Saturday 25 July 2009

Mobile Broadband

I'm still considering a small netbook computer. I called at the local computer retailer, Help Computer Centre, on the Belmont Road in Belfast in order to make a few inquiries.

They suggested an Acer Aspire One. I told them that I didn't wish to spend too much - even a re-furbished or ex-demonstration netbook would suffice - so they are going to contact me next week with more details. Apparently the Acer will be new, with warranty and a Linux system.

If I decide to go ahead I'll get free wi-fi time from BT; and I'd buy a pay-as-you-go dongle from the Three mobile broadband company. Seemingly Three has the best 3G coverage in Northern Ireland presently.

4 comments :

Anonymous said...

Tim, I know two people who've returned their laptops as the 3 dongle provided very poor speeds. You have 3 days to return it (confirm this) after you buy it - roadtest the 3G connection thoroughly and return it quickly if it doesn't live up to expectations. I suspect it may not...

Roger

Timothy Belmont said...

Should I go ahead I could take the netbook to the 3G shop in Belfast; buy a dongle; attach it; test it round Town; and see what happens. And, as you say Roger, confirm the period for a refund!

Tim

Timothy Belmont said...

Roger, purely as a matter of interest, my cousin sent me a link to a company called Expansys which sells the Acer Aspire One for £150 plus postage. Brand new.

Tim

Anonymous said...

I used a 3 dongle for work for a few months both over here and working in London. I found the speeds varied greatly but sometimes found it fustratingly impossible.