Should I get integrated mobile data for my laptop?

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nate

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Topic # 29970 25-Jan-2009 10:40

I'm thinking of getting a mobile data module for my HP EliteBook 6930p. There are two options:

EVDO-A Broadband Wireless Module G
HSDPA Broadband Wireless Module G

Which one do I need? Has anyone else gone from an express card (mine is Huawei) to integrated mobile data? Is it worth it? What can I look forward to?

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Reply # 191931 25-Jan-2009 11:01

Vodafone uses HSDPA over a GSM network. EVDO-A (Evolution Data Optimised, Revision A) is used by Telecom on their current CDMA network. You likely want HSDPA.

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cokemaster

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Reply # 191936 25-Jan-2009 11:10

I'd personally avoid integrated cards for the following reasons:
* Is the CDMA card sold in NZ? If not, you may have issues connecting it to Telecoms network.
* Does the WCDMA option support 850mhz or 900mhz? If not, you may be limited to Vodafones limited WCDMA coverage. A more future proofed card will do either 850mhz or 900mhz which will provide better nationwide coverage.

Depending on the cost of the card, you may be better off taking up a term contract with hardware discount, that way you'll get a card that can take advantage of the 850mhz/900mhz wcdma networks at potentailly a lower price.

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zocster

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Reply # 191945 25-Jan-2009 11:49

+1 for the not going the integrated solution way. Those tstick and vodem sticks are quite good pricing wise these days they have 1/2 price for the first 6 months on them I see on adverts.

coffeebaron

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Reply # 191967 25-Jan-2009 14:32

As above, unless you can get a muilti band HSDPA supporting all three 850/900/2100 3G bands (and 1900 would be good to); so stick to a stick or express card for now.
An integrated solution would be nice, but with the current progression of mobile broadband, you'd be buying a dead end solution.

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nate

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Reply # 191970 25-Jan-2009 14:51

coffeebaron: As above, unless you can get a muilti band HSDPA supporting all three 850/900/2100 3G bands (and 1900 would be good to); so stick to a stick or express card for now.

Thanks for all the replies, this is very much an area that I know nothing about.

Interestingly, I logged into our one of our suppliers (Ingram Micro) and they don't stock the two cards I found, they instead stock the HP UN2400 EV-DO/HSDPA module which "Allows international roaming in many countries** through support for multiple UMTS/HSDPA frequency bands and four GPRS/EDGE bands commonly used worldwide"

According to I.M., the card specs are:

OPERATING BANDS : GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 1900MHz
UMTS/WCDMA : 2100MHz, 1900MHz, 850MHz
1xEVDO/1xRTT : 850MHz, 1900MHz

Should I go for this one since it does both (eek, RRP is $335)?

coffeebaron

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Reply # 192011 25-Jan-2009 19:36

nate:
OPERATING BANDS : GSM/GPRS/EDGE: 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 1900MHz
UMTS/WCDMA : 2100MHz, 1900MHz, 850MHz
1xEVDO/1xRTT : 850MHz, 1900MHz
Should I go for this one since it does both (eek, RRP is $335)?

It's missing UMTS/WCDMA 900MHz

Though if you are happy to be a Telecom customer, then it's not a bad option. It will let you down in Vodafone's rural 3G areas. And as more 900 3G gets rolled out in particularly EU countries, you will miss this too; not really an issue in main centres that will be largely 2100 stuff.

There are currently no cards (including the USB or Express card) that I'm aware of that do both 850 & 900 UMTS/WCDMA. So anything you buy now will be a compromise anyway.

My advice based on that RRP of $335, is it is a pretty good buy if you go Telecom - so I think if you are happy with that, then go ahead. NB: check with Telecom first that they will support this on their current CDMA network though - but I'm sure they will if it comes via a NZ supplier.

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Reply # 192017 25-Jan-2009 20:30

Slightly OT, what Express cards do 900/2100 UMTS ?

Kyanar

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Reply # 192072 26-Jan-2009 09:31

coffeebaron:
nate:
UMTS/WCDMA : 2100MHz, 1900MHz, 850MHz

It's missing UMTS/WCDMA 900MHz

Though if you are happy to be a Telecom customer, then it's not a bad option. It will let you down in Vodafone's rural 3G areas. And as more 900 3G gets rolled out in particularly EU countries, you will miss this too; not really an issue in main centres that will be largely 2100 stuff.

There are currently no cards (including the USB or Express card) that I'm aware of that do both 850 & 900 UMTS/WCDMA. So anything you buy now will be a compromise anyway.

My advice based on that RRP of $335, is it is a pretty good buy if you go Telecom - so I think if you are happy with that, then go ahead. NB: check with Telecom first that they will support this on their current CDMA network though - but I'm sure they will if it comes via a NZ supplier.

I'm not 100% on this, but doesn't that spec mean it'll work on Telecom's new network as well?

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scottjpalmer

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Reply # 192094 26-Jan-2009 11:34

Kyanar: I'm not 100% on this, but doesn't that spec mean it'll work on Telecom's new network as well?

Yes

coffeebaron

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Reply # 192113 26-Jan-2009 12:58

peejayw: Slightly OT, what Express cards do 900/2100 UMTS ?

Aparrenlty there is one on it's way "soon"

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Lipex666

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Reply # 192129 26-Jan-2009 15:08

I think you have forgoton about Wifi. Its getting everywhere with hotspots and great if roaming.

The question is are you mobile for business is it critical you be in touch, roaming etc. Simple communication like emails can be done on a mobile device.

Is the business paying? where are you etc.

If necassary a Vodafone / Telecom stick is the way to go but depends on where you are going re coverage and what network you are on.

Plus and minus for both netwoks neither one truley outstanding over the over. Personal choice or who you are currently connected to. Some great new connection deals make it tempting to port or a new number etc.

Example in Auckland Wi-Fi users can access fast wireless internet within the coverage zone, simply and affordably at speeds of 2 Mbps or more. Rates to use the service are $3 per hour, $6.50 per day or $30 per week, with users paying as they go.

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richms

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Reply # 192134 26-Jan-2009 15:44

My experiences using wifi hotspots is that they are a joke compared to 3g mobile data - first there is the non standard auth processes to go thru every time - waste of time and untill there is a standard for it you're stuck with third party kludges that dont work everywhere like devicescape.

Then there is the variety of nat solutions used which break some things some of the time. No VPN here, No SMTP there, http thru some proxy there.

Limited coverage, non seamless handover and it really starts to suck compared to the just works everywhere mobile data that you get off vodafone/telecom.

IMO the market for public hotspots is about to disappear, nice niche idea while it lasted.

Richard rich.ms

nate

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Reply # 192145 26-Jan-2009 16:59

Lipex666: I think you have forgoton about Wifi. Its getting everywhere with hotspots and great if roaming.

To answer your queries, I already have a Vodafone mobile data connection (though this may discontinue when Telecom launch their new data network), and while I could do emails on my Nokia E71, it's far too tedious. Much easier when out and about to use a full laptop.

I mainly use my data card when out in meetings, or when on holiday to keep up with what's happening in the office. I also agree with richms, until there is a standardised login/logout system at all public WiFi areas, then it's just quicker and easier to stick with my data card.

My reasoning for going to an integrated mobile module is I wouldn't then need to remember to have my data card with me - just open the laptop, connect and I'm away.

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Reply # 192153 26-Jan-2009 17:31

If you are carrying a wifi compatible Nokai mobile anyway, have you considered Joikuspot - turns you mobile into a wifi hotspot?

coffeebaron

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Reply # 192156 26-Jan-2009 17:51

nate:, I already have a Vodafone mobile data connection (though this may discontinue when Telecom launch their new data network),

So yes, you could get the integrated card you mentioned right now, as it will do atleast the same as your current card on Vodafone (unless you recently upgraded to their new 900 3G capable USB stick). It will then work on Telecom's new network too, and right now should work on Telecom's current CDMA network.

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