RobSheffield Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 My girlfriend bought herself a mid level laptop for christmas and wants to go online anywhere. She has been looking at the 4 major suppliers and wondering which is best. Thought id put it out on here to ask which is best in terms of not dropping and not being a ripoff Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotty71 Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 My girlfriend bought herself a mid level laptop for christmas and wants to go online anywhere. She has been looking at the 4 major suppliers and wondering which is best. Thought id put it out on here to ask which is best in terms of not dropping and not being a ripoff I have had two dongles in the past one was PAYG the other was contract. To be honest it depends what you are using the dongle for ie general surfing or downloading etc. Youtube etc eats the limit as well so be aware. The main thing to look for in my opinion is coverage. I would go with T Mobile or 3 for internet dongles as you need it to be a strong HSDPA signal otherwise it will run 3G and it will be like going back in time watching webpages load:d If it was me 3 but opinions are like A$$holes, I know 3 isnt that popular for mobiles but I found the best for coverage and no signal drop which is what you were looking for Scotty Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobSheffield Posted December 27, 2009 Author Share Posted December 27, 2009 Cheers for that Scott. Didnt know anything about that HSPDA part, ill point that out to her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JamieP Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 I have a vodafone dongle, i use it whenever im at work and its great i think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scotty71 Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 Cheers for that Scott. Didnt know anything about that HSPDA part, ill point that out to her. Yes a dongles fastest speed will be that above 3G like on mobiles which is HSDPA (high speed downlink packet access). All dongles can achieve this but I suppose it is exactly the same as mobiles depends where you are at the time and how strong the signal is. 3 Network although not that popular for mobiles now does have a good mobile broadband signal but I suppose you have got to look at what to go on PAYG of contract etc. Have a look at what you think you will use the dongle for and start looking for plans. All networks will say they have the best coverage in the shops so its a bit of a no one is best... I see jamieP has Vodafone which he is happy with so maybe your current mobile operator could cut you a deal?? SCOTTY Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitesupraboy2 Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 its all about the coverage. I have a pdf at work showin the 3g cover by each network Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The-Plethora Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 I use a vodaphone one for work, I find it it gets 3G connection its fine, if you get 2G even if you have full 2G signal its so slow and not worth bothering with, hardly worked at all in north wales. I would try one from 3, guy at work has one and it seems to get better service. It all completely depends on area though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pot Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 I have a vodafone dongle, i use it whenever im at work and its great i think. Same here, I have a contract one with Voda, and it's great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fitz Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 I work for 3 and have one myself (which I'm using now ). It's a great bit of kit and the speed is more than sufficient. As 3 have the largest 3G coverage in the UK (and I work for them) I would be more inclined to go with 3. But, that's my thoughts. Stay clear from Orange though, have heard some decent reviews for T-Mobile and Vodafone though, O2 not so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobSheffield Posted December 27, 2009 Author Share Posted December 27, 2009 Thanks for the advice folks She lives just outside London so with most of you saying 3, including some newr London, ill say thats going to be a winner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pixelfill Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 just to throw my twopennerth into the mix, I have an 02 dongle and it's very hit and miss, even though the coverage map suggests I'd be fine, the postcode checker tells me I'm not and unfortunately it's correct. yet the school less than 2 minutes walk from my house has good coverage - go figure !!! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jon5698 Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 I am with 3 and the only places i cant get a signal is in north wales, and some remote places in yorkshire. They murged with o2 or t mobile a few months ago so they share their transmitters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 I just connect my regular mobile via a USB cable or Bluetooth and use the 3G+ from that to surf if it's something I can't be bothered to do on the phone itself. Maybe something she could also do with an existing phone if it's an option? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobSheffield Posted December 27, 2009 Author Share Posted December 27, 2009 I just connect my regular mobile via a USB cable or Bluetooth and use the 3G+ from that to surf if it's something I can't be bothered to do on the phone itself. Maybe something she could also do with an existing phone if it's an option? I have a feeling that might be beyond her. She is after all a girl Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 I have a feeling that might be beyond her. She is after all a girl A valid point, they do struggle with these things. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marcAB10 Posted December 27, 2009 Share Posted December 27, 2009 yeah i used to use a 3 dongle and it was good, altho now i use PDAnet on my iPhone through jailbrake.. it's only £7 and thats it, so free from then on plus it has outdone any dongle i have owned (3 of them). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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