More broadband products: Latest | Best | Top 10

Optus USB Slimline Modem

By Joseph Hanlon, CNET.com.au on 10 September 2008 06:29 PM

Tags: optus, modem, usb, dongle, 3g


Talkback 2 comments

    Does anyone know if the micro ...Micheal Grantham -- 02/10/08

    Does anyone know if the micro SD card reader supported on the Optus slimline wireless modem supports the HCSD - (high capacity) variety of cards? if so this would shoot my rating up to a good 7.

    The good: Using 2 USB ports with the existing modem was a pain, i am quite happy with the one port required for the new one. Its small, and much easier to use.. no more stuffing around with cords. I find that the MIcro SD port is quite convenient especially if you have other devices that use the cards.

    The bad: Dang signal moves in and out between WCDMA and HSDPA. when this occurs i experience major connection lag, or worse.. no connection at all. From what i have found, the external antenna that is usable with the new modem is quite expensive for just 1.1meters of cord -.-, not easy get at the moment.

    Since my last rating of this p ...Micheal Grantham -- 19/01/09

    Since my last rating of this product, not much has changed except for discovering that the MicroSD port on the modem is compatible with class 2, 4, and 6 HD (High Definition) MicroSD cards.

    The good: Pocket sized, Uses only one USB port, Micro SD card reader is compatible with class 2,3, and 4 HD cards. These HD cards currently have a capacity of 32Mb up to a gigantic 16GB. This does extinguish the need for USB flash drives. The 3G plans are quite affordable and versatile, suiting any budget from student to wealthy businessman. The antenna's (1.1m cable available from most Optus retailers) are now a lot more affordable, ranging from $15 - $40. These are a must if you want a good reliable signal. All in all i am very happy as i now have the freedom to surf the net wherever i go!

    The bad: The connection can become very terrible to attain if there is a poor line of sight between your USB modem and a window / open space. I have found that the signal does not penetrate brick, thick plaster or solid wood as well as that of mobile phones. without the antenna the signal has a tendency to drop in and out within low 3G reception areas.

Add your opinion

Sponsored content

Power Centre - Content from our premier sponsors

Blogs

  • Suzanne Tindal Sick of broken tender sites
    Some of the state governments desperately need to invest in more user-friendly tender sites so that looking for information on government tenders doesn't have to be a game of blind man's bluff.
  • Array Cyberwar: What is it good for?
    In this week's episode, Cyberwar. What is Australia's place in the world of digital warfare? What are the implications for the NBN?
  • Array Is wholesale-only backhaul just a pipedream?
    The potential acquisition of Pipe Networks by SP Telemedia has raised the question about whether vertically integrated backhaul providers will mean higher wholesale prices for ISP customers.
  • More blogs »

Tags

Back to top

Featured