Product Description

The AC875U includes an in-box battery – Lithium Polymer – that is to be inserted under the face plate (metal connector to metal connector). The battery itself provides additional power when the device is in fringe coverage or in a heavily loaded network ensuring that the connection remains stable, prevents the host from freezing, and prevents the device from resetting. Other USB modems get around this issue by providing a Y-cable accessory that attempts to draw power from 2 USB ports – the AC875U plugs directly into a single USB port and does not require any additional cables. The battery trickle charges from the USB port when not in use and is expected to have the same impact on notebook battery drain as other LaptopConnect cards.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #36568 in Cell Phone Accessories
• Color: Black
• Brand: Sierra Wireless
• Model: AC875U
• Released on: 2007-05-04

Features

• Wireless USB modem with support for worldwide roaming through USDPA and UMTS networks
• Plugs into laptop's USB port or docking station; high-performance internal antenna
• Tri-band HSDPA functionality (850, 1900, and 2,100 MHz); sets up with easy-to-install Watcher software
• High-speed data rates of up to 3.6 Mbps downlink and 384 Kbps uplink; adjustable USB connector
• The AC875U plugs directly into the notebook port via a USB connector. The connector locks in three different positions for convenient access to your notebook USB port

Amazon.com Product Description
The AirCard 875U USB modem is the latest addition to the Sierra Wireless family of wireless products. Packaged in a stylish, compact housing, the AirCard 875U USB modem either plugs directly into your laptop's USB port, letting users enjoy global wireless connectivity whether waiting at an airport, relaxing at a hotel, or meeting a client at a restaurant. The result is one of the best mobile and fixed wireless solutions on the market, and a great alternative to both PCMCIA and ExpressCard solutions.

With tri-band HSDPA functionality, the AirCard 875U provides wireless data connectivity on the 850, 1900, and 2100 MHz bands at speeds of up to 3.6 Mbps downlink and 384 Kbps uplink. In areas where HSDPA is not available, the AirCard 875U is backwards-compatible with UMTS, EDGE and GSM/GPRS networks (850, 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz). If an HSDPA network is not readily available in your area, the AirCard 875U will connect to the fastest available network to keep you online.

Fast HSDPA network speeds provide a rich experience for a wide variety of applications, including increased e-mail speed when downloading large files; Internet/intranet access; video conferencing and surveillance; real-time media streaming; online gaming; and corporate server (using VPN) access.

AT&T Connectivity
Before checkout, choose an AT&T Internet plan that's right for you. AT&T offers a range of data service plans to fit your needs, with limited plans starting at just under $20 per month as well as unlimited plans for heavy-duty users. Plans are also available to meet customers' data needs while traveling internationally. For mobile workers who need voice in addition to data capabilities, you can add an optional voice plan to a qualified data plan and receive $5 off the monthly data service charge.

Installation
The AirCard 875U comes with easy-to-install, easy-to-use Watcher software that provides a common look and feel across all Sierra Wireless products. The USB modem displays all the familiar parameters: signal strength, byte counter, network type, and other connection details, along with a detailed help file to enhance the user experience.

Other details include a high-performance internal antenna and a USB connector that extends to 90, 135, and 160 degrees for flexible positioning.

Vital Statistics
Compatible with Microsoft Windows (Vista, XP, and 2000) and Mac OS X operating systems, the AirCard 875U USB modem measures 3.66 by 0.78 by 1.53 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 0.13 pounds.

Customer Reviews

Reasonable hardware, let down by software
I do a great deal of international travel for work and pleasure, so I was delighted with my carrier told me about the AirCard 875U, largely because it was Mac friendly.
The hardware itself is very good: small, compact and seems to work well in the month or so that I have been putting it though it's paces. Personally, I prefer to connect the Modem to my laptop using a USB cable rather than have the Modem just jutting out of the side... the USB connector seems to be a bit flimsey and wobbles a bit (I don't like wobbley bits).
The biggest drawback is the software interface Sierra provide: while its easy to get up and running, the software does not provide any data usage stats, so you have no idea how much data you are consuming (either with your home carrier or your roaming ones)... generally not very useful when you're wanting to know if you're approaching you data limits and are about to be stung by carrier/roaming "extras". I'm sure it's only a matter to time before Sierra add this very basic function to the software and catchup with their competitors, but in the mean time, it's a significant draw back in this market and seems a little sloppy. (That said, I can only comment on the Mac version).

Much better than dial-up
I live in a rural area where high speed phone or cable internet access is not available so I decided to go with the ATT USB Modem card. It works great for me, compared to my old dial-up line. My son gets a good laugh when I mention it is fast, he has a fiber-optic internet connection. It does seem to spend a lot of time "paused", like I am sharing the connection with many other people. Also, it needs a manual way to choose the "Edge" or the "3G" network. When I am at work in McKinney TX, just north of Dallas, it has only one bar in "3G" mode and is constantly dropping out. When it does use the "Edge" network in McKinney it gets 4 bars and works much better, but then it automatically switches back to the weak 3G network when it receives that signal.

Tried an ATT USB 881 modem AND an Option GT Max 3.6 card
As an existing ATT cellphone customer, I tried an ATT USB 881 modem AND an Option GT Max 3.6 card for my NJT train trips from Morristown NJ to Grand Central and for use in the building I work in near Grand Central. Of the two, the GT Max was slightly faster. But the ATT network was like an intermittent dial-up connection; real slow, and lots of drops.

Without closing the ATT account, I went and got a Verizon account with a 5750 card. It's almost like a cable connection; 10x as fast as the ATT network, and a good connection ALL THE WAY from Morristown to Grand Central, although signal strength varies. I'm writing this in the tunnel as we approach Grand Central, and I still have 4 bars. The ATT network was long dead by this point in the trip.

The Verizon connection also works fine in my suburban Morris County residence - the ATT network didn't work at all there. I'm going to return all the ATT equipment and close that account before my 30 day trial runs out!