Sprint Overdrive Pro 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot launches March 20

Sprint today announced that the Overdrive Pro 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot by Sierra Wireless will be available on March 20. It is the next generation of Sprint's previous Overdrive 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot, increases the number of shared users from five to eight, and has a 45 percent larger LCD screen.

Sprint claims the Overdrive Pro offers a number of enhancements over its predecessor, focused mostly on performance and usability. There is a 35 percent improvement in power-up and power-down times. The integrated LCD screen is now 45 percent larger to provide a greater viewing area, while the device itself is actually smaller for easier portability. And the LCD can now display detailed connection and device information through additional screens that can be accessed by double-pressing the power button.

The Overdrive Pro allows users to connect up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices simultaneously–including laptops, tablets, eReaders, gaming devices, cameras and even smartphones from other carriers–through a single connection (via Wi-Fi) to Sprint's 3G or 4G networks.

Additional features include up to 150 foot range for Wi-Fi connections, as well as support for 802.11n. The Overdrive Pro also provides shared microSD storage, GPS support, and location-based services to all connected devices.

The Overdrive Pro will be available from Sprint for $99.99 with a $50 mail-in-rebate with a two-year service agreement. Users can purchase the device and sign up for plans at select Sprint retail stores, or through Sprint's Web site.

This article, written by Alex Colon, originally appeared on PCMag.com and is republished on Gear Live with the permission of Ziff Davis, Inc.