T Mobile 'Web n Walk' USB Modem

[Mobius]

I haven't got a phoneline at the place I'm renting and the landlord won't get one for some reason, so in my quest for the internet I have resorted to ordering one of these USB modems from T Mobile, that apparently just plug into your computer and work. Has anybody used this before? There's a 3gb limit which sucks but I think I'll be able to handle that, as I mainly want to just browse the internet and game. Does it work exactly like a normal internet connection would? Can I use Firefox etc, or is there some crappy phone type interface that appears on my computer? I ordered it on impulse and don't really know what to expect.

Thanks

 

[Vae]

I don't specifically have their modem but I do use my Phone from them with the Web & Walk package as a modem occasionally. Functions just like a normal modem but the connection can be a bit dodgy as it's subject to more interference/loss of signal etc. Connection speed seemed to be a fast dial up connection. Not as fast as proper ADSL though. I could play World of Warcraft on it but due to the problems with the connection dropping you can't do anything too serious. Browsing/email etc is fine.

 

[Gahn]

Not had a specific experience with T Mobile (since i'm in Italy) but the equivalent solution in here works like a charm as long as your zone is UMTS covered, else just don't bother.

 

[Mobius]

I could play World of Warcraft on it but due to the problems with the connection dropping you can't do anything too serious.

Fuck. Well I checked the coverage and it said

"good voice/text/picture signal strength good video & high speed internet signal strength "

So I hope it'll be okay. There's a 14 day return policy if the quality isn't what you were expecting, so I'm not too concerned. Though I did unknowingly sign up to a 12 month deal, which is annoying.

I'm with O2UK on my mobile and never have any problems with my signal (in the same room as where my PC is) so hopefully it'll be alright.

 

[GReaper]

If T-Mobile fails then Three do something similar. I've never tried either products though.

You could possibly share a real connection wirelessly with a neighbour.

 

[Mobius]

If T-Mobile fails then Three do something similar. I've never tried either products though.

You could possibly share a real connection wirelessly with a neighbour.

Hmm, that's cheaper and will have Turbo speeds in my area by October. Well, I'll probably change to Three, unless the one I've already ordered really impresses me.

I don't know my neighbours and I'm renting a room cash in hand, so technically I'm not supposed to be here. And judging from the screaming and state of their garden, I'm not sure I want to know them!

 

[Mobius]

Does anybody know if it's true that you have to put your SIM card into the thing, in order to browse the internet on your computer?

 

[Gahn]

Does anybody know if it's true that you have to put your SIM card into the thing, in order to browse the internet on your computer?

They normally ship with a dedicated one, should be clear in the Service Description tho, if not u must expect it.

 

[Bodhi]

Ours has a 4Gb/month usage limit


You'll also get a good signal and 3G/HSDPA download speeds. It's £30 a month tho.

 

[Mobius]

I'm quite impressed so far. It's a piece of piss to set up, and the signal isn't bad, although it fluctuates quite dramatically. Probably unlikely I'll be able to game, but perfectly suitable for browsing.

Any tips for getting a stable connection, at all? I've got it mounted next to the window at the moment.

 

[Mobius]

I would like to test my connection over a prolonged period of time, is there any software for this? I have used internetfrog.com etc, but they only do a single test whereas I want to leave my comp on overnight/whilst at work and get a range of results.

 

[Gahn]

I would like to test my connection over a prolonged period of time, is there any software for this? I have used internetfrog.com etc, but they only do a single test whereas I want to leave my comp on overnight/whilst at work and get a range of results.

Easier is to leave a ping going? ^^
For graphical results use: PingPlotter

 

[Mobius]

I'll try that when I get home.

Here is a ping thing I did the other day. How do these results look?

 

[gunner440]

They look shit.

 

[MYstIC G]

I'd have expected far worse tbfh Mobius but it still looks & sounds like it's dial-up without the fixed phone line.

 

[Guest]

pcmcia 3g card ??????