Best 3G data option/wi-fi hotspots

[John Clare]

Hi all,

I've recently been caught out at some jobs where I cannot find any free wi-fi hotspots. To add to my frustration, I tried to buy a T-mobile voucher in a Starbucks but it did not accept my Maestro Card, only Amex and Visa/Mastercard....

I'm currently on Orange Premier 600 plan which is £3 per MB for data usage!! Ok, I'll get it back on expenses eventually but it's still a lot to pay.

So, what is the general consensus regarding wiring solutions?

I'm about to get a 13" Macbook and am thinking of getting the Vodafone 3G USB modem. Does anyone have any experience with these?

I notice most of the guys from the big wire services have vodafone cards on their PCs... I assume this means that Vodafone is the most reliable?

My last job I had trouble connecting to Orange 3G and it kept dropping back to GPRS speeds.... I asked another photog and his Vodafone connection was fine.

I'm also thinking of getting one of these:

http://www.hawkingtech.com/products/...39&AppleComp=1

I'd like to use free, open wi-fi whenever possible, for speed reasons.

Any advice most welcome!

Regards,

John

PS. I am based in London, UK

[Edmond_Terakopian]

Hi John,
Vodafone is the most reliable in London for sure. The new Vodafone 3.5G or Broadband as they call it is superb. I personally have the datacard but I know people who have the usb modem and they love it. Its actually almost three times faster than WiFi on upload too!

[John Clare]

Thanks Edmond, it's what I suspected all along!

Regards,

John

[Gerry Kerr]

Hi John

You should be able to get a flat rate from vodafone. In Ireland the 3.5G service is a 1.4Mb speed service with good coverage at a flat rate of €39 per month. If you go with vodafone, get the usb device. Its a driverless device (The drivers are in the usb device) so its very easy to plug into other laptops if need be
Gerry

[THEZ]

John

I have recently purchased the usb vodafone card and it is great. Dont buy from Vodafone you can get it cheaper try Option 2 - USB Modem Vodafone Data Unlimited they were very helpful .

Regards

Mark

[MathewLodge]

Originally Posted by John Clare

Hi all,

I've recently been caught out at some jobs where I cannot find any free wi-fi hotspots. To add to my frustration, I tried to buy a T-mobile voucher in a Starbucks but it did not accept my Maestro Card, only Amex and Visa/Mastercard....

Have you considered iPass for the non-free WiFi hotspots? I have it and it takes all the hassle out of the various voucher systems.

Mathew

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