In the cellular world, 4G doesn’t have a single completely clear meaning these days. But if you know that you want somewhat faster mobile data speeds and the Verizon MiFi isn’t your thing, check out AT&T’s USBConnect Force 4G ($90, free with two-year contract). It hooks up to the GSM-provider’s HSPA+ network to give your MacBook wireless speed on the road, using USB to power its chipset and antenna.
On top of speeds up to four times faster than what AT&T offers to 3G customers, the modem also gives you unlimited access to over 24,000 Wi-Fi Hot Spots around the country. If you want to have it serve double-duty as a flash drive, there is room for a microSD card with up to 32GB of capacity. Data is $50 a month for 5GB with the plan. If you choose the pay-as-you-go option, you can pay per day, week, or month—obviously at higher rates.
