The Glitch - A Friend in Computing

The Glitch was conceived during 2004, and started out simply as a site to assist people with computer problems. Today the site has grown considerably and has become a one-stop shop for many aspects of modern computing and communication


THE GLITCH REVIEWS

This is a review of the 3 ZTE MF627 Mobile Broadband Dongle.

 


 

Dimensions: 58 x 173 x 147 mm ( W x H x L )
 

3 Mobile
Internet

Pay-as-you-go
 

  Dongle price £19.99 (Modem only)
Then:
  £10 Top-up gets you 1GB
  £15 Top-up gets you 3GB
  £20 Top-up gets you 5GB

(All Top-ups must be used within 90 days of purchase, and expire 30 days after activation)

What do you do if you don't want or don't have a land line, but do require access to the internet. Well at first you would be forgiven for thinking the only way to get onto the web would be to pop down to your local internet cafe', but there are alternatives.

Mobile broadband - the basic rule is as long as you're in an area covered by mobile broadband you shouldn't have too many difficulties gaining access. Always check the service coverage maps provided before purchasing, this will prevent disappointment and frustration later. Saying this 3 now state they have a 91% data coverage, so you will be pretty unlucky if you're unable to connect.

In my case 3's coverage map was none too helpful as the colours were indistinct and it indicated that, in my area a strong signal was only available in the middle of a busy motorway and in the nearby river.  The very helpful staff at the store assured me that I was, in fact, in a good area for 3 coverage, and they were basically right!

The dongle comes packaged in a double CD sized box with an instruction manual, leaflet and CD.  The dongle could quite easily be mistaken for a USB flash memory stick, as the shape and size are almost identical.  A brief look at the instructions indicated it was a simple case of inserting the CD provided, allow the software to load and then plug in the dongle in to a spare USB port. Now all I have to do is click the “My3”  icon and go...ah no...Top-up first.

If you have a credit card, top-up is quick and easy and is done via the 3 website, if you don't have a credit card you can purchase a Top-up card (just like for a mobile phone) and convert it.  I remembered that this was considered to be hassle by a well know review site.  So, having bought a £15 top up voucher from the local shop I proceeded with trepidation.  Again, you go to the 3 web page to top up, type in the voucher number, and select the appropriate Top-up and hit return.  Job done.

Warning: The stated download speeds of 'Up To 3.6 Mbps', is a theoretical maximum speed only, so your actual access speeds will be much slower, so don't be sucked into the media hype!

 

 

Western Digital My Book World Edition Network Hard Drive

 

 

 


Western Digital My Book World Edition Network Hard Drive
 

The provided software is easy to use but I hardly use it as I just click the icon on the desktop and connect to the 3 network. I have not yet had the signal drop off, but I'm sure that it would be very frustrating if it did, especially if you are completing an online purchase or doing your online banking, so I would always check the coverage chart, thoroughly, before purchasing.  I have yet to need 3’s customer service desk, so I can't comment on their effectiveness or otherwise.

But, if like me, you have given up your landline, then this product is a great alternative way to access to the internet (if you have the coverage). 

Not using my laptop “on the road” I cannot comment on usage when out and about, but it is a fair priced, easy to use product for the home based casual internet user.

Advantages:

Good connection speeds possible
Simple straight forward installation
Viable alternative to landline BB for casual user
Can't unknowing over-spend

Disadvantages:

£15 for 3GB is a little mean
Monthly allowance does not roll over
 

Conclusion:

All in all, its easy to load, easy to top up (card or voucher from where you buy your top up vouchers) and £15 gets you 3GB – no contract and when your credit runs out you cannot get on the internet other than on the top up page, so no chance you can overrun and get stung by huge extra charges. OK so the credit expires after one month; but I have been emailing, searching sites etc on a daily basis over the last two weeks and have used less than 1.4 GB (3’s usage page is detailed and helpful).  I am sure that I will use the rest of my allowance in the next 2 weeks however if you are into downloading or streaming music or other forms of media, this probably isn't for you.

The Glitch Star Award
Glitch StarGlitch StarGlitch StarGlitch Star

 

Overall Score

85%

 

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