Sprint on Monday launched its own version of the Sierra Wireless 598U, its replacement for the earlier 597. The USB stick like its predecessor gives computers access to Sprint's EVDO Rev. A and legacy 1xRTT data networks, with real-world downloads hovering between 600Kbps and 1.4Mbps while uploads reach between 350Kbps and 500Kbps. A microSDHC slot also lets the modem keep as much as 32GB of flash storage.

Sierra embeds the 598U with drivers that automatically install on both Macs and Windows PCs rather than using a separate CD. Sprint is giving the modem away for free today with a two-year data modem plan but sells the device contract-free for $250.