3G USB vs laptop embedded 3G

[GPT]

Good morning.

Can anyone tell me if there is a difference in signal strength / quality between a normal external 3G USB modem (eg a Huawei E272) and an embedded 3G controller in a laptop or netbook?

I do have a user with a marginal 3G connection at home (she is currently using an E272), I am just trying to figure out if it is worthwhile testing the embedded option or not. Otherwise the Poynting antennas would be the next thing to try.

TIA
- GPT

 

[ginggs]

I do have a user with a marginal 3G connection at home (she is currently using an E272), I am just trying to figure out if it is worthwhile testing the embedded option or not.

If she already has the embedded 3G modem, why not try it out?

If not, get a cradle for the E272 and an external Poynting antenna, she will not be disappointed.

Welcome to Mybroadband!

 

[Other Pineapple Smurf]

Agree with ginggs. I have played with both the E272 and embedded. I find the E272 to be the best 3G modem I've used by far (my personal 3G).

On the E272 carefully remove the label at the back (top left corner) to make sure it has the antenna connection. Apparently not all of them have this.

 

[ginggs]

On the E272 carefully remove the label at the back (top left corner) to make sure it has the antenna connection. Apparently not all of them have this.

I think they all have the antenna connection, but some are missing the indents that line up with the cradle, although they can probably be made with a small drill.

Some pics: E272 Cradle, E272 with indents and E272 without indents.