Sprint Wants To Give Your iPad 4G Speeds

By Chris Scott Barr

If you read my review of the iPad earlier today, you probably noticed my little rant about the internet connectivity. While I have no issue with paying a little extra for the hardware, I’m pretty frustrated that I would have to pay even more money every month to keep this device connected to the internet. In that spirit, I purchased the non-3G model and am determined to use one of my two other mobile connections to provide simple access to the web on my iPad. I may need to look no further than Sprint for this.

Sprint has announced a new case for the iPad, which has a rather unique front pocket. Okay, so the pocket isn’t that unique, but rather it’s what lies inside that pocket that matters. In that pocket you can place one of their Overdrive 3G routers, which will provide an internet connection to your iPad (or any other devices) via WiFi. You’ll be able to connect up to 5 devices at once (you’ll have to authorize them so that no one leeches off of your internets) to Sprint’s 3G or 4G network, depending on your area.

The case is actually a freebie from Sprint, if you buy one of their Overdrive routers. The router will set you back around $100 after a rebate and a new 2-year contract. You’ll also have to pay $60 a month for the service, which will get you 5GB of data. Yes, it’s more expensive than purchasing service on the iPad each month through AT&T, but some of us are already paying Sprint $60 just to connect our laptops. Kudos to them for seeing this opportunity and seizing it.

[ Sprint ] VIA [ CrunchGear ]