The day started with me arriving at work, being presented with a laptop and a T Mobile box, and being told, “Here you go, you’re on your own.â€
So, I had to set up the T Mobile USB Modem on my own, and get it working on my own. The idea filled me with, well, dread, but you know what? It was a breeze to actually do! I plugged the USB Modem in, and within minutes I was online. All it took was a few minutes, and then, it was down to my first task, one that involved me heading to a secret location (a field), to test out the broadband access in a ‘non-urban locale’ (yep, still a field). The challenge was to try getting online in the field, and see how well it performed.
Well, quite frankly, it performed stunningly! I tried out MSN Messenger on my laptop, using it, and there was, quite literally, no difference to using my PC at home. Except that I was sat on a tree stump, and a cow was getting a bit close for comfort.
[EDIT: Little does he know I added a little extra gizmo to the laptop, that attracts cows, and no, I’m not saying what, lest John finds out… - Technical Markus]
On to the final challenge of the day, which was to use it constantly at home, and see if I could break it (after I’d got rid of the all-pervading smell of friendly cow). Well, I couldn’t, and in fact, the USB Modem gave faster broadband speeds than the modem on my computer, what with my home connection only being 1Mbps. Well, I just had to try it on my computer after that, didn’t I…
So, after five minutes setting it up on my own computer (and I still can’t get over how easy that is to do!), I was ready to surf. I got back into the video I was watching on Youtube (which actually now played smoother, and streamed faster), and yet again, was struck by the fact that the T Mobile USB Modem will work with any computer that has USB. So, pretty much any computer, then…
So, what are my final thoughts after a day with the T Mobile USB Modem? Well, it’s easy to connect and use, it works with every one of the computers I tried it on, you can use it to get broadband access in loads of places other than your desk, and above, it’s broadband fast. So, it really has no downside.
The only thing to bear in mind is that if you’re going to use it with a laptop, never accept one personally from Technical Markus, who has a habit of modifying them to attract cows…
[EDIT:
Â
*snigger*
- Technical Markus]
Sign up and join the mobile broadband revolution today!
November 6th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
You say its easy to work out, but is it really? Does this thing self install or would I have to do it manually? Come on Gooner give us the detail!
November 6th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
I’ll field this one, John!
Yep, you just plug the Modem into a USB port on your laptop or your PC, and it self-installs from all the technological jiggery-pokeys inside the Modem itself in, like, 30 seconds or something daft. It’s really ace!
Unless you have a Mac, then you need the CD that comes with it, but it’s still a doddle, even then.
And that’s all you need to do before you start surfin’!
Hope that answers your question, and keep ‘em coming!
- Techy Markus
November 7th, 2007 at 9:21 am
So this would work on Linux? As long as the pc has a USB hole, obviously.
You almost had me believing the post until I read the bit about getting a 3G signal on T-Moible outside of Kings Cross.
November 12th, 2007 at 9:57 am
To be honest, I’m not sure with Linux. OFFICIALLY, you’re looking at Windows or Mac.
And cross my heart, we get 4-5 bars on T Mobile round here!
November 26th, 2007 at 10:39 am
Well, any questions you have, feel free to ask away, and I shall do my best to answer them for you!
:O)
April 17th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
I’d apprecite any other information you have about Linux because I am thinking about buying an eee which works on Linux, and it would be wonderful if some kind of mobile broadband worked with it. Vodaphone said “no” and said noone else’s did either, but???
April 21st, 2008 at 8:25 am
Well, at the minute, none of the networks’ USB Modems work with Linux PC’s, and to be honest, we’ve not been given a date when they will.
However, I’ve gone on record myself, to say that whoever’s the first gang to release one that works ith Linux PC’s, like the Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee (as I call it), is going to make a FORTUNE!
Keep your eye out, though, as soon as we know more, we’ll be getting it on-site!
April 24th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Like Laura I’m on the eeeeee trail! Was in a Vodaphone shop at lunchtime today and the guy said they are supposedly “working on” getting linux supported because so many people are asking. No timescales tho.
April 24th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
more on linux….
http://www.linux.ie/lists/pipermail/ilug/2008-April/097605.html
October 14th, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Just tried T-Mobile mobile broadband with eee PC 901, running Linux. just click network in the internet tab, then choose create, GSM/3G(UMTS)/HSDPA, then choose t-mobile, and press next a couple of times. Simple as that, works great. Just one problem- I haven’t yet found a way to send SMS messages, not a big deal for me though.
October 15th, 2008 at 8:27 am
Bg thanks for that, Alan, I know a lot of people have asked about mobile broadband on Linux, so you’ve probably just given them the easiest solution possible!
Big kudos and good karma from us.