Verizon Wireless USB760 modem review

There's no software CD as it's all included on the modem. The Verizon Wireless USB760 works with any system running Windows (Windows 2000 Professional, XP, and Vista), Mac (Mac OS X 10.4.0 or higher) or Linux with a Type-A USB port. We tested the device on our Lenovo T61, and as soon as we plugged the USB760 into our laptop, the VZAccess Manager client automatically launched and guided us through the installation process, which was quick and easy. The desktop client's user interface looks a bit dated, but it's intuitive and allows you do a number of things in addition to connecting to the Web via Verizon BroadbandAccess or NationalAccess (Verizon's wireless Internet service). You can also check your usage and session log, send and receive text messages, as well as launch and manage applications. Like the T-Mobile WebConnect, there is no built-in GPS.

The USB760 works on Verizon's EV-DO Rev. A network, which averages download speeds of 600kbps up to 1.4Mbps and upload speeds of 500kpbs to 800kbps. It also features NovaSpeed software, which is designed to make simultaneous uploads and downloads faster. We tested the modem throughout San Francisco and based on six tests using Speedtest.net, we averaged 1.48Mbps for download speeds and 590kbps for upload speeds. The fastest speeds we clocked were 1.83Mbps for downloads and 590kbps for uploads. For comparison's sake, the T-Mobile WebConnect's averaged 670Kbps and 310Kbps and the difference between the USB760 and the T-Mobile WebConnect was quite noticeable.

With a signal strength of about -58dbm, it took about 8 seconds for a 1MB picture to upload and 1 minute, 4 seconds to download a 7MB e-mail attachment. CNET's Web site fully loaded in 12 seconds, while The New York Times came up in 20 seconds, CNN in 10 seconds, and ESPN in 8 seconds. We'll continue to test the modem in different environments and cities and compare them with similar products, but we'd have to say the Verizon Wireless USB760 is a fine portable modem that provided consistent coverage and swift data speeds.