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Device dongles to access mobile broadband? Chances are you don't need it

Aug 4, 2009 11:28

I can't really understand these promo packages anymore. From the leaflet I got, this is what I understand. Maxis will provide a device, from the picture in the leaflet, a modem dongel, presumably a USB HSDPA modem, in two varieties. And it will charge you the letters in green. I'm thick, so that's what I understand.

Now, thick as I am, it seems that it costs RM98 for the 6GB package.

I'm paying RM99, and through my HSDPA Sony Ericsson phone, on contract with Maxis, I have an  unlimited  package. (Of course, governed by the fine print of "fair usage policy".)

Seems to be a little inconsistent, except for this promo in the leaflet on top, where you get a dongle for "free" after you sign up for at least 12 months of use.

What most people don't realize is that most of the newer mobile phones support 3G--HSDPA. All of us with 3G and HSDPA phones will have high-speed broadband built-in. So most of us will never need a broadband dongle anyway. Why buy another redundant piece of hardware? We're talking about mobile broadband anyway-- just Bluetooth your mobile phone and your PC, and access the Internet. Simple as that. If you have a problem with that, I'm sure the service center for your service provider will show you how to link up your handset and laptop. The DIYs are splattered all over the service provider's Web site and also in many, many forums.

My simple setup: Sony Ericsson C702, HSDPA mobile with a Dell Latitude D630  notebook. Whenever I'm mobile, I just Bluetooth to my Sony Ericsson, connect to the Internet, and surf. I don't see the need to buy an extra dongle to access the Web. I don't need to pay extra for my Internet connection as my mobile already has unlimited broadband. Sony Ericsson phones are so easy to hook up. They even come with software to help you set it all up, and there's a USB cable if you prefer wired connections. Don't know about Nokia phones and the rest, though.

The Limited usage (quote) packages are are too restrictive for the modern Internet user. If you're streaming YouTubes, or worse, "torrents", it's going to be restrictive at 1.5GB? OMG, my usage for my residential main Internet line is 22GB per month, and trust me, that's low usage.

So... save the money from being coerced into buying another dongle, sign up for an unlimited package, and get your telephony company's customer service people to help you connect to the Internet from your notebook (or even desktop) via your mobile, be it through Bluetooth connection or USB.

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