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andyneilson

If we're being picky, I'm not sure that the thing is a "modem" since modems MOdulate and DEModulate converting analogue to digital data. Since GPRS and 3G are digital and packet based we're not converting to analogue anymore.......

thefman

thanks for the info tb Smile

hilldweller

therabbits

Andyneilson

I'm not sure either - I thought that it was still converting the data into a Radio Frequency signal (albeit digital) so its still a Modem?

Anyway, I much prefer the word Dongle:-)

The coverage info is very interesting. Looking at the Vodaphone map there are random spots of 3G coverage in my street, apparently covering just a few sq feet.

Chris

therabbits

That'll teach me. Apparently popular culture has decided that the usage of "dongle' now also applies to these bits of kit. The Times can't be wrong.

loddy

So what is this thing that hangs from your laptop which is wrongly called a dongle ?

Perhaps it a bit like a tiger's tail that petrol companies used to put on your filler spout'

Loddy (with a new thrutcher)

kafriz

Hi,whilst not wanting to get into the "dongle" bit of the thread I also signed up to vodaphones 3G network last week & what a bit of kit it is(lightning fast here in Cheltenham)! When i first started to talk to the staff in the local shop i thought they were a bit limited in knowledge & also in being able to do any sort of deal for me so i took all the details & then rang Vodaphone to see what they said.Well glad i did,got much better deal than i could have got in shop.When i said i would go to 3 as there tarifs were half price they said they could'nt move on the price of £15 per month but they could put my line rental on my phone down by £10 per month for 15 months to compensate(result)! then when i spoke about modem & network speeds,they said unless you are in the M25 or near a major airport then the speed would be 3.6mps(7.2mps within M25 & airports)so they offer the 3.6mps usb modem/dongle for free(7.2 modem £39.99).
but,what if speeds were increased accross the country in future i said? they won't for a while yet then you can upgrade at end of 12month contract for a higher speed modem they said.Not good enough i said i'm off to 3. hang on they said if you take an 18month contract out you can also have a free 7.2mps modem(another result)!
End result, i'm pulling 7.2mps at home,line rental reduced by £10 per month so broadband costing me £5 per month for 15months then £15 for final 3 months of the 18 month contract and it is very ,very quick.
So motto is don't use the shops but ring direct for much better deal

p.s. the reason i seem to get the full 7.2mps in my area is there is a new transmitter just started up which the vodaphone staff seemed unaware of so i'm glad i held out for the higher speed modem
sorry if this thread is a bit long but thought some of it might help those who haven't decided which one to go for.Regards,Kafriz

clodhopper2006

It's a mobile broadband USB stick so there! Says so on t' box it comes in. Does exactly as it says on the tin.

loddy

Do they dongle abroad or do you need a Donglski

Loddy

tinsom

hello about these usb dongles
ive had a voda fone orange one
but 3 seems to be the best
best coverage
go with that had mine for six months on payasugo
cost 100 for dongle
and costs 10 a month
you buy a top up voucher
once a month
coverage for most of uk is fine
i get a good connection over 90% of the time
and i go every where
north south east west
there are some areas that you only get gprs
but most of time you get 3g
no matter where you are
forget about coverage maps
they dont mean anything
as iv been in areas where its claims no service but
i surf and surf for hours