Sprint Nextel Merlin EX 720 Q Is it possible to use an external antenna with the MerlinTM EX720?

Q:I’m currently using a PC laptop with a PCMCIA Type II card (PC Card) slot, but I or my company plans on purchasing new PC laptops in the next 3-to-6 months. Is there any type of adapter that I can use today with the Merlin EX720 ExpressCard today and then use it without the adapter when I have my new PC laptop?

A:Yes, an adapter for the Merlin EX720 ExpressCard to fit into a PCMCIA Type II card (PC Card) slot is included in this device’s retail box packaging.

Q: Is it possible to use an external antenna with the MerlinTM EX720?

A:Yes, although it is not necessary on a day-to-day basis for mobile professionals. To connect an external antenna to the Merlin EX720, an antenna adapter cable is required. The antenna cable connects directly into the Merlin EX720 via the antenna connector located under the rubber cap on the left-side of the device while the antenna requires a SMA male connector.

Q: How will the use of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection affect the data transfer

speed of the Novatel MerlinTM EX720?

A:Since a Virtual Private Network (VPN) connection increases the amount of data being transferred for security purposes, the average data transfer speed will be reduced by its use. The amount of degradation in the data transfer speed will depend upon the level of security/encryption in place and may be reduced by consulting the IT administrator in charge of your VPN.

Q: If I lose coverage or remove the MerlinTM EX720 during a file download, will the download

resume when the card is inserted and within CDMA coverage again?

A:No. You will need to re-establish a connection to the network and restart the file download. Some third party applications provide the capability of continuing a file transfer after a call drop.

Q: How do I activate my Merlin EX720 USB modem for use?

A:The Sprint SmartViewSM software (for Windows and Mac) includes an automatic one-touch activation feature. The activation feature occurs during installation of the software. Refer to your Quick Start Guide for details on installation and activation. It is important to remember that you must set up an account with Sprint before you are able to activate the device. Contact Sprint Customer Solutions at 1- 888-211-4727. Ensure that the following information is available for the Customer Solutions representative:

•Current billing address

•Social Security or Tax ID number

•Driver's license number

•Electronic Serial Number (ESN) of the device

Install the Sprint SmartView software and follow the prompts to activate the device.

Q:Where can I get the latest version of the Sprint SmartView software for my Merlin EX720 USB modem?

A:Users can initiate an update to the latest version from within Sprint SmartView installed on their computer. Just select “Tools>Check for Application Updates Now…” or

Visit www.sprint.com/downloads. Select the correct Operating System from the drop down list and then click the Submit button. Locate the latest version of the Sprint SmartView software for the NovatelWireless Merlin EX720 USB modem and then click the corresponding Download link.

Q:Will the Novatel Wireless Merlin EX720 work with the Sprint Mobile Broadband Connection ManagerSM software installed for other Novatel Wireless devices?

A:No, it will not. The Merlin EX720 Refresh model works only with the Sprint SmartView software.