Mobile Broadband Dongle

Just want to know from anyone who uses one what they are like for uploading/downloading if they're reliable. Cheers

oopnorth Wrote:Just want to know from anyone who uses one what they are like for uploading/downloading if they're reliable. Cheers

Not got one myself, but I read a thread somewhere on this forum some time ago that said the performance depended on who the mobile phone company was. I also seem to remember something about some providers blocking certain sites.
Try a search on the forum. It may not have been in the tech section.

Thanks for the info TheWatcher

Personally 3G on a phone, okay as nothing better. On a laptop? Well signal and speed can be very variable. Personally I wouldn't use 3G unless there is no alternative. Plenty of wi-fi hotspot now so might be worth looking at these and if they are in the area you are likely to use the laptop

I bought a two-year contract with 3G and after the initial novelty value, it has proved to be a complete waste of money. The signal is variable and generally slow; monthly download limits are stingy unless you simply want to browse, and you can't carry forward any unused gigabytes. Many hotels, airports and some trains etc have wireless access and you're probably better off with that. I've actually given away my dongle to someone I work with for the remaining ten months of the contract. My advice would be don't bother.

Just noticed this thread,I have vodafone dongle which works very well indeed.Very few issues with it.

wouldnt use it for downloading as it will go in 3 hours. but if used right its useful for when your in bed.

I had the original Vodafone 3G card, it was very early days of 3G data coverage when I had it, I was not that impressed at the time, Lot of signal/speed problems and was useless on the move. It did however provide a useful backup at times when my main Broadband died. I know T-Mobile allow 3G phone tethering via their enhanced Web N Walk Plans and it may be worth looking at that as well or if your on the move a-lot getting a good Hotspot plan.

i had o2 1 was wank! awful waste of 20pcm now im on 3 and its great x
and cheaper 14.99 pcm

Also I'd avoid places like Car Phone Warehouse with their FREE laptop deals that can barely run a web browser or Windows for that matter. If its a Netbook fine, but not a cut spec crippled Notebook.