Note for Snow Leopard users:
If you have upgraded to Snow Leopard, or already have Snow Leopard installed on your Mac, please see this updated post regarding using the USB-727: USB727 with Snow Leopard.
Connecting with the USB727 on a MacBook
If you are using Verizon Wireless’ USB727 to connect your MacBook to the Internet, it is easy to connect using system preferences. But before connecting, you must download and install Verizon’s VZAccess Manager software. The latest version can be found here:
Verizon Wireless Software Download Site (vzam.net)
Once you have installed the software properly, you do not need to use VZAccess to connect your MacBook. Instead, you can simply use System Preferences. The main reason I use System Preferences to connect is that VZAccess Manager takes over your network connections, and as long as it is running, you cannot use the built-in AirPort Wireless connection on your Mac. However, if you use System Preferences to connect, both are available simultaneously.
Before Step 1:
Make sure you have installed the software from Verizon Wireless. Get the latest available, especially if you are using Leopard (Mac OS X 10.5). Use the link above to get the latest software.
Step 1:
Click on the “Apple” in the upper-left portion of the OS X menu bar, then click on “System Preferences…”
Step 2:
Click on “Network”
Step 3:
Choose the USB727 modem
Step 4:
Press “Connect”
This is what you will see once you are connected:
Once connected, you can surf the ‘net, email, SSH, FTP, etc., all using the cellular connection you have just opened.
You can even share this connection with those around you.
To Share The USB727 Connection:
If you want to share this connection, I recommend creating an encrypted network using Mac OS X’s built-in Internet Connection Sharing. Instructions for creating an encrypted network can be found in another post:
MacBook Internet Connection Sharing
The USB727 has performed very well for me as I travel around the US. It is a great tool to have while at your local coffee shop, too. It works great on the MacBook Air. I detailed my experience in this post.
To Disconnect:
When you are done, simply press “Disconnect” and remove the USB727 from your Mac. It’s that simple.
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How do you get a “signal strength” icon in your top left menu bar similar to the left panel blue icon shown in the last two images in the original blog posting. I have been unsuccessful in getting the the “signal strength” icon, but was able to configure it so a “modem icon” is displayed which looks like a old fashioned phone handset with two dots and dashes coming out upwards towards the right. This can be turned on or off via a check box within System Preferences/Network.
I had the same problem and am currently having to connect manually via Network in System Preferences. This solution was posted back in Feb._’09. I was wondering if anyone has found a way to connect directly via VZAccess manager yet? Evidently, this is a big problem and Verizon Tech Support says my case is the only one they have come across. Please reply –
Thanks.
John