In our review, we uses a E1750 USB dongle from Starhub's using 7.2Mbps Plan, we also uses an USB 5V adapter cable (which we found from one of our old USB device) instead of the original 5V power adapter. This is to prove the portability of the router without the default 5V power adapter.
The router itself is very light weight, weighing at about 100grams only and fits into any brief case easily, as you can see from the comparison picture below against an iPhone 3G. It is very well suited for any business users to bring along and use it to share with any one, not restricted by the 5 users limitation from a MIFI device.
The router comes with Wireless-N @ 300Mbps and has 2 x Ethernet Ports on the back of the router and 2 x USB2.0 Port (1 for the Modem, 1 for Printer or storage device). One of the Ethernet port can be configured to support WAN connection to a ADSL/Cable Modem. This can also be achieved using the USB Port at the back. As you can see from the picture, the USB on the top of the unit can be flip to accept a 3G dongle. It could also be used a a USB Port for other devices if you decides to use the unit as a WAN router connecting to a ADSL/Cable modem.
Here is a picture of the unit in action, all powered up and connected using power supply from a Laptop's
USB connection and connected to Starhub's 3G network.
The router has 3 indicator lights on it. Mainly the WAN Connection, Wireless Connection, and Power Indicator (From Top to Bottom).
Web Interface wise, it uses the same interface as the HW550-3G, only difference is the availability of a total of 5 ports (1WAN & 4 LAN) vs 2 ports on the HW553, not forgetting the size.
So, price wise, this baby is tagged at S$119 on major IT retail outlets. Not bad for one that is portable and allows the use of USB power to power the unit up.
Conclusion:
We loved this nifty little unit, very portable and easy to configure.
Our Wish List for this router:
What we are looking forward for this unit is to have the 5V supply cable being part of the package so that it will really become a truth portable 3G router. Couple it with the newer laptops with 8 hours battery life, I'm sure this router will provide the mobility internet hotspot for professionals working on the move in a team.
