My travel bag contained NICs from all three vendors, and I performed testing on networks from T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, AT&T Wireless and Sprint PCS. Before heading out, I installed each vendor's software and card on a Dell Latitude laptop running Windows XP Professional in our Syracuse University Real-World Labs®. I verified the installation and tested some services in Syracuse. Only the Novatel U520 did not work because it relies on AT&T Wireless' UMTS service, which is available in only six cities. I tested it solely in the Detroit area. In each case, I performed multiple tests using online performance utilities from Visualware that let me measure both upstream and downstream throughput and latency. I varied the time of day and, where possible, the physical location. The results reported are averages of all the tests.
Novatel Wireless Merlin C201
I tested the Novatel Merlin C201 using Sprint's CDMA-1xRTT service. The Merlin C201 is autoconfigured as a NIC using its Wireless Connection Manager, but once the driver and client software were installed, I didn't need to open the application to get connected. This card has a stub antenna and a single LED that provides some visual feedback on connection status. Our tests showed downstream throughput that fluctuated between 50 Kbps and 110 Kbps but averaged 86 Kbps, while upstream performance averaged about 29 Kbps. Latency was better than GPRS or EDGE, consistently hovering around 550 ms. Available from Sprint PCS; list price $149.99
Novatel Wireless Merlin U520
The Novatel Wireless Merlin U520 uses a stub antenna, with a bright blue LED. The SIM (subscriber information module), which handles identity services, installs underneath the card. I tested it in Windsor, Ontario, across the river from Detroit. Downstream throughput averaged 250 Kbps and upstream 50 Kbps. Latency averaged a consistent 235 ms, providing a user experience similar to EV-DO. Available from AT&T Wireless and Cingular; list price $149.99 with a two-year activation.
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