Sprint has just released its 3G/4G Plug-in-Connect USB modem, and as the name suggests, the stick won't require any desktop software to operate. This isn't the first software-free modem we've seen, but it you're concerned about how you'll check its connection status and keep tabs on data usage, you'll be glad to hear that there's a router-like web interface for all of that. According to Sprint, the device will automatically start and connect you to the internet as if it were an ethernet cable — unless you're still using Windows XP, in which case you'll need to install some drivers.

Of course, the "4G" in the title refers to Sprint's WiMAX network — the carrier's LTE service won't launch until later this year — and the device has a built-in GPS receiver. The Windows, OS X, and Linux-compatible 3G/4G Plug-in-Connect is available for free (with a $50 mail-in rebate) if you're eligible for an upgrade or if you're opening a new two-year contract, and data plans start at $49.99 for 6GB of data. If you'd rather be free of that two-year contract, the device will run you $249.99 with off-contract plans ranging from $14.99 for a one-day 150MB package to $49.99 for a month-long, 1.5GB plan.