook Pro, it feels like it’s poorly connected on the back; button pushes aren’t as smooth or even.
I know, I’m really nitpicking here.
@ Mike and @ DumDum Bullet
I will let you know about my experiences with it in a couple of days once i have had time to play around with it enough.
Sadly, while they pretend to sell the “Ovation U727 by Novatel Wireless” as part of the Sprint SERO program, they’re really lying and don’t allow you to select any plans for it. The next best is the ” AirCard® 595U by Sierra Wireless”, which, while cheaper, is probably too large to fit in the Macbook Air’s USB port. :(
Nice find Om. Too bad it looks like crap sticking-out from the frickin’ machine. Silly Mac Fanboys…
I’m using the Franklin CDU680 with service from Millenicom (http://www.acun.com/).
The card is small, fits nicely with the Air, excellent support for the Mac. It shows reception bars on the menu bar, and the drop type provides indicator for 1x/EV, connect/disconnect, and GPS search (though the built-in GPS is pretty inaccurate).
Millenicom resells Sprint EVDO service for $50/month, no contract, $50 signup, you don’t pay for the card, but you don’t own it either.
besides the fact that there is now a usb 3g modem that fits… wouldn’t it be possible to use any sized usb device via a short usb adapter cable? just wondering…
Hi Om! Jacqui found that the franklin wireless stick works great with the Air too: http://arstechnica.com/reviews/hardware/macbook-air-review.ars
@ Bob Smithson
I agree, it looks awkward sticking out. though it is better than nothing.
I hope more elegant solutions come to market soon.
@ Assaf,
thanks for the tip. Looks like a good find and I might try it out as well.
best
Really? C’mon people. Why not use a simple USB Female to Male extension?
http://www.ewiz.com/detail.php?p=CABLE_USB2&c=fr&pid=97468ef1a5cdbec66f82ae800cd75417dc501143901b200e50ebc75b43bb5ac4
The one above is $1.
Internet Connect (as you may have realised) has been integrated into System Preferences > Network. Also, if you click the Advanced button, there should be a checkbox within one of the tabs (I forget) that says something along the lines of “Connect automatically when needed” etc.
Can’t you just create a Location in Network Preferences and enable the USB modem instead of going to Network Preferences each time?
NEED TO KNOW FROM ALL OF YOU WHO BOUGHT AIR THE REASONS WHY YOU PURCHASED it. I’m an Apple lover but really can’t understand why one would buy. Let me know WHY and if you’re still pleased now that you have it!
Thanks
Courtney, here’s why I want to buy: it’s minimalist, elegant, quiet, portable.
We offer a USB modem, compatible worldwide that fits into the MBA USB slot:
http://www.novamedia.de/e_pages/e_produkte_gs_icon_72.html
Using the software launch2net, it is specificially designed for Mac OS X, so you might want to use that one …
Cheers
Jan Fuellemann (nova media)
Is “minimalist” a fancy word for “has 10% of the features of any other laptop”? Elegant.. how? Quiet.. yes because there’s nothing in it to make noise. Portable.. just like any other laptop is portable.
What I can’t understand is why people are willing to pay so much more to get so much less? Spend 1/3 of that price and you can get a fully loaded Dell laptop that has everything the Air is missing. Even if you want an Apple for some reason, get a regular macbook. They’re overpriced too, but not nearly as bad as the Air.
Om – I have the same modem but I use it with this 3-inch right angle cable. Works beautifully:
http://www.pacificcable.com/Picture_Page.asp?DataName=USBAMRAF-3IN
Neil
Om,
The Sierra Wireless USB modem that has the hinged adapter works great. I have two, one locked on AT&T, and the other unlocked which I’ve used on 3 and T-Mobile in the UK…
Speeds are higher than on Sprint, though I’ve found better speeds on Sprint and Verizon in most places other than the west coast.
Does this USB EVDO card have an exchangeable SIM? Would love to have option to remoe bberry SIM and pop it in this USB for more serious tethering when needed.
Pictorial article of many/most 3G / EVDO options for MacBook Air is online at:
http://www.evdoinfo.com/MacBookAir
Reasons I got a MBA
1. Extreme portability (thin, light weight,)
2. Battery life. (4.4 hours) Try that on a Macbook or another PC notebook. I really ran my MBA for 4.4 hours straight, before I needed to charge it.