3g Data Cards

[rushdriver]

Morning,

I currently have a GPRS Orange remote dial up card which I use on my laptop (in fact I'm using it now to post this from a hotel room), but I am getting annoyed with the speed so I want to upgrade to 3G

Does anyone know the best network to go and and also the best place to buy from?

Cheers

John

[chris.mapey]

Don't go with 3. They don't allow "normal" internet access via their network. You can only visit their WAP sites, and linked partner sites, nowhere else.

I would also insist on a demo of a 3G data card in your own laptop. I believe that the only two providers at the moment are Vodafone & Orange. Last time I had 3G demo'd to me, it was not that much quicker that my GPRS connection anyway. Hopefully things have improved now.

The usual "eyes wide open" caveat applies

Chris

[rushdriver]

chris.mapey said:

Don't go with 3. They don't allow "normal" internet access via their network. You can only visit their WAP sites, and linked partner sites, nowhere else. I would also insist on a demo of a 3G data card in your own laptop. I believe that the only two providers at the moment are Vodafone & Orange. Last time I had 3G demo'd to me, it was not that much quicker that my GPRS connection anyway. Hopefully things have improved now. The usual "eyes wide open" caveat applies Chris

Chris,

I know what you mean, when I bought the GPRS card PC W*rld wanted £150 for the card alone.I then posted my problem on the mighty PH and I got it for 0.99p from a place 3/4 mile up the road from me.

Still, if 3g does what it says on the tin I'll be pretty pleased with it, but I do take on board what you've said, thanks

Cheers

John

[_DJ_]

[redacted]

[Mr E]

You should get 384Kbps down, 64up with the current batch of cards....

...HSDPA is coming and will give you 2Mbits down.....

[_DJ_]

Mr E said:

You should get 384Kbps down, 64up with the current batch of cards.... ...HSDPA is coming and will give you 2Mbits down.....

Never quite feels 384Kbps down though, but certainly much quicker than GPRS.

[wiggy001]

A colleague is trialling Vodafone and orange for our company and is none-too-impressed with the fruity version. Poor customer service and a slow download speed were his main gripes...

[skittle]

We trialled it when it came out and were not that impressed.

The adverts also do not show the big ariel that also comes with the 3g card that you fix to the laptop.

UK coverage was pretty sketchy but his will surely improve.

We use Blackberry devices instead and they seem to be fit for purpose