which 3G modem

[dotblack]

hi there - i am looking to by 3G modem (do not want to deal with telkom; do not want 24-month contracts) but i don't know what to get. i do a lot of online research, blogging etc (not so much on music or movie downloads) can anyone offer some advice?
thanks
dot

 

[DapperDanMan]

Welcome to the forums!

The three main things you should look for are:

1) Get a USB-type modem, not a PCMCIA card modem. (Or get an Expresscard-type modem that has a sleeve for USB connectivity.)
2) Get a modem that features capabilities for HSDPA as well as HSUPA.
3) Get a modem that features an external antenna port.

Hardware prices are dropping fast nowadays.

You can get a brand new Huawei E272 modem for between R1099 and R1300 on BidorBuy.

If you get a modem that doesn't have an external antenna port and you cannot get a good signal at your location, you will need a universal adaptor sleeve to couple the modem to an antenna.

Examples of antennas requiring minimal installation:

Poynting OMNI-A0069
Poynting OMNI-A0121

Lastly, don't buy the cheap Vodafone K3565Z modem. (Because you get what you pay for!)

 

[CraigViking]

check out the hauwei B970 router

 

[pug306]

Also check out this 3G modem wiki

They got instructions on how to debrand some Huawei and vodafone 3G modems.

 

[morkhans]

If you want a router the B970 is the way to go, You can also use it as a 3G modem, but it's not quite as portable as the modems.

 

[kingrob]

If you want a router the B970 is the way to go, You can also use it as a 3G modem, but it's not quite as portable as the modems.

+1

 

[dotblack]

THANKS!

thanks for the responses ladies and gents
x

 

[RazedInBlack]

Novatel MC950D works ok as well!

 

[Ockie]

K3565 usb modem the cheapest at the mo. R1000.00 new. 3.6 Mbps capable.
K3520 usb modem @ R1230.00 new but is 7.2 Mbps capable....advanced data bundle required.

 

[jasweb]

K3715 - saw it was advertised for R1000 at Metro (think at Vodaworld)
HSDPA 7.2 capable (download), HSUPA 2.0 capable (upload).

3.6 is fast enough for downloading. Adding R200 to the cost of most other cards price will give you HSUPA as well (which is really nice for uploading stuff like photo's to facebook etc).