3G Mi-Fi

[Andy B]

Anybody out there using it?

I need something along these lines. In the past, I've just used Bluetooth to link to my mobile phone or Blackberry to act as a modem but its more of an emergency solution than a good one.

What I'm trying to work out is whether I can avoid another contract plan by using the SIM card out of my Blackberry, which already has a data allowance that generally doesn't get used each month, and use it in the Mi-Fi.

 

[boxer]

This do?

Unlocked Wireless Modem Huawei E585

On Amazon

 

[ianf]

I think there's something odd about blackberry data plans. Try it in another type of phone like an iPhone before you commit to buying one. I tried to do this with my work bb sim in private iPhone for travelling abroad, the phone isn't able to see it as a proper data plan.

 

[andyclift]

but its more of an emergency solution than a good one.

It would be interesting to know why this is an emergency solution. I have an unlimited data plan and often use my laptops (PC or MacBook) "tethered" to my Blackberry 9000 at work as the company server blocks many normal websites.

I find it almost as fast as my Sky broadband at home and its just one click of the mouse to connect.

 

[Andy B]

That's interesting. I've always found mine to be quite slow and the main reason for considering an alternative is to try and improve the speed. Are you using a cable to connect?

 

[andyclift]

I use a cable on my PC but on the MacBook I use Bluetooth. Speed of both seems about the same. I normally use the MacBook at work so phone stays in pocket. People assume my laptop is linked to company server and, somehow, I have got past the blocking software.

Before I got the Blackberry I had a 3 dongle. That was slow and expensive to use. Maybe its Vodafone that is offering faster service and nothing to do with phone or connection to laptop.

 

[Andy B]

I'm on Orange. Not sure if that should make a difference.

 

[andyclift]

I'm on Orange. Not sure if that should make a difference.

Could be, I found Vodafone noticeably better than 3. If that's the case it won't make much difference changing dongle or phone if the bottle neck is the connection.