Mobile Tech Minutes: CablesToGo USB Extender
done
Recently I mentioned that I was getting concerned about the Verizon USB727 modem I use and how it sticks out of my MacBook. Reader Ron jumped in and left a comment:
Also those little usb adapters that let you do a 90 degree angle can help too.
Great advice and this Mobile Tech Minutes video shows my implementation of Ron’s advice. Thanks Ron!
Mine’s smaller :p
http://captain-odegard.com/2008/11/usb-90-degree-adapter-for-aspire-one/
Very nice. Mine still lets me plug something else in next to it too.
You’re right though, mine’s bigger. 
check this one out:
http://asuseeehacks.blogspot.com/2008/02/diy-lego-usb-elbow-connector.html
I use one of the 5000 extra USB cables lying around the office, which also allows me to put the modem near a window. YMMV
When I got the U727 from Sprint, it was packaged with a soft plastic holder and a USB extension cable. Nice thing about the plastic holder is it served as a clip to put it on the screen.
I agree, positioning it elsewhere can give you greater signal strength. I usually clip mine onto the screen and flip up the antenna as needed (which is rarely), but other times I’ll pull out a longer USB exention cable when I need to get a better signal (like a tall caddy at a restaurant or on top of the whiteboard at work).
Did your U727 not come with these, or do you just dislike them?
My Verizon version did not ship with those unfortunately. It sounds like only the Sprint version comes with that which is nice. I don’t think Kevin got one either but I haven’t asked.
You have some good stuff… But you said Macbook Pro, that’s definitely a Macbook. I just got mine the other day!
Thanks for posting this. I got a USB modem at the weekend and remembered your post. A couple of cliks later and I’d ordered the same USB adapter to use with my MacBook.
I am using the heck out of mine. It’s turned using my modem into a delight instead of the nerve-wracking (am I going to damage the modem) thing of the past.