Everyone appreciates a device that can serve more than one purpose (like the USB EVDO modems that can double as a flash drive!), and Franklin Wireless has released news that they're coming out with a potentially AWESOME device that is compatible with WiMAX, EVDO Rev-A, AND HSDPA! It's called the U300 and is made by C-Motech, and is set to become available by the end of the year.

I said that it was "potentially" awesome because at this point, we don't know much about it other than the technical specifications released by the company. There is speculation that it will be a pricey device - possibly in the $200-$300 range (but again, that is just speculation at this point), and how the usage will be charged is unknown, too. Sprint's XOHM service doesn't require a contract, but all EVDO providers do. Most likely, we will still be required to sign a contract if we want to use the U300 for EVDO, but hopefully WiMAX will remain contract free. As for monthly costs, I would imagine we'll be paying for both services at full price. Another question is whether it has an antenna port on it - while there aren't currently any antennas available for WiMAX devices, there will be in the future and a lack of antenna port could be a deal breaker for many users. As for use in a router, that's another question that probably won't be answered for a while.

If the u300 is as good as it sounds up front, it will likely become a huge hit.

Read more and get the full specs on 4Ginfo.com
Discuss the U300 and other WiMAX devices on the 4G Forums