So far I can tell (without LTE) only on the basis of my first experiences, but they are almost invariably positive. Because they do not exist so many reviews on this device here, I leave you ever participate:
(+) The device is protected at the factory state with an individual SSID, WPA2 and indivduellem password. All the necessary information can be found on a sticker in the battery compartment. Since it does not hurt that the factory admin password (for logging into the web interface and the AirCard app) "password" is (you should of course still change the safe side).
The Aircard shows the WPA2 password by default in the display (can be switched off). Prima, so you can start right away.
Also, the admin password can not be forgotten, because it is also in the display (on the "Device Info" page that you via "Browse" on the navigation key reached) displayed. To me it would be very much prefer if you could also turn off this display, because as the admin password is the key to everything (at least if you have already access to Wi-Fi), you really do well, the router from prying fingers to protect. I wish that Netgear nachbessert here with a firmware update. So far, therefore only one "+" at this point.
(++) Adjust the device, ie Insert SIM card (Micro-SIM format) and battery, then via web interface SSID, password and various settings (IP address, DHCP range, etc.) to your own wishes, is intuitive and done for experienced even without reading the manual in a few minutes. Less experienced, refer to the Quick Start Guide and a good help this hurdle should also be able to master.
(++) Dual-band WLAN (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) is also possible. Etc. In hotels, on crowded campgrounds is the very useful, since the 2.4 GHz band here usually overfull, the 5 GHz band but usually much less is not frequented by.
(++) Up to 15 devices can work up a WLAN (arbitrarily divided between the two bands, but not more than 15). This is a huge advantage over most other mobile routers, which often do not allow more than 5 users. And who does not believe that that is not enough in the private sector: In my family, there's only 5 Smartphones and Tablets 3. :-) Addition then still occasionally the odd laptop.
(++) The operation is absolutely no mystery. Via the display, the AirCard app and / or the browser interface one has perfect control of the machine, especially on the previously used data volume, the logged-in client, as well as various settings. Much better can one actually do not.
Also surprised the abundance of setting possibilities, much is expected not to a mobile router. So you can for example, the range of the wireless network in three different stages regulate (short, normal, long), and even set up port-wide lines and filters.
(++) If the signal reception is too weak, can be remedied (2 TS9 connectors) on an (optional) external antenna. But even with the internal antenna the reception (at least HSPA +) is absolutely fine, slightly better than with my smartphone (Samsung Galaxy Note 3).
(++) The (standard) battery seems to be quite persistent. After more than one hour of operation he is down only 90%. Let's see how that develops.
(++) Overall, the device does indeed not excessively high, but solid. The housing plastic is processed everywhere clean and fit. Commendable: The antenna connectors are protected with solid sliding covers from dust and dirt. No fummeliges, labbe engined fuss as with other mobile routers (eg Huawei or ZTE MF60 587, which I've used).
As I said, the LTE reception I can not say anything because my contract z.Zt. includes no LTE. I will in the next few months to make up for time and if necessary update the review.
Except for the shown on the display admin password (here Netgear should urgently rectify) I could not find a fly in the ointment so far. Subtract a star for this, however, seems to me an exaggeration, therefore, definitely a recommendation from my side.
*** Update on 19/02/2015: After prolonged use I made additionally noted that:
(++) The standard battery will last under normal use and good HSPA + signal actually at least 8 hours (for me it is even 9-10 hours, but of course this is highly dependent on usage and signal strength).
(-) The use of an external antenna is not always a panacea for better reception. I have, for example, with the multi-band antenna for LTE 800/1800/2600 MHz, omni-directional antenna with up to 11dBi gain in performance, 5m cable, TS-9 / CRC-9 connector, suitable for various LTE surfsticks such as Huawei E392, E398 ( Telekom LTE Speed Stick, Vodafone K5005 LTE stick), E3276 (Tele ... tried, but has given me (of course, only to HSPA + based compared with the hotspot internal antennas actually 6 dB less signal level). Perhaps it is simply because, Although these antenna supports 2G and 3G, but is optimized for 4G (LTE and lack fare I can not say at present whether the antenna may still advantages in an LTE signal).
(-) Sometimes I have the hotspot after switching on again, "take off", because although it purports after start-up to be connected to the Internet, in fact, the client but not access the Internet. After the "go-around" but it's off.
(-) With my two Sony Xperia Tablet Z with Android 4.3 I have not yet managed to bring this into the 5 GHz WLAN (what with Galaxy Note 3 and Note 3 Neo, both easily works with Android 4.4.2) , For some unknown reason goes so far with the Sony Tablets only the 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi (although this support 5 GHz and at home in your home network without any problems in the 5 GHz WLAN running).
(-) The hotspot is one of reliable data volume, but the remaining days in the billing period are always 0 (so of course no automatic reset of values takes place).
Probably is not even a software error, but is simply because that the Hotspot the current time from the mobile network (here: Vodafone) can not relate (in fact, he also shows at any point the date and time). Unfortunately, there is no possibility of entering or date and time - that would be even better - set NTP.
(-) It would not be bad if Netgear would still mitliefern a small pocket, to avoid scratching the screen when transporting the hotspots.
That's also been, and at least I can live with those small defects and "bitches" (especially here certainly there is a chance that future firmware updates this eliminate). Therefore will I receive my vote upright. ***
