Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2008/05/09/qanda_hsdpa_modem_choice/

Should I buy a USB HSDPA modem?

Q&A

By Sophie Jones

Posted in Personal Tech, 9th May 2008 06:02 GMT

I'm thinking of buying a USB HSDPA modem because I travel to a fair few places that don't have Wi-Fi. But... since I have a 56Kbps modem in my laptop is a 3G modem really worthwhile?

Yes, I know it should be much faster, but are they really? Reviews on Register Hardware suggest they're a long way off promised 7.2Mb/s speeds.

And I want one that's not tied to a network so that I can switch providers when I want to. Should I buy a SIM-free - and pricey - one, or are Vodafone/3/Orange etc offerings unlocked/unlockable?