Review : Three USB Modem
29/05/08 23:04 Filed in: Technology
Three are a mobile phone/network provider that pioneered 3G in the UK. In recent years they have expanded their well priced service to provide generous data packages and currently they are heavily promoting a USB based modem solution for use by computers.
The first thing that strikes you about the USB is it's neat, almost Apple like, design. The white modem is clean, simple and easy to use. What's better is that 3 actually supply support and drivers for Apple Mac machines. Something rival companies have been very poor of late to offer.
So how good is it to use? Well, so far I've tried it up and down the country and I've yet to find an area where I can't get at least GRPS coverage. It's fantastic!
The 1GB monthly limit sounds mean; but for the £10 per month fee (lowest in the UK) it's actually quite low. If you have a 3 mobile on business contract this figure actually drops to £5 a month.
Another advantage that 3 has over over providers is that if your in an area where they don't have any coverage, they'll piggyback another providers network. Now, how this works with the mobile broadband is anyone's guess.
We're off to Cornwall early next week. So this should really set the cat amongst the pigeons in terms of access. Wish us luck!
Update
Believe it or not I've never actually plugged it into a PC until today. After about 30 minutes of looking for the installation CD (and not finding it) I eventually found the installation booklet. What impressed me most was that 3 have installed the drivers and control software in the device and the it works like a standard flash memory. So no installation CD required. How awesome is that!?
