Wifi from dongle?

espresso

suelees1 wrote: »

Am I to take it that if she just requires a dongle for her laptop conection (as opposed to a Wifi Hotspot to connect various devices) then she needs to buy a dongle and a sim card? Also what does it mean if it comes 'pre-loaded' ?

Yes unlocked dongle + data SIM. It is cheaper to buy a pre-loaded SIM and then simply buy another one rather than topping it up.

* Supplied Ready-to-go. 3Gb/3 Months period starts on first usage.
* 3Gb of 3G data credit already included on the SIM.
* No registration or activation required - just start surfing.
* Voted Britain's Best Mobile Broadband network
* Can be used in any unlocked 3G dongle, 3G phone or device
* Not a Micro Sim Card

wiogs

espresso wrote: »

Giffgaff uses the O2 network whose 3G coverage is pathetic in comparison with 3 Mobile who have a totally 3G network. There are lots of locations even in cities on motorways/main trunk roads where O2 3G is non existent!

Thanks

I must admit o2 is fine for calls but I spent a recent weekend with no 3G coverage whatsoever.

I remember when o2 used to be good. Now they seem to be expensive and poor.

NiftyDigits

Battleaxe44 wrote: »

You can get the 3 MiFi from Argos, for around £49.00 loaded with 1Gb Pay as you go.

You didn't see post #3??

However I don't think she can afford £50 for a month

NiftyDigits

suelees1 wrote: »

Can't seem to find this NiftyDigits. Any pointers/link please?

As in espresso's post #7, but in addition if she needs a larger allowance, the 5GB package comes in at £20 after cashback. 2GB isn't much.

You won't save much by purchasing a dongle(USB modem). A MiFi is much more versatile.

NiftyDigits

Look here to buy one outright for £30, but it's not really cost effective in this case.

in_my_bumble_opinion

3 mifi's can be picked up from CEX for around £30, the price varies and they can be locked/unlocked. Then just buy the 3GB/3 month pay in advance 3 sims from ebay for about £11. Or a giffgaff sim but they don't tend to be as fast.

NiftyDigits

in_my_bumble_opinion wrote: »

3 mifi's can be picked up from CEX for around £30, the price varies and they can be locked/unlocked. Then just buy the 3GB/3 month pay in advance 3 sims from ebay for about £11. Or a giffgaff sim but they don't tend to be as fast.

Why buy outdated equipment from a secondhand shop when you can buy new and more capable for the same amount?

in_my_bumble_opinion

NiftyDigits wrote: »

Why buy outdated equipment from a secondhand shop when you can buy new and more capable for the same amount?

Well, the ones in CEX tend to be the E586, which is tried and tested and is easily unlockable (though many come unlocked).

The T-mobile one you suggest from Tesco is a newer device but in the 'budget' range of the series. That being said, I've no idea which one is better at this point in time, but the E586's are very tried and tested.

NiftyDigits

in_my_bumble_opinion wrote: »

Well, the ones in CEX tend to be the E586, which is tried and tested and is easily unlockable (though many come unlocked).

The T-mobile one you suggest from Tesco is a newer device but in the 'budget' range of the series. That being said, I've no idea which one is better at this point in time, but the E586's are very tried and tested.

So why are you emphasising 'budget range'? Would you expect the Huawei E5756 for £30?
"Tried and tested" a euphemism for old? Cheapest I've found with CEX is £38...in Ipswich.
The E5332 can connect up to eight devices to the Internet as opposed to five for the E586. It also has an external aerial connector, whilst the E586 does not.

I'd much rather have a warranty with Tesco than CEX. Huawei E5332 takes a 99p unlock code available via eBay.

in_my_bumble_opinion

NiftyDigits wrote: »

So why are you emphasising 'budget range'? Would you expect the Huawei E5756 for £30?
"Tried and tested" a euphemism for old? Cheapest I've found with CEX is £38...in Ipswich.
The E5332 can connect up to eight devices to the Internet as opposed to five for the E586. It also has an external aerial connector, whilst the E586 does not.

I'd much rather have a warranty with Tesco than CEX. Huawei E5332 takes a 99p unlock code available via eBay.

The E586's usually come with a charging cradle and also tell you how much data you've eaten on the device screen (both very handy). The E5332 has it's own advantages. Pay your money and take your choice, I guess, but I'm not rushing to buy an E5332 myself.