Linksys Velop, First Take: Hassle-free, cost-effective mesh wi-fi
The dual-band, three-pack variant of Linksys's Velop mesh wi-fi system is straightforward to set up and performs well.
The dual-band, three-pack variant of Linksys's Velop mesh wi-fi system is straightforward to set up and performs well.
We take Vodafone's new 4G (LTE) network for a test-drive using Sony's 10.1-inch Xperia Tablet Z.
Orange's latest mobile broadband dongle offers straightforward HSDPA conenctivity, and a range of colours.
Vodafone's USB Modem 7.2 and USB Modem Stick support the latest 3.5G networks. It's a shame, then, that high-speed network coverage is so sparse.
3G modems that connect to your notebook via USB are nothing new, but Orange's <a href="http://www.business.orange.co.uk/servlet/Satellite?pagename=Business&c=OUKDevice&cid=1044136297758">Orange's Option ICON2</a> is different not only in looks but also in its support of 7.2Mbps connections. Should you get excited about the high speed? Only if you don’t mind buying now in order to reap the benefits in the future.
It's not particularly stylish and the desktop software is short on features, but if you want a reliable USB 3G modem that's ready for 7.2Mbps operation, Orange's Option ICON2 seems like a good choice.
<p>Towards the end of last year, we reviewed <a title="Vodafone Mobile Connect USB Modem" href="http://reviews.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/networking/0,1000000697,39284799,00.htm?r=1">Vodafone's USB 3G modem</a>. By contrast with other PC Card-based modems, this was a plug-and-play device that was simplicity itself to use, which was enough to earn it an Editors' Choice award. Not to be outdone, T-Mobile has launched a rival. As more notebooks begin to incorporate SIM card slots, the long-term value of separate modems may be limited. But if you don't have built-in SIM support, the plug-and-play approach has immediate appeal.</p>
T-Mobile's web'n'walk USB modem is an obvious option for mobile notebook users. However, it could also come in handy if your main broadband internet connection decides to go to sleep for a while.
Although there's definitely room for improvement, the DU@Lphone performs its core task of marrying VoIP and landline calls through a DECT system very well.
If you can't get ADSL, consider a one-way satellite broadband connection such as AVC Broadband. However it's expensive, and your computer needs wired links to the DVB decoder and the phone line (for dial-up uplink connection).