Verizon Wireless UM 150 USB Modem (Verizon Wireless) | 
| Brand: Verizon Wireless
Category: Wireless
List Price: $299.99
Buy New: $0.01
You Save: $299.98 (100%)
Rating:  4 reviews
Sales Rank: 8658
Color: Black
Media: Wireless Phone
Battery Type: Lithium Ion
Display Size: 3
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0
Dimensions (in): 0 x 0 x 0
Model: UM150VW
UPC: 044476804083
ASIN: B0017HOGJQ
Release Date: April 10, 2008
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Promotion: Data not available Terms and Conditions
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | USB modem offering connectivity to Verizon's BroadbandAccess (EV-DO) and NationalAccess data networks | | • | MicroSD slot for using optional memory cards up to 4 GB | | • | Retractable antenna and a Y-shaped extension cable for added performance and convenience | | • | Weighs 1.6 ounces; measures 3.6 x 1.5 x 0.7 inches (HxWxD) | | • | Includes: USB extension cable, VZAccess Manager CD, quick reference guide |
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| Editorial Reviews:
Amazon.com Product Description
Designed to work with any computing device equipped with a USB slot, the Verizon Wireless UM150 modem gives you on-the-go broadband access to Verizon's high-speed 1x/EVa€"DO network--providing speeds and performance similar to those of traditional cable or DSL connections. It supports both Windows and Mac PCs, and it also offers a MicroSD slot for added storage from optional memory cards. The UM150 comes equipped with a higha€"performance, retractable antenna and a Ya€"shaped extension cable for added performance and convenience. 
The blue LEDs on the outside of the UM150 let you know how strong your signal is. | Designed to be as durable as it is small, the UM150 combines a variety of innovative features into its tiny form factor, including a high-performance, retractable antenna and a Y-shaped extension cable for added performance and convenience. In addition, the UM150 serves as a mass storage device with its built-in MicroSD memory slot, which has a capacity of up to 4 GB. VZAccess Manager Software is included to simplify set-up and navigation through the UM150's features. 
The UM150 weighs just 1.6 ounces and measures 0.7 inches thin. | The UM150 modem is optimized for Verizon Wireless' Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO) Revolution A (Rev. A) network and the company's BroadbandAccess service, which provides average download speeds of 600 kilobits per second (kbps) to 1.4 megabits and average upload speeds of 500-800 kbps. When connecting within a Rev. A coverage area, the UM150 can download a 1 MB email attachment in about eight seconds and upload the same-sized file in less than 13 seconds. The UM150 is compatible with both Verizon's BroadbandAccess and NationalAccess services. BroadbandAccess is available in 248 major metropolitan areas covering over 240 million people, and is expanding coast to coast. BroadbandAccess is also available in 232 primary airports in the U.S. Verizon Wireless NationalAccess is available in thousands of cities and towns across the U.S. Outside the Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess coverage area, BroadbandAccess users will still have access to their data with Verizon Wireless' NationalAccess service, which provides connectivity at speeds bursting up to 144 kbps. Other features include: - Memory storage up to 4 GB using optional MicroSD memory cards
- Compatible with all devices supporting the Type A USB interface including desktops, notebooks, tablet PCs and PDAs
- Windows 2000, XP, Vista and Mac OS X 10.3.9 or higher
- 2a€"way text messaging capable (via VZAccess Manager)
- VPN compatible
- Dimensions: 3.6 x 1.5 x 0.7 inches (HxWxD)
- Weight: 1.6 ounces
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| Customer Reviews:
 Mostly Good Some Bad December 2, 2008
The UM150 is basically easy to use and pretty easy to understand piece of equipment. The blue lights on the side show signal strength, power and whether or not you are using a micro SD card. I got this from a Verizon store for free with a contract but the monthly cost is kinda steep for what it is next to dsl or cable internet. I never used the micro slot though since this is for my desktop and I already have enough flash drives in use. I guess its kind of a nice feature to have for people with laptops on the go though. I did notice the size is kind of bulky which isn't really a big deal for a desktop but a person with a laptop it might be different scenario. Basically all you have to due is install the software and stick it in your usb slot and that's about it. I got it about 7 months ago amd I have had nothing but trouble out of the VZ access manager software it comes with and spending at least an hour out of 2 weeks or every month or so with tech support trying to figure it out. Even though VZ access manager is a easy way to see signal strength and signal it just never worked good for me. Since then I have gotten a Cradlepoint router about a month or two ago and it works flawlessly now which I can now play on XBOX live or PSN if I want too and the overall speed is actually faster. The only downside to not using VZ access manager is keeping up with data usage so I have to check the site every couple days. Verizon does have a 5gb limit a month data usage which if all you do is check email and surf the web than you should be o.k. but if you are gonna watch videos or whatever than you need to keep good track of your usage. The price is pay a month is kinda high for having a limit on use but then again people would be abusing it if you didn't like watching full length movies and such.
I live in a rural area and basically this is the best internet I can get next to 7.2kps dial up and I refuse to use satellite internet due to price and Verizon is the only company that has evdo support in my area as well. Though my signal strength goes between two and three bars it really depends on the day and internet traffic. I can tell you what days my internet speed zooms and other days like Friday nights its like dial up speed. In my area I rarely hit above 1 mbps down time but usually between 200-500 kps upstream and 500-800 kps downstream. Some days with the antenna down I get better speeds and I know it sounds kind of weird but some days I can take a piece of aluminum foil and put it on the antenna and boost my signal strength from two to three bars. I know to some people that my speed may seem slow but when you can't get absolutely anything else its good enough. If I had a choice between this and dsl or cable I would probably drop this but for people who travel with laptops I would say it it very nice to have and for people who can't get anything else its a nice investment. I recommend this if you need a good evdo device as long as you can get a good signal b/c with the monthly charges you want to make sure its good.
 Verizon's "broad"band extremly slow November 7, 2008
1 out of 4 found this review helpful
I've own a Verizon data card for over a year now and the connection speed is becoming extremely slow. I tested everywhere including in house, on the road, airport etc. The avg download is about 400K and upload 140K. These are significantly slower than what I was promised at the store and the results of my tests when I first bought it (800K/400K).
I called Verizon. The tech support guy was very rude and basically said this speed is normal and "broadband". He also tried to come up with excuses such as you are indoor although he had to agree that my signal strength was good. He also said as long as you could connect, you couldn't argue because there was no promise of the speed on the contract. (So basically even if your speed was 1K, they wouldn't see a problem with it.)
My conclusion, I will never use Verizon again.
UM150 Included with Verizon plan, which is pricey but worth it. Convenient and fast. Comes with domestic tech support, too! July 13, 2008
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
At first I thought this device looked flimsy, but I have to say after a couple of months it's a lot tougher than it looks. Depending on where your USB port is located, it might be safer with some laptops than others. On mine it's located on the right side, near the ENTER key. Needless to say, I've knocked into it from every possible direction, but the modem just pivots in any direction and doesn't break off. That was certainly well thought out!
The card folds up flat, but when you use it, the USB connector piece folds out at a 90 degree angle and plugs into your port. There is also an antenna (approx two inches) that you can extend from the top for better signal. I bought the optional booster antenna, too, but have never needed it.
There are blue dots on the flat side facing the computer that indicate signal strength. The bottom dot always flashes if the unit is plugged in and working. The piece with the signal indicator slides down to cover the USB connector when not in use, but sliding it up and down also resets the unit like turning it off and on.
I'm very happy with the UM150. It's well constructed and well designed. It makes traveling with my laptop a breeze. I love the freedom of being able to work with my laptop all over the house, out in the yard, in the car while waiting to pick up family members, or when I'm on the road.
The modem comes with a software disc. For some reason my installation wasn't smooth, so I had to call customer service. Verizon wireless has domestic tech support, which I appreciated no end. He helped me reset a few things and it was working in 5 minutes.
One caution - if you ever get a prompt to update the software on this, don't do it! There are several steps you need to go through, including deleting the old software, downloading the new software from an authorized website, etc. Call Verizon's tech support and they will walk you through it all in just a few minutes.
The monthly fee is $59.99 for virtually unlimited access; 5G a month should be plenty for browsing and email. Tack on about another $20/month to your bill just for the taxes and junk fees. My monthly phone bill, with another carrier, suffers from the same type of surcharge inflation. Maybe it's pricey, but I get a lot more use out of this than cable TV!
Highly recommended!
Free*. Performs well. May 26, 2008
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
I've had this modem for about a few months, and it works well. I get good signal strength, and my speed is within Verizon's specs. Some people say that USB modems are slower than the PC cards. It's probably true, but not that much slower. The modem was free with a contract with Verizon. I also picked up a 2GB micro SD card for $10, and use it to transfer files between my systems. The only slight downside is the UM150 is a little on the large side, and sticks out somewhat. It's not a big deal to me. You can pivot and swivel it so it's never in the way. The UM150 also has a signal strength meter. Something the PC cards and most other USB modems don't have.
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