Verizon Wireless UM150

The Verizon Wireless UM150 by Pantech is a USB modem for Verizon's EV-DO Rev A network. Like the Novatel Wireless U727 it comes with a microSD memory card reader and a pull-out antenna. Although, the UM150 is larger and slower than the U727, it will save users about $150 dollars. Making, the UM150 a buy for someone looking for the convenience of staying connected almost anywhere at a low cost, but with less than superior performance.

UM150's Features

  • Dimensions: The Um150 is about 3.5 inches long and 1.2 inches wide

    Antenna: It has a 2.5 inch long pull-out antenna

    MircoSD card slot: The microSD card slot is on the side of the modem and can also be used as a memory card reader

    Lights: The Um150 has a useful signal-strength indicator on the front, and other LEDs show whether it's plugged in, and has power

Compatibility

With Verizon's VZAccess Manager software, the UM150 can connects easily to Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Mac OS 10.4.11 laptops.

Cost

The Um150 costs roughly $50 to buy. To connect to Verizon's network users need to buy a $60 dollar per a month unlimited data plan. However, this plan is not entirely unlimited, because Verizon has a reputation of cutting off carriers that it feels like these users are transferring too much data.

Performance

With the UM150, although you save money, you won't experience the best reception or transfer speeds. In a three-day test against three other Verizon Wireless Modems, the UM150 on average fell in the both two spots on the download tests with a mean download speed of 670 Kbps and an average upload speed of 403 Kbps.

All in all, the UM150 is an average modem and is only 13 percent slower than the downloading leader the Sierra Wireless AirCard 595U. But, if you can afford the 595U than why settle for the UM150?

With the advent of wireless Internet, more and more computer users are entering the world of cyber space.

Yet, while these users are well aware of the importance of the protection of their computer when hooked up to regular internet providers, they are often oblivious to the fact that the same cyber dangers, and in fact even more, exist in the world of WiFi.

What you may not know is that same Internet connection that makes it possible to check your email from the comfort of your bed also makes it easier for hackers to access your personal information.

It is for this reason, the sharing of the wireless Internet connection, that protecting your computer when wireless is even more important than ever before.