So you know you want access to broadband on the go and without the cables, but there are so many mobile broadband options out there which one should you choose? While we unfortunately can’t give you a simple one-size-fits-all answer, we can share our tips of things to help you make sure you select the right mobile broadband device.
1) Understand the differences
There are four main types of mobile broadband device for you to choose from and all work in slightly different ways so it is important to know the differences.
– USB dongles are little sticks which connect to your computer’s USB port and allow you to access mobile broadband services. Ideal if you have a laptop you want to take online while out of the house.
– Mobile Wi-Fi routers are no where near as complicated as they sound, you simply turn them on and they access a mobile broadband connection and create a wi-fi hotspot for you to log onto. These are great if you want to go online with one or more Wi-Fi enabled devices.
– Laptop deals are being offered by more and more mobile phone networks if you’re willing to sign up for a 24 month mobile broadband contract. Obviously this is a great option for people who might not already have a portable computer.
– Tablets are becoming more and more popular, whether it’s the Apple iPad 2 or the Samsung Galaxy Tab, they can make a great way of accessing mobile broadband thanks to taking SIM cards. Probably best for people who’ve already got a computer at home but want to take the web with them.
2) Think about where you will use it?
Just like with mobile phones the quality of connection for mobile broadband devices can change depending on where you are. As such, it is always worth checking the quality of the signal where you intend to use it. You wouldn’t want to sign up for a 12 month contract and then find out there is no signal in your local coffee shop, would you?
3) Estimate how often you will use it?
Getting the right mobile broadband device and connection for you means getting one which gives you the level of service you will use, but without forcing you to pay for things you are not using.
Most mobile broadband devices come either as Pay As You Go, or on 12/24 month contracts, if you want to be online everyday, or have high data requirements a contract will probably be the best option. For less frequent access PAYG options offer a great alternative.
4) Know your bandwidth demands
Again when weighing up whether you want your mobile broadband device on PAYG or a contract you will want to consider how much data is included in the various packages you are considering.
As a guide to what you can do with your data allowance, 1GB would normally give you 30 hours of web browsing or the ability to send 700 emails or download 60 music tracks or watch an hour of high quality video.
5) Know what devices you want to take online
The type of device or devices you intend to connect to your mobile broadband will play a large part in deciding which option is best for you, so give it some consideration. If you’ve got one laptop to take online, a USB dongle may be the easiest and most cost effective solution, while if you have a variety of Wi-Fi devices a Mi-Fi make more sense.
And, if you don’t already have the device you want to use to access the internet via your new mobile broadband connection, it’s well worth considering the various free laptop offers and tablet options.
A guest post by Simon Crisp who writes on behalf of Broadband Genie and Mobile Phone Genie, the independent comparison sites for broadband, mobile broadband and smartphones.
You have explained very well on how to choose the best mobile broadband device to use. This tips will make it a lot easier to choose which one is the most suitable for you.