3G Data Card with WiFi

briantw

briantw

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Johannesburg, South Africa.
Looking over at the sticky, I see that a 3G data card will cost about R 2 600, if I'm lucky. Well, I could have gotten this free on my contract upgrade two weeks ago, but it wouldn't have suited me - I need WLAN when I'm at home or at work, so I can use the networks there instead of paying for expensive 3G access.

I do already have a WLAN card, but I don't exactly relish the idea of changing cards between work/home and on the road. I have enough geeky crap to deal with.

Question: where can I get a 3G card with built-in WiFi, and how much?

Thanks folks.
 
Currently, there is a small quantity of the Option Fusion 3G cards with WiFi available from the retail channel, so if you can get your hands on one of these, you'll get the integrated WiFi.

The 'normal' cards are the Novatel Merlin U630 and the Option Quadlite (on its way).

These cards were not brought in specifically for WiFi, so if you want to be one of the lucky few who can get one of these, you 'score' the WiFi component.

As per normal, you'll need to find a retail shop that understands the question, so phone around.

As per previous posts, don't let the .co.za from expansys fool you. AFAIK, they're based in Manchester.
 
Data cards

I sold my last OPTION data card today will that have WIFI.Vodacom is only getting NOVATEL in June.And the OPTION is SOLD OUT
 
Thanks for the feedback.

Just to confirm, you sold the last of the Option Fusion cards and not Option Colt?

I spoke to the 3G card product manager earlier today and he indicated some are still available. Maybe at some other shops?
 
vodacom3g said:
As per previous posts, don't let the .co.za from expansys fool you. AFAIK, they're based in Manchester.
Click to expand...

Well, since I pointed that out, it ain't likely to fool me... ;) But they claim that they can deliver within 16 days, so that's fine. However, their stock will only be available from June 1.
 
I must say that a 3G card with builtin WiFi would be awesome, I take it that Novatel don't have a WiFi+GPRS+3G data card?

BTW I somehow don't think www.Novatel.com is the same company, or is it? - there doesn't appear to be a 3G card listed under products...:confused:
 
briantw said:
Well, since I pointed that out, it ain't likely to fool me... ;) But they claim that they can deliver within 16 days, so that's fine. However, their stock will only be available from June 1.
Click to expand...

alchamy got this message from Expansys:

-----------------------
Dear Customer,

I'm sorry to have to inform you that we are no longer able to organise delivery of any goods to addresses in South Africa.
We have been forced to take this decision because of the high cost and complexity of South Africa import duty rules.
If you wish to do so you are welcome to have the goods collected from our Manchester office by your courier (we recommend FedEx, UPS or DHL)
We will not charge you any tax or shipping costs, but you will be responsible for the duty on importation to South Africa.

Regards

Expansys
 
Last edited:
Ahhh, NovatelWireless.com - apologies v3g - usually I just Google for things - I was felling a tad tired & lazy to Google last night :D

To clarify, the Novatel Merlin U630™ Wireless PC Card Modem does not have builtin WiFi?

Being the magpie that I am, the Ovation™ Family of 3G Multimedia Application Consoles Powered by Conversa™ quickly caught my attention...mainly bcos I remember someone posted a link to it before & I recognised the pretty picture...:D

Coming back to the Option WiFi+3G PCMCIA card, am I correct in assuming that the builtin WiFi and 3G radios would not operate simultaneously, i.e. you would only be able to use one at a time? If so, would it not be better to just have a separate WiFi card in addition to the 3G card, like if you [v3g] wanted to smurf the net with 3G & still maintain control over your house via WiFi?
 
The Novatel does not have WiFi.

Good question on having both active, I'm not sure if the Fusion can run both radios at the same time. I'd venture not.

Having a seperate WiFi and 3G card active at the same time should work, but I'm just thinking how Windows would resolve routing and other IP issues over two interfaces?
 
vodacom3g said:
...
Having a seperate WiFi and 3G card active at the same time should work, but I'm just thinking how Windows would resolve routing and other IP issues over two interfaces?
Click to expand...
The solution to Windoze hassles these days, appears to be Linux :D, but one can use route.exe in Windoze to establish separate persistent routing table entries...
 
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