3 Premium dongle

west_end_girl

Hi,

I have been having a problem with my 3 premium internet dongle and wonder if anybody can help.

I purchased it directly from 3 online a few weeks ago and after 10 mins it is very hot. My laptop is only a few weeks old so I was worried this might do some damage and contacted their technical support and they arranged for it to be sent in for a repair.

I got it back and it is still overheating, they have tried to fob me off with 1) it must be your laptop - try it on another laptop - I did - It still overheats

2) We have tested it and it works fine. I argued this and said no it is not fine, I am not comfortable using this on my laptop, to which they said - it is normal for it to get very hot! ( I have used other non premium dongles before and yes they do get a bit warm but not to this extent)

3) They then offered me the following option: buy a new £20 dongle, use that and we will give you a credit for £20. I said no way I just want a refund.

Then they said - you had a 14 day cooling off period - I said yes, that would be the case in the event that I changed my mind and that it does not apply for when they have sold me a faulty dongle.

So, in the end I left it with them that I am going to my bank and will be requesting a chargeback as they have sold me a faulty product which I cannot use and am unable to resolve the issue with them.

Do I have a leg to stand on given that except for my original e-mail to them all correspondence has been done over the phone? I am concerned that I have no evidence to show the bank.

Sorry this is such a long read!

Buzby

Unless it fails, no. Dongles DO get hot - they are a radio transmitter, after all. The closer you are to a base station, the less need for the dongle to ramp up to full power (so it runs 'warm'). If it is hot to the touch, change location and look at the coverage bars - the more bars the better the signal, and the less need for the dongle to use higher power.

qpop

It won't damage your computer, but if you are really concerned buy a USB extension cord from Poundland or Maplins and then you needn't worry!

PlutoinCapricorn

Three advise putting the dongle on a long lead to avoid this problem. I have seen for myself that this does reduce the heat, not to mention improving reception.

However, I have their standard dongles - the new ones are different it seems. Can they go on an extension cable?

west_end_girl

Thank you for the replies,

Yes I am aware that dongles do get warm, I have owned other standard dongles in the past and they did get warm but not as hot as this. I have a good signal here.

I tried the extension cable supplied but it does not make any difference.