Sierra Wireless 598U USB Modem for Sprint's 3G EvDO network packs microSD slot for memory cards up to 32Gb, external antenna jack, and integrated assisted GPS in a tiny and slick package
Summary: Tiny and slick, Sierra Wireless 598U mobile USB modem for Sprint’s EvDO RevA network, packs microSD slot for memory cards up to 32Gb, external antenna jack, and integrated assisted GPS for quality mobile surfing experience. Wireless performance is very solid with 3G speeds typical for modern CDMA EvDO networks.
PC Magazine Editor Choice!
Pros: Small, great performance with solid up/download speeds, integrated assisted GPS and MicroSD slot for cards up to 8Gb. Jack for external antenna. Supports all major OSs – Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
Cons: Used to be slightly higher price – it cost $49.99 with 2-year Sprint contract before – but since Sprint dropped the price to Free, none left.
Rating:
– Excellent
Price: $249.99 Free with 2 year Sprint contract
Overview
Sierra Wireless 598U USB Modem for Sprint offers excellent on-the-go Internet access for a great price. It supports Sprint’s EV-DO Rev. A network – you’ll enjoy fast data transmission speeds (up to 3.1 Mbps download, and 1.8 Mbps upload). The 598U USB Modem for Sprint lets you use your computer to surf the Internet, send and receive email and connect to corporate networks on the go from just about anywhere.
Mobile connectivity is enhanced with a fresh stylish design and eye-catching lighted face of Sierra Wireless USB 598. The USB 598 works with Mac and Windows notebook and desktop computers and provides seamless, no CD installation experience.
The 598U has a microSD memory expansion slot that support cards up to 32 GB, connector for an optional external antenna, and integrated assisted GPS to power your maps and location-based applications even indoors.
Expert Opinion
PC Magazine
Source
- 598U modem is the fastest way to get onto Sprint’s zippy EV-DO Rev A 3G network
- Small, attractive dongle
- Assisted GPS acquired its location relatively quickly and reliably
- New Qualcomm QCP 6085 chipset, which allows for a smaller form factor and better performance
- Petite, blazingly fast
- Your best option – and our Editors’ Choice
CNet
Source
- Offers EV-DO Rev. A data speeds and includes integrated GPS
- Portable modem can also double as a storage device via microSD card
- Reliable, portable cellular modem
- Sierra Wireless 598U delivers and even offers GPS
- Quite pleased with the data speeds and reliable coverage
- GPS capabilities were also accurate and useful
- Sierra Wireless 598U for Sprint is win-win.
Techno Talks
Source
- Tiny USB modem … extremely light in weight
- Assisted GPS feature enables the modem to work even indoors through cell-tower triangulation.
- Sierra Wireless 598U modem is the ideal way to connect to Sprint’s zippy EV-DO Rev A 3G network with your computer
- One of the smallest EV-DO USB mobile broabband modems available today
- New streamlined design with eye-catching light branding
- Wireless download speed up to 3.1 Mbps and upload to 1.8 Mbps
- Familiar USB connection
- microSD™ memory expansion slot
- GPS Services Support – GPS Antenna Supports Sprint Location Based Services
- TRU-Install automatic software installation
- Small, durable, fixed design
- Wireless connectivity in more places than Wi-Fi, offering greater mobility
- Pocket size and low profile so it stays out of your way
- High-speed access to transfer large files easily
- Portable from desktop to notebook computers
- Store and transfer files with a microSD card
- Access navigation and location applications with GPS capabilities
- Solid product reliability so users can work efficiently on the road
- Surf the Internet, Check Email or Access Folders On Your Corporate Network
- Plug and Play – No CD-ROM Needed For Setup and Initialization
- Data Download Speeds Burst To 3.1 Mbps, Upload Bursts to 1.8 Mbps
- Includes MicroSD Card Slot For Added Storage Capacity
- Connects To USB Port On Any Computer
- Built-in GPS Antenna For Sprint Location Based Services Support
- LED Status Indicator – Powered Through USB Slot
- Compatible With Windows Vista/XP And Mac OS X
- Color – Black
- Style – USB Mobile Broadband Modem
- Warranty – Sierra Wireless Factory Warranty
- Device Supports Data Plans
- Available For Purchase Without Service Plan
Sierra’s TRU DESIGN Features
The USB 598 modem includes the follow TRU features:
- - Data Antenna Technology
- - A-GPS Antenna Technology
- - Rugged Hardware Design
- - Software Installation Technology
What’s In The Box
- Modem
- Laptop Clip with USB Connection Cable
- Get Started Guide
Specifications
- Dimensions – 3.1 in x 0.9 in x 0.4 in / 74 mm (L) x 24 mm (W) x 11 mm (H)
- Weight – 0.7 oz / 25 grams
- Data Download Speed – EV-DO rev A (Up to 3.1 Mbps Down/1.8 Mbps Up), EV-DO rev 0 (2.4 Mbps Down/153 Kbps Up), 1xRTT
- Compatible Carrier – Sprint
- Network Compatibility – CDMA 800, 1900
- 3G Data Speeds – Yes
Technology
- USB Modem (USB Port)
- QSCTM 6085 Chipset
- CDMA 1xEV-DO (Revision A)
- CDMA 1xEV-DO (Release 0)
- CDMA 1xRTT
- CDMA IS-95
- microSD™ (up to 32 GB)
- External SMK TS-9 Antenna Connector
Bands
- Cellular/PCS (800/1900 MHz)
- Cellular (800 MHz), PCS (1900 MHz)
- Transmit: 1850 to 1910 MHz (PCS),
- 824 to 849 MHz (Cellular)
- Receive: 1930 to 1990 MHz (PCS),
- 869 to 894 MHz (Cellular)
- Receive Diversity (both bands)
Operating System Support
- Windows® 7 Mobile Broadband,
- Vista, XP SP2, 2000
- Mac OS X 10.4.11 or newer
Environmental
Standards/Approvals
- FCC Part 15, 22, 24
- CDG Stages 2, 3
- IS-2000, IS-98D/E
- IS-134
- IS-637B, IS-683A
- IS-707A
- IS-835A, IS-856, IS-866
- JESD22-A114-B, JESD22-C101
- Microsoft WHQL
- Other carrier-specific approvals
System Requirements
- USB Port
- System: Pentium 150 MHz or higher
- Memory: 32 MB
- Disk Space: 32 MB
Power Consumption
- Voltage: 5.0 V
- USB Port: 600 mA (max)
Dimensions
- With cap:
- 74 mm (L) x 24 mm (W) x 11 mm (H)
- Without cap:
- 60 mm (L) x 24 mm (W) x 11 mm (H)
- Weight with cap: 25 grams
- Weight without cap: 22.6 grams
- Volume with cap: 19.8 cc
- Volume without cap: 15.5 cc

Customer Reviews
Absolutely Flawless performance
- …let me tell you, the blazing speeds I get with this (comparatively) make it well worth it to me! In a rural area, (I think within about a mile of the tower) I get consistently 2mb+ coverage. It works perfectly – runs probably easily 12 hours/day, and I’ve had it for 10 months…
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works great
- I’ve had wireless from sprint for 6 years now. Never have I had a problem. Traveled down the entire east coast and only dropped service once. Even worked well in the mountains.I just recently upgraded to this modem. Works just as well…
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