Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless ratings & reviews
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Overall rating:
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Customer reviews for Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless
Overall Rating
out of
5
Superior card
By Enzomatrix
- August 22, 2008
Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless attributes
Value
5.0
out of
5
Installation
4.0
out of
5
Software
4.0
out of
5
Connectivity
5.0
out of
5
Performance
5.0
out of
5
By Enzomatrix
Superior card
- August 22, 2008
I first got this card two years ago for my Pavillion zd8230US notebook, which had a PCIMCIA slot, and it worked great for surfing and well for gaming. I replaced my zd with a DV9500t, which did not have the PCIMCIA slot, so I bought a router that accepted the card (Dlink) and it works even better now. Now I can share the card with the three computers I have and it works well for all three. When I am just using the DV I get between 350-450kbps downloads and it regually tests @ 1.7-2.0MBps on speed tests.
I am so happy with this card I am not going to replace it when the two year contract ends, with a newer card. I use it on the road, as well, and have never found a 'Dead Zone' where I could not get good-great reception. Would suggest this card to anyone with PCIMCIA slot in notebook, or those of us that want to use a Broadband card router.
I am so happy with this card I am not going to replace it when the two year contract ends, with a newer card. I use it on the road, as well, and have never found a 'Dead Zone' where I could not get good-great reception. Would suggest this card to anyone with PCIMCIA slot in notebook, or those of us that want to use a Broadband card router.
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Review 2 for Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless
Overall Rating
out of
5
Excellent
By K Ray
- August 1, 2008
Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless attributes
Value
5.0
out of
5
Installation
3.0
out of
5
Software
4.0
out of
5
Connectivity
5.0
out of
5
Performance
5.0
out of
5
By K Ray
Excellent
- August 1, 2008
I was skeptical about this card connecting in the remote area that I sometimes use it in. For the most part it links up fairly well where all others have failed. Nice to have it.
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Review 3 for Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless
Overall Rating
out of
5
great card
By Peter K
- June 4, 2008
Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless attributes
Value
5.0
out of
5
Installation
5.0
out of
5
Software
5.0
out of
5
Connectivity
5.0
out of
5
Performance
5.0
out of
5
By Peter K
great card
- June 4, 2008
It's a great card for internet access on the road with the added benefit of a standalone GPS. Power consumption is on the high side but that is to be expected for running radios on a PCMCIA card.
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Review 4 for Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless
Overall Rating
out of
5
rumor phone
By victoria cruz
- May 3, 2008
Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless attributes
Value
1.0
out of
5
Installation
3.0
out of
5
Software
1.0
out of
5
Connectivity
1.0
out of
5
Performance
1.0
out of
5
By victoria cruz
rumor phone
- May 3, 2008
This phone keeps turning off and I've had to go to the Sprint store 2 times. Other members on the plan had to go to Sprint store 4 times before they replaced the phone. Each visit to the store takes up 2 hours + of my time. Sprint knows there is a problem with these phones.
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Review 5 for Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless
Overall Rating
out of
5
Excellent value and simple to use
By Chris
- April 26, 2008
Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless attributes
Value
5.0
out of
5
Installation
5.0
out of
5
Software
5.0
out of
5
Connectivity
5.0
out of
5
Performance
5.0
out of
5
By Chris
Excellent value and simple to use
- April 26, 2008
I've had my card for six months and I must say that it's been a blessing. Seamless connection in both urban and rural areas and it certainly helps to have an unlimited plan with no roaming charges! I've enjoyed the excellent service and will remain a devoted user for a while. Thank you for the wonderful service.
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Review 6 for Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless
Overall Rating
out of
5
One of Sprint's best
By Gary
- April 16, 2008
Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless attributes
Value
5.0
out of
5
Installation
5.0
out of
5
Software
5.0
out of
5
Connectivity
5.0
out of
5
Performance
5.0
out of
5
By Gary
One of Sprint's best
- April 16, 2008
This card is the best data connect card I have used. I use it with the linksys router in my RV; creating my own WiFi hotspot. This card has great connectivity in areas with a low service signal. I recently camped in an area with only one bar of signal showing; the card performed extremely well...better than my Sprint cell phone!
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Review 7 for Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless
Overall Rating
out of
5
This card is fast no matter where i go....
By Zac
- April 1, 2008
Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless attributes
Value
5.0
out of
5
Installation
5.0
out of
5
Software
5.0
out of
5
Connectivity
5.0
out of
5
Performance
5.0
out of
5
By Zac
This card is fast no matter where i go....
- April 1, 2008
I have used different cards and different carriers cards. This card on the sprint network is hands down the best. I get better connectivity on this card than I do from most WiFi networks in hotels. And i can pull off to the side of the road in some of the most remote desert locations and get signal. Sprint just keeps getting better and better. I had signal with this card where many friends with verizon couldnt connect.
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Review 8 for Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless
Overall Rating
out of
5
Great card, one minor bug
By texasaggie
- April 1, 2008
Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless attributes
Value
5.0
out of
5
Installation
4.0
out of
5
Software
4.0
out of
5
Connectivity
5.0
out of
5
Performance
5.0
out of
5
By texasaggie
Great card, one minor bug
- April 1, 2008
I get great performance and throughput on this device in the DFW metroplex. I even play WoW over the connection with a strong signal. The only gotcha I have ever had is that my laptop (XP) will blue screen on a USB driver issue at seemingly random intervals. It only happens in one location but happens consistently on that machine only. Anywhere else, it is fine. Would love to see a software upgrade from Novatel Wireless for this one to fix that issue. Otherwise, a very solid card.
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Review 9 for Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless
Overall Rating
out of
5
In Chicago, this card rules!
By Bob
- March 16, 2008
Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless attributes
Value
5.0
out of
5
Installation
5.0
out of
5
Software
4.0
out of
5
Connectivity
5.0
out of
5
Performance
5.0
out of
5
By Bob
In Chicago, this card rules!
- March 16, 2008
I drive around Chicago area all day going from client to client. Althought I have a blackberry 8800 and a Mobile GPS in my car, having access to customer accounting and business intel is vital to keeping up. Sprint has never let me down. I highly recommend the Merlin S720, for its value, ease of use, and performance. If anything I think there could be some improvements to the software and connectivity interface. Optional external (car) antenna might also be helpful when venturing out in the city with some many obstructions seen and unseen.
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Review 10 for Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless
Overall Rating
out of
5
Decent...inconsistent connect speeds though
By Sara
- March 7, 2008
Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless attributes
Value
5.0
out of
5
Installation
5.0
out of
5
Software
5.0
out of
5
Connectivity
4.0
out of
5
Performance
4.0
out of
5
By Sara
Decent...inconsistent connect speeds though
- March 7, 2008
Connect speeds are inconsistent at times and can be downright sluggish, but I've found disconnecting and reconnecting fixes the problem.
Overall, though, I can't imagine how I lived without a wireless card before.
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Review 11 for Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless
Overall Rating
out of
5
You will be hooked w/in 30 seconds... I was!
By IronHelix
- March 3, 2008
Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless attributes
Value
5.0
out of
5
Installation
5.0
out of
5
Software
5.0
out of
5
Connectivity
5.0
out of
5
Performance
5.0
out of
5
By IronHelix
You will be hooked w/in 30 seconds... I was!
- March 3, 2008
Note that the software high marks refer to the older (grey) Novatel Connection Manager, not the newer black Sprint Connection Manager which I haven't tried.
I used to have an ancient Tmobile GPRS (not EDGE) data card, it was beat to hell (physically), slow (40kbit), unreliable (bad coverage), disconnected a lot. Figured EvDO would be a good upgrade, I was right! I borrowed one of these Novatel cards and knew it was what I needed within 30 seconds of using it.
The S720 is very well built and feels solid, even with the large block that sticks out the side of the laptop. While I wouldn't want to drop my laptop antenna-first, it feels like it will handle everyday abuse without cracking. So far I've not had any problems with the hardware, at all (and I've had it for about a year). It looks and feels quite a bit more solid than the Pantech card you can get for free, worth the extra $100 IMHO. I also don't think the Pantech card has GPS, the Novatel does.
Software installs nice and quick off the CD or sprint.com/downloads, I prefer the smaller/less bloated Novatel Connection Manager 3.x rather than the larger Sprint Connection Manger (black thing that also uses WiFi). After a few updates (totally automatic) you are good to go.
I configured my card for NDIS mode, so it shows up to Windows as an Ethernet adapter and connects immediately without having to launch the software. I just shove it in when I need it and 15 seconds later I'm online, no further action required. If I launch the software I can also get signal strength and enable the device's onboard GPS- it provides a standard NMEA output so it will work with DeLorme, MS Streets n Trips, or any other GPS mapping app. The connection manager also has a quick location find system where you can easily find the nearest gas/starbucks/hotel/etc via your favorite mapping site (google, live search, etc).
I configured my card for NDIS mode, so it shows up to Windows as an Ethernet adapter and connects immediately without having to launch the software. I just shove it in when I need it and 15 seconds later I'm online, no further action required. If I launch the software I can also get signal strength and enable the device's onboard GPS- it provides a standard NMEA output so it will work with DeLorme, MS Streets n Trips, or any other GPS mapping app. The connection manager also has a quick location find system where you can easily find the nearest gas/starbucks/hotel/etc via your favorite mapping site (google, live search, etc).
But the connection is what really shines. In my area there is EvDO Revision A (DoRA) service, and it tests at around 850-1000kbit download. It's fast. Really fast. I can be on my VPN, remote desktop'd to my main PC, while streaming music and surfing. If you need to get work done on the go, then this is for you. Having a separate datacard, while more expensive than using the phone as a modem, means you can talk and surf at the same time (a benefit that can be VERY useful).
Also the $60 unlimited data plan is actually unlimited. Verizon's 'unlimited' plan is limited at 5gbytes/mo of transfer, so if you use it too much your speed drops or they cancel your service. Not fun. Verizon also has a very restrictive terms of service- anything other than web/email/vpn is prohibited, no streaming, no youtube etc. It's not actually blocked, but the TOS is used to enforce the 5gb cap. Sprint's unlimited is actually unlimited and the TOS reflects that, no limits on streaming or what you can do with it. You can also get a router to go with this card; you put the card in the router and it becomes a mobile hotspot. With the router, any computer with a WiFi or Ethernet port can get on via your Sprint card, and you can have more than one computer online at once. This can make the Sprint service a good option for people who otherwise can't get cable or DSL.
I can't really review coverage as my coverage will differ from yours. Around here it's pretty good, DoRA everywhere. However some parts of the network only support EvDO Rev0 (around 450kbit/sec) or 1xRTT (80-120kbit/sec). You can also roam onto Verizon and many other carriers without extra fees; Verizon roaming is only at 1xRTT, Alltel allows EvDO though.
If you are considering the Sprint Mobile Broadband service, I highly recommend you give it a shot. Many Sprint stores (at least the ones around here) have a laptop set up with a mobile broadband card, so you can try out the speed. Also there is a 30 day guarantee so if you don't like it or don't get coverage where you need it you don't have to pay a big fee. And lastly I recommend the Novatel hardware over the other free stuff, it's worth the extra $100. You get GPS and (IMHO) a better built device. The Novatel 720 series includes PC card (this one), ExpressCard and USB devices so whatever flavor you need you're covered. Note that only the PC card works with the Linksys router Sprint sells; but other online stores sell routers that may work with the other devices.
Give this a shot. You won't be disappointed!
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Review 12 for Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless
Overall Rating
out of
5
Secure alternative to WiFi - not as fast, but HUGE
By Brandon
- November 16, 2007
Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless attributes
Value
5.0
out of
5
Installation
5.0
out of
5
Software
5.0
out of
5
Connectivity
5.0
out of
5
Performance
4.0
out of
5
By Brandon
Secure alternative to WiFi - not as fast, but HUGE
- November 16, 2007
Indispensable tool for mobile laptop access. Who needs WiFi when you can use the internet in the car on the fly (not while driving, of course). Although the download speeds can't match that of most DSL and certainly not cable, it is more secure than a public WiFi hotspot - and so long as your not way out in the middle of nowhere, there's always connectivity. If you don't need out of the ordinary large file upload/download, or extensive video feeds, this service could literally serve as your only ISP thus saving you from having a separate bill each month for other internet service. The software is reliable and connection access is even available while roaming!
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Review 13 for Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless
Overall Rating
out of
5
Forget Wi-Fi
By ebignotti
- February 15, 2007
Merlin™ S720 by Novatel Wireless attributes
Value
5.0
out of
5
Installation
4.0
out of
5
Software
5.0
out of
5
Connectivity
5.0
out of
5
Performance
5.0
out of
5
By ebignotti
Forget Wi-Fi
- February 15, 2007
It was getting expensive paying $10/night at hotels for Broadband and/or Wi-Fi access. Not any more. Our company purchased several of these EVDO cards to take on travel and I'm getting spoiled. I haven't tried other carriers but the Sprint data network is everything they say it is. This device came with easy to use setup software so now I just plug the card in (PCMCIA slot), click on Sprint Mobile Broadband, sign into our corporate VPN, and I'm online using our enterprise systems. It is very fast - my email downloads as fast as I can read it and access to the internet and intranet systems is almost as good as I'm used to at the office. I haven't found a bad coverage area in my travels - mainly East coast and midwest. Airport and hotel wi-fi hotspots are becoming contentious with growing numbers of users. This card gives me speed, mobility, and convenience that has been worry free.
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