Reviev for Verizon Wireless 4G LTE USB Modem 551L

In many cities which currently have it, LTE 4G network Verizon has the fastest mobile data speeds out there. Verizon Wireless 4G LTE-551L USB Modem ($ 99.99 - $ 249.99) is the latest cellular modem to take advantage of a blistering speed. Even defeated our Editors Choice ', which UML290 Pantech ($ 49.99 - $ 249.99, 4 stars), the download speed for a couple of our speed test head-to-head. But Novatel 551L, while good, is not our latest Editors Choice '. That's because, while the 551L might be able to attract the fastest download speed 4G LTE may be, is still lacking some features that maintain cellular modem from the main current.

Design, Software and Plan
The 551L is, the thinnest slim 4G LTE modem so far. At 3.5 by 1.4 by .5 inches, it was almost funny term, but not enough UML290 animal. But unlike UML290, that feels solid even with its rotating antenna design, 551L feels thin. Back cover jiggles when touched, and fold out USB connector feels a bit awkward. While the hinge appears strong, I feel like I will break the device every time I plugged it into the bare branches of connection feels like a magnet for dust and other debris. Top right corner of the modem is home to a light, single status LED colorful colors appear different depending on whether you have 3G, 4G or no connection. It does not have a MicroSD card slot, and unlike UML290, there is no external antenna port.

Fortunately, 551L works with Verizon's VZ Access Manager software for Windows and Mac directly from the box. This is an improvement over UML290 and VL600 LG ($ 99.99 - $ 249.99, 3.5 stars), which adds support for Mac after they're released. VZ Access Manager itself is, relatively mild no-nonsense manager connection much more responsive and less accident prone than Sprint or T-Mobile products compete.

Verizon has a 4G LTE service in 39 metro areas now, and expects to reach more than 145 at the end of the year; outer zones, UML290 works on Verizon's 3G EVDO Rev A. The plan costs $ 50/month for 5 GB or 10 GB for $ 80/month, plus $ 10/GB extra on a good plan.
As a CDMA modem, UML290 the works in parts of Canada, Mexico, India, China and other countries, but not Europe, and a painful roaming rates: up to $ 20.48/MB. I would not buy this modem for use outside the U.S.

Performance and Conclusion
I tested the 551L in New York City head-to-head against our current Editors Choice ', which UML290 Pantech, in 12 different locations during the day. I transferred files via FTP, download Web pages using curl, and ran speedtest.net speed tester.

Overall, both modems have an average speed of almost the same. At speedtest.net, which simulates Internet streaming, 551L 14.3Mbps below average, while average UML290 13.5Mbps. UML290 come forward in the upload, though, with an average of 5.7Mbps 5.9Mbps as compared with the 551L. FTP and Web tests even more closely, though UML290 again, slightly higher upload speed. Tests so close, in fact, that when one modem out to the front, it is UML290 55% of the time.

I did a test in 3G mode, and the result is the same: 551L achieve download speeds slightly higher, at 1.68Mbps down compared to 1.18Mbps in UML290 it. But UML290 that have higher upload speeds, at 0.13 Mbps compared to 0.04 on the 551L's Mbps.

So while 551L achieve download speeds higher than it UML290, UML290 it's just a little more solid across the board. In addition, the first test unit I received from Novatel has a connectivity problem that caused fall in my test connection. There are also cases where the VZ Access Manager told me that I'm connected to the modem, but I can not connect to the Web. After talking to Novatel, they sent me a new modem that works well, so the problem is likely specific to a particular device.

Having seen and tested third-Verizon LTE 4G modem, it looks like they all do relatively the same. Based on that, I stick with a more solid UML290 for average performance, brawnier build, and an external antenna port.

If you want to show off the most impressive download speeds possible, the 551L is a Novatel wireless modem to do it. But if you're looking for the best connections across the board, which UML290 Pantech must remain your first choice.

You may also want to see the next crop MiFi Verizon LTE devices, which can connect up to five computers and telephones to the ad-hoc Wi-Fi hotspots. We've tested the Samsung 4G LTE Mobile HotSpot SCH-LC11 ($ 99.99 - $ 269.99, 3.5 stars), and while it saw the speed of almost 15 percent slower than a USB modem, it's still the best bet for connecting multiple devices at once. Novatel Wireless has another hotspot will soon come, that we had at CES. We'll have a review as soon as it came out.