Netgear AirCard 810
Product ratings
Pros
Cons
63 reviews
Buy the cheaper models and save. The theoretical speeds this unit is capable of may never become a reality.
The product performs as expected. It is really convenient as a mobile hotspot. However its hardware does not seem to be powerful enough to double as a home router, which I thought was possible given that it is supposed to support up to 15 devices simultaneously. Perhaps that is just for web browsing as its capacity to pass traffic among devices in the wlan is limited despite that its WiFi chip is capable of delivering the highest speeds. If you stream media within the house, you may want to consider a different solution. Also, even when working at low demand it introduces latency that affects VoIP and video calls.
Another consideration is that it lacks a wired lan port so it cannot be used just as a modem in tandem with a router unless you also buy its docking station that cost around 200 CHF.
Last, one might be tempted to buy this unit because of its promise to connect LTE at 600 Mbps...Well, it does not seem to be something we will see any soon. In the best of the situations it connects at max 20Mbs using the networks around here, which are not yet upgraded to that standard. But even when they are, that theoretical speed may be just a dream. So you may want to buy the 785 or 790 models that promise speeds of up 150 and 300 Mbps respectively which again will probably be imposible to use at even 30% of capacity with the current networks.Pro
- Easy to use
- Very portable
- Battery life
Contra
- No wired lan port
- Docking station to augment capacities is expensive
- Adds latency that affects calls
- Somehow expensive for its hardware
Beautiful device with large colour display and LTE Cat.11, but... but....
Battery charging function is absolutely crap and unusable. If the device is plugged into the USB port of the Fritzbox in continuous operation, the battery charges up to 100% and then the charging process switches off and is not resumed until the battery reaches 0% and the connection breaks down. What is this all about? With a device in this price range(!) such breakdowns?? Plugging and unplugging the device every day to charge it? Powering the device via USB without a battery is not possible either. Tried to reach Netgear product support, but an audience with the Pope would be easier to manage. I am disappointed. I also tried to use the device with a Netgear Nighthawk R7000 via USB tethering. It doesn't work because the function is not supported. It works fine on the Fritzbox (third-party manufacturer!) together with the Aircard. Netgear still has a lot of catching up to do in terms of troubleshooting. :-(
Contra
- Battery charging function
- too expensive
Expensive and somewhat disappointing
I would not have thought that this high-priced device would have so many restrictions (see list). In addition, the small touch screen does not respond at times - but this is only the case with my device. In the meantime, I have been able to test another one where the display responds promptly to all inputs. A wired LAN connection is only possible via a separately purchased - also expensive - docking station.
Update: In the meantime, there is the M2 Nighthawk, which includes many of the functions missed here. However, the M2 is even more expensive...
The AirCard 810 is quite small in the hand, which makes it practical for travelling. I would have expected a heavier weight, so I am positively surprised. Still, only 3 out of 5 points (at this price!)...
Attention: SIM cards of the MICRO size fit into the SIM card slot.
If you put SIM cards of the size NANO into a MICRO adapter, as I did, this works for the time being when you push it in. However, there is then a risk that one of the feet of the SIM card reader will break off when it is pushed out (see photo)...!!! In this case, the device can unfortunately be disposed of. :-(Pro
- Simple operation via app + web GUI
- Small + light
- Powerbank mode for "emergencies" (I have not tested it yet)
- The battery of the unit is replaceable
Contra
- Parallel operation of guest network and 5G WLAN not possible
- WLAN throughput is somewhat poor
- No LAN connection (RJ-45)
- Clunky power supply unit + short connection cable with rare USB plug! (Micro B - very wide)
- Attention: Only powerful alternative power supplies are suitable for charging
- An external antenna and an ETUI should have been part of the basic equipment at this price.
- Display does not react in phases (only affects my device)
- Continuous power operation does not always go so well with battery (see other comments)
Overpriced product
I bought this device because of the poor LTE performance of my Huawei E5770.
The device is unfortunately much weaker and that despite the antenna that is recommended for it.
If you want to use w-lan on 5 Ghz and benefit from the antenna connections, I can recommend it.
To all others, I advise you to save half the price of the Huawei E5770, which is much better value for money.Pro
- 5GHz
- Two antenna connections
- Light and handy
- Easy to use
Contra
- Very weak LTE and w-lan performance
- Expensive ( price/performance)
- Short charging cable
- Weak battery
Who can do without LTE Cat 11, I would also recommend the predecessor.
I can only recommend the hotspot. Already with the predecessors I never had problems.
The devices are absolutely reliable and not comparable with a cheap hotspot from Swisscom or Salt.
The reception is decent and the device has additional features such as a power bank or external antenna connections.Pro
- Latest technology
- Super fast
- Stable
- User friendly
- Reliable
- Powerbank
Contra
- Ev. a bit big for certain people
Runs flawlessly
I would buy again.
Pro
- handy
Contra
- Keyboard is sluggish
6 out of 63 reviews
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