Pontificnation

The folks at WiFiRanger are having an End of Year clearance sale and the WiFiRanger is just $99.95 for a limited time.

The 'alexsian' coupon code is still working, saving you an extra $20!
(02/20/11 -- unfortunately, my coupon code is no longer valid)

So for as long as the sale is on, you can land a WiFiRanger for just $79.95 plus shipping!

For more information, check out the WiFiRanger Router Review

WiFiRanger is a new player in the mobile broadband router business, and their first product has only been out about a month.

The WiFiRanger is unique in that along with being a Cable/DSL, 3G and 4G mobile broadband router, it can also serve as a WiFi repeater.

Roadwarriors like those in the RV community will appreciate that they no longer need multiple pieces of technology to connect to all the internet sources they can encounter on the open road, and that a single piece of hardware will now let them network their computers with minimal fuss.

Check out my full hands on WiFiRanger Router Review for more information.

Want to save $20 on your WiFiRange purchase?
use alexsian as a coupon code during checkout!

(02/20/11 -- unfortunately, my coupon code is no longer valid)

UPDATE: as of 01/31/2011, a Mac OS X version of VZAccess Manager is available for the Verizon 4G Pantech UML290.

Mac users with a UML290 can download VZAM at: http://vzam.net/download/supported.aspx

A user named willzzz on howardforums recently posted this information:

If you want to use the UML290 on the Mac/Linux/UNIX/other-platforms you can now do so if you have the engineering knowledge or a little know-how:
Quick Notes: Verizon 4G LTE uses the GSM APN authentication method through a GGSN (similar to AT&T) and 3G (1X/EVDO) traditional uses the HA CDMA method. The old CDMA authentication method has been posted years before so I won't repost that.
You WILL NOT GET SUPPORT UNTIL THE OFFICIAL VZACCESS Software comes out on the Mac.


4G LTE GSM General Device Settings-
Phone Number: PhoneNumber
Account name: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Password: vzw

Advanced Settings-
Carrier: Generic
Model: GPRS (GSM/3G)
APN: vzwinternet
CID: 1

Click OK, then connect and enjoy.

So on the Mac connection manager (generic apple), make a profile for your UML290 hardware, should be a modem. Make a GSM connection profile with the above. Phone number is your data-stick phone number (fake phone number, used for system identification, get it from VZAccess or your account page online). Account name is " This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ". (Basically add @vzw4g.com to your phonenumber. Password is "vzw", same as 3g CDMA. In GSM/3G/4G carrier use generic (no special parameters). Model is GPRS (GSM/3G, same as 4G). GSM APN is "vzwinternet". CID is 1 if your drivers need it.

FYI: here's a speedtest in North Dallas from indoor location with my desktop Mac Pro:

As a diehard Mac user, I just had to try and make Verizon's new 4G USB UML290 modem work with my MacBook Pro... but I only got close.
I started with the modem fresh from the Verizon store, which I presumed was not activated in any way.
Inserting it into my MBP caused a popup alert that a new network interface option was available. That was a good sign!
Unfortunately, nothing I tried could get the modem to activate or connect, so I went on to activate it in windows vista.
After I was sure the UML290 was working in Vista, I brought the modem back to my MBP, but it still would not connect.
Then, I downloaded the latest VZAM for the latest pantech modem to have Mac support: the UMW190.
Installing VZAM for the UMW190 got me closer since that version of VZAM does appear to install drivers for UML290 and will recognize it as a device, presenting the user with a "Connect" button in VZAM.

Sadly, thats as far as I got. Each attempt to connect fails. I had hoped it would at least connect to 3G... nope.
My MBP is running SL 10.6.4 and I'll try again after updating to 10.6.5 and even rolling back to 10.5