3G networking on the road

[houltmac]

I was looking at Express34 cards earlier today and couldn't find a single reason to use one. The only ones I could find are all listed here and are just USB, FireWire or eSATA cards in short. Then I thought I might be able to use one for ubiquitous networking...

In the UK there seem to be three choices for 3G networks: 3, Vodaphone, and T-Mobile. They are all £10+/pcm (standard DSL is around £10-20/pcm and cable is £25/pcm for 20Mb/s to compare), and all require USB sticks. Yuk.

If anyone knows of a better way to get ubiquitous networking in the UK (not through phone tethering), or has a better use for Express 34 (or even knows a UK network that use E34) please let me know. Also, is this something that's just poor in the UK, or is the US the same in this regard?

[baseballboy828]

I think there are some phone companies offering Express34 cards here in the US, but not all. One good use of the Express34 slot is for a card reader. Very convenient, very fast.

[houltmac]

I have seen a few of those, but I don't really understand the whole card reader thing. I could either take my camera apart or I could just plug a cable in. Besides all that, I don't really use my camera because I never think to take it with me (I have enough crap to carry already) so I usually end up using my iPhone anyway... I just don't know there is anything out there (in the UK) I could possibly want the slot for... which is sad.

[baseballboy828]

An Express34 card reader doesn't really matter for the average person. However, many pros and even advanced amateurs swear by them for the following reasons:

1) It's much faster than USB.
2) It saves the camera battery. Transferring over USB drains battery like nothing else.

There really is no good use for the Express34 slot other than that, 3G, and as a hub. Wonder when some company will come out with something truly innovative for the slot. A Express34 turbo 264 would be cool for traveling video pros.

[Yuiichi]

Originally Posted by baseballboy828

There really is no good use for the Express34 slot other than that, 3G, and as a hub. Wonder when some company will come out with something truly innovative for the slot. A Express34 turbo 264 would be cool for traveling video pros.

What do you mean "as a hub"? I'm intrigued by what it could mean.

[baseballboy828]

I mean adding a few ports, like USB or Firewire. The link houltmac gave had several cards with multiple USB or FW ports.

[Yuiichi]

Thats what I thought. I didn't think to look at the link (stupid me) but... I dunno. Those hubs are kind of rediculous looking and really don't match the look of the MBP. In my opinion, a card reader would be the most useful.

[baseballboy828]

Yea. I one one of these from a TAB giveaway. Since I don't own a MBP, I gave it to a friend. He loves it.

[houltmac]

I suppose an eSata card would be quite useful when I am at home for transferring/backing up to my d2, but apart from that it looks like a big old waste of space to me... I hope someone comes out with a decent hardware solution at a decent price for networking anywhere in the UK soon.

[houltmac]

After months of looking I did a simple Google search today about something completely different and came across a page on the UK Vodaphone business website advertising a 3G Express 34 Card. Finally, but it only appeared on the business website.

Undeterred I called their customer service department and spoke to a wonderfully bubbly (and cute sounding BTW), Emma. I asked about the device and Emma said she didn't have a clue, but she would find out. Less than 2 minutes later, Emma was back and with good news. She said she could sign me up right now for a free E34 card to use with one of their 3G "Mobile Broadband" packages. The cheapest package is £15/pcm and provides up to 3GB of data/pcm. She admitted that their top 3G speeds (7.2Mbps) aren't available for the E34 card, however those speeds are available only in London and major airports anyway.

I did ask about speeds in my area, and I am sure she said 3. something Mbps, but I will have to double check that as I was dizzy with finally finding the device. While this doesn't seem cheap, it's sounds like a decent deal compared to the competition. I will have to double check the coverage and await a call back tomorrow while I make my choice. I am currently leaning towards it at least to test with.

The main reasons I wanted an E34 instead of USB modem is that it's less likely to break, better looking and potentially has much better/more reliable signals (from what I have read). Anyone know of any other deals yet? Any advice or questions?