Mickey Papillon

AT&T USBConnect Quicksilver Review

Any true cell phone junkie realizes the benefits of having an always connected device for productivity on their phone.  But when it really comes to getting things done, it’s sometimes hard to beat using a full sized computer.  While tethering your 3G enabled phone to a laptop is increasingly easy to do, a dedicated card is arguably the best way to go.  Over the past few years, I have used 3G data services on Verizon, Sprint, AT&T and T-Mobile.  Out of these, I have used data cards on both Sprint and Verizon, but had yet to try out HSDPA.  So when the manufacturers of the AT&T USBConnect Quicksilver (Option) reached out in late 2008 to review this new device, I jumped at the chance.

In the Box

• AT&T USBConnect Quicksilver
• AT&T SIM card
• Getting started guide

Specs

• HSPA (850/1900/2100)
• GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900)

Functionality
The Quicksilver does what you’d expect out of a 3G USB modem, it connects your computer to the internet.  Using AT&T’s 3G or 2G networks here in the US, it gives the user the ability to connect at broadband speeds wherever you are.  With built in global compatibility, the Quicksilver lets you travel to just about anywhere, offering flexibility that can’t be matched by similar CDMA/EVDO devices.

Software
The device comes with no CDs, but rather, contains all software needed for installation on Windows based computers on the card.  The AT&T Communication Manager (ACM) will auto-install the first time you insert the card into your laptop.  The ACM allows the user to manage the connection to the network, Wi-Fi connections on the computer, determine the carrier on which they are connected, and also send SMS messages through the interface.  Mac users will need to install the GlobeTrotter Connect software which is available from support.option.com/att to use the device, which only allows Connecting/Disconnecting from the network.  Setup is easy for either platform, and takes less than 5 minutes.

Hardware
While not quite as small as competitors such as the Sierra Wireless Compass 597 for Sprint, the addition of swivel cap is a nice addition, removing the easy to lose cap that covers many other USB modems.

Speed
Although I have had good success with AT&T and use it as my personal cellular provider, I found the signal strength of the Quicksilver to be a bit weak.  On all devices that I have used in the past at my house, I have had full service whereas the Quicksilver showed less than half.  A speed test confirmed this reading, which although good, isn’t quite what i’ve come to expect from 3G networks.  I still find myself a bit disappointed when it comes to the HSPA network run by AT&T, and my tests with this card are no different.  As much as it has grown since it’s inception in Phoenix in 2006, it still doesn’t give the devices that use it a chance when compared to it’s EVDO counterparts.

Overall
Withholding the network, the Quicksilver is a solid device, that offers everyone from the Globetrotter to the mobile worker an option in their choice of devices for working on the go.