Cradlepoint CTR500- the real internet in your pocket
I have long used a travel WiFi router on trips so that I can tap into hotel networks and create my own hotspot in the room. This method allows me to use my mobile PCs and PDAs with full WiFi convenience even if the hotel connectivity is a wired connection. I've often thought how much more useful if my router also accepted my EVDO modem which would provide a complete mobile router solution no matter what kind of access was provided by the hotel.
The folks at Cradlepoint have been thinking about that too and have recently announced the CTR500 pocket router. The CTR500 can connect to a network via a wired WAN/LAN connection or it can connect to a 3G network via a USB or ExpressCard slot so all bases are covered. It then creates an 802.11b/g hotspot for sharing that connectivity, and all in a gadget that fits in your pocket and weighs only 4 oz. The CTR500 should be available June 1 and will set you back $180, a cheap price to pay for connectivity almost anywhere, anytime.
If you have a windows mobile 5or6 device with wifi http://www.wmwifirouter.com/consumer/ this might save you carrying yet another device.
Posted by: Trevor | May 16, 2008 at 08:36 AM
I have their PHS300 router, works great on the road creating a wifi hotspot for up to 16 pcs on my usb727. I dont waste my time looking for public hotspots anymore, this works flawlessly.
Posted by: bill | May 16, 2008 at 09:30 AM
I would say that if you don't need ExpressCard slot for WWAN, then get the CTR350. It's a bit smaller and can do the same thing otherwise.
Posted by: Nick Marques | May 18, 2008 at 01:35 AM
Check out a "sneak peek" video of the not-yet-released Cradlepoint CTR500: http://www.EVDOinfo.com/CTR500
Posted by: EVDO INFO | May 20, 2008 at 03:09 PM
Gotta love the MBR1000. Probably one of the best all around routers on the market. Cradlepoint also makes a couple of smaller, more portable ones as well...the size of a deck of cards!
Posted by: Mark23 | May 29, 2008 at 06:18 PM
Just FYI, there is new firmware for the CTR500 and MBR1000 that provides new LOAD BALANCING feature that many have longed for in a 3G router! Check out: http://www.EVDOinfo.com/LB
Posted by: EVDO INFO | July 29, 2008 at 09:58 AM