johnkzin:

Sorry but I use that setup DAILY and it is tremendeously portable and transparent. The term USB router in this case means the USB modem connects to the ROUTER. The connection to the router from the NIT is via wifi. It could also be hardwired ethernet but, well, that is not ever gonna happen on an Nit's, or at least I should hope not...hehehehe...but, sorry if my description was unclear in that area....early onset CRS I guess...

Heck, the other day I was out shopping and had the router w/battery pack in my back pocket and used the tablet to yak on Skype to my better half...it's all SMALL only the tablet is bigger than a deck of cards or pack of cigarettes. Together it all weighs in at about 12oz? I need to weigh them and post some pics...

I find the solution is extremely practical and functional. The modular nature of it means if a single component fails it can be replaced easily but should any single component of a all-in-one setup fails then that device is a brick.

BTW, the Cradlepoint CTR350 also now supports router to router wifi networking, HSDPA devices and the WAN/LAN port auto detects what mode is required when hardwired to something. I could have bought a Cradlepoint PHS300 which has an user replaceable LiON Poly battery but I wanted the ability to wire into my home network if DSL went down.

And in my case the Franklin CDU680 EVDO modem supports and external CDMA antenna allowing me to create a true rolling hotspot in my vehicle or even a stationary setup at home if my only broadband option is either HughesNet or EVDO...EVDO wins hands down every time no matter if you need to buy an amplifier.

And yup, you can get a nice deal via SERO if you actually know an employee of Sprint and with phone service I think it's either $30 or $40/mo for uncapped data...but it will not be as user friendly as the smaller ISP. In addition there is dealing with the current fiasco that is Sprint's billing system since the Alltel merger/acquisition. The Millenicom is a whole different deal...I started with a small DSL ISP (DSLExtreme who offers service over a variety of DSl systems now) almost a decade ago and have never been let down...smaller meant better customer service. I prefer to pay a bit more for not having to deal with a megaCorp.

And I never even mentioned connecting the EVDO modem to the USB port on the NIT's as an option...in fact the NIT's are PROBLEMATIC due to their current design and that wonderful but just PITA sometimes placed kickstand... I actually use it as a handle as much as I do a stand. I find it aids me in making sure I don't drop the device. I have hand probs that can make holding something difficult and I often will drop something for no apparent reason...at least it proves gravity still works...hehehehe...

Now there is a design oversight, lack of a place to attach a lanyard. A wrist lanyard would save a lot of broken screens I would think. My solution is once from a camera store that just sticks on the back. Not elegant but it works.

BTW, I too would LOVE the ability to add whatever MBB option works for me to the device via either one of the memory card slots or making the device a tad thicker adding a bigger battery and a slot for the card of choice...but that would get messy in terms of antenna's and what not...still would love a larger battery and that extra 1/4" is not likely to casue anyone but an image over substance zealot to have a stroke.