In my preview here, I announced the CradlePoint MBR1000 WWAN router.
Well, the MBR1000 was joined by the CTR500 and PHS300 mobile routers.
These three devices have performed beyond admirably.
The CradlePoint MBR1000 Router
This is a Superstar product.
In all our tests, one feature replicated across the line of CradlePoint devices was the ease of use.
The CradlePoint routers are plug-in easy, and come with a browser-based setup that is just easy.
Written for humans, this is a welcome departure from the techno jargon generally found in user guides from lesser companies.
I am still impressed by the fact that you plug in an already activated cellular mode, open a browser window, and Bob’s your uncle. Simple as that. If setup is required, a wizard and/or a simple web page allows you to do just that.
This is a high performance device, and it actually increased the perceptible response of the cellular modem.
For this and all mentioned in the preview, we are giving the CradlePoint MBR1000 the SmallBizWindows Superstar Award.
For any business, and anyone for that matter, in an area without broadband, the only device you should consider is the CradlePoint MBR1000 Router.
The CradlePoint CTR500
In a conversation with Don, a VITO (Very Important Top Officer) at CradlePoint, I mentioned that I might be taking the MBR1000 on the road with me for mobility. He laughed, and pointed me in the direction of the CradlePoint CTR500 and PHS300 devices, letting me know that they have me covered. Subsequently, I received both devices for review.
For the CTR500, I decided to test for reception as well as mobility.
Location: Holyoke, Colorado.
For this review, some providers from Mediklabs perform a clinical outreach in Holyoke to the underserved of our populace. In order to do so excellently, the providers need to be in contact with the servers back at Mediklabs.
However, in their assigned offices, the only spot where a cellular 3G connection cam be made is at a far corner right at the window.
Into this comes the CTR500. Plugging the 3G modem into the CradlePoint CTR500 created an instant Wi-Fi hotspot that worked throughout the assigned offices.
The providers looked at me like I was…..
This same experience has been replicated several times over the past couple of weeks all over rural Northern Colorado.
It is a device that extends your productivity past the end of the broadband line, and it is very welcome.
As a result, it is the recipient of the SmallBizWindows Business Ready Award of Excellence.
The CradlePoint PHS300 Router
For the past several months, I have traveled to Utah performing rainmaking duties for a project we have been working on.
Since it involves a lot of proprietary numbers, both sides in the negotiations have experienced some trepidation allowing me the use of their computer network while I am on their premises.
Enter the CradlePoint PHS300.
Upon entering the client building on the two occasions over the last few weeks that I have been there, I turned on the PHS300, which, incidentally, measures only 3x5, in got to work.
It is safe to say that enquiring minds wanted to know what we were talking about.
Even while in their data center, reception from the PHS300 was steady, and in all instances, the CradlePoint routers excelled in performance, even better performance than the stock 3G modems.
In the car, pickup truck actually, for the 2-hour trip back to the airport, my assistant and I were able to continue working through just one modem.
We are also giving the CradlePoint PHS300 the SmallBizWindows Business Ready Award of Excellence.
This kind of productivity enhancement does not come by accident.
In targeting this space, CradlePoint is innovating in a very neglected, however soon to be extremely important sector of the economy.
As more people disconnect their landlines and move to 3G and soon, 4G networks, the ability to take that broadband connection with us will be a boon to our productivity goals. CradlePoint is well positioned to help up make that leap. Which I am sure will be appreciated by some deep-pocketed company.
Finally, we are making the CradlePoint MBR1000, CTR500, and PHS300 essential components of the Logikworx Small Business Toolkit. Immediately.