3G dongles are nice, but the problem with them is that they're very specific, and tend to come with their own software, which may or may not spray all sorts of little extras around your computer, rendering the experience of getting online while mobile seriously vexing. (Yes, BT, I'm thinking of you and your intrusive software.)
Why can't we just have free Wi-Fi everywhere? You know the answer to that: companies don't feel like offering it (and even Swindon is going to limit it). But here's a smart combination: a 3G dongle that's incorporated into a portable Wi-Fi generator. No troublesome software, just the warm glow of a Wi-Fi signal that your computer – and indeed your smartphone or other Wi-Fi device – can hook into. Private, simple, mobile. That's what the latest offerings from 3 and (generically) from Mi-Fi offer: a pocketable device that picks up a 3G data signal and broadcasts a secure Wi-Fi signal.
The device from 3 is neat, little, bright and white, about the size of a credit card but fatter. There are four buttons and five lights, where each light can glow more than one colour (to indicate, for example, that it's negotiating to join the 3G network, the quality of the 3G signal, and whether it's broadcasting a Wi-Fi signal). This could easily lead to interface overload, but actually, once you get it working – because it truly is a click-to-start experience once 3 has configured it – then it's a delight. The offer of pay-as-you-go products also means that you aren't locked into an 18-month contract that offers a fair rate for the first three months and a lousy one for the next 15; the latest evidence suggests that PAYG mobile broadband is becoming more and more popular. Though you can't choose which sim goes into the 3 Wi-Fi dongle, you can with the Novatel MiFi. It also lets you store and share files from an SD card, unlike the 3 version.
That should make up for the hassles that I did have with the Novatel, which requires you to enter the 3G account details (which I didn't have to hand). Given those, it's a breeze, but it is slightly more complicated than the 3 proposition.
The other aspect of the 3G Wi-Fi dongles as a class that makes them very much more useful than those you plug into your computer is that you can move it about for the best signal. On a train, having a plug-in dongle down by your lap, with a big chunk of steel – the train body – between you and the signal is never going to be ideal; with the MiFi you can simply lodge it by the window (or more sensibly, put it in your pocket, though I expect a smart company will add a sucker to let you stick it to train or car windows soon enough).
Mobile broadband? Great. Wi-Fi? Brilliant. The combination? Unbeatable.
Pros: portable, simple, connects to more than one device, no extra software, choice of payment plans (Novatel)
Cons: may need some setup, may be limited to certain payment plans (3)
three.co.uk
novatelwireless.com
Do most people use separate Wi-Fi software or the software provided in the operating system? I have a Dell Latitude E6500 running XP and the broadband connection only stays up for five minutes.
Rob Turrell
Up-to-date versions of Windows XP support Wi-Fi via the Wireless Zero Configuration Service, WZCSVC, and this generally works OK. Separate software is often provided with laptops and wireless cards, and may support extra buttons or offer other features. Independent Wi-Fi managers are also available. The alternatives will use a bit more memory, but I don't think people are bothered as long as they have something that works.
When it comes to disconnections, there's a tendency to blame the Wi-Fi router. Go through the set-up pages and look for something that tells it to "disconnect after X minutes". If you can try your laptop at a public hotspot and it doesn't drop the connection, that would point to there being a router or broadband problem.
It could also be the laptop's power-saving system that is turning the wireless card off after five minutes. Have a look at Ethernet Device Problem in Dell E6500.
Twinkler Software has just released a new BlackBerry application that will prove to be very useful if you’re constantly on the move and are a heavy WiFi user (like me).
WiFi Hero is an application that, once installed, controls when WiFi connections are on/off allowing you to conserve battery life based on where you are or what your BlackBerry is doing. Here’s how it works:
- Location Based. In this mode, WiFi Hero will automatically learn the location of the WiFi Hotspot you are currently connected to, and when WiFi is not connected (you are out of range of this Hotspot), WiFi Hero will automatically turn off WiFi – and when you come back to the same Hotspot location, it will automatically turn on WiFi.
- Screen Status. In this mode, WiFi Hero will automatically turn on WiFi when the screen is on and automatically turn off WiFi when the screen is off – making this very useful when you use your Blackberry to browse the web.
- Charging Status. In this mode, WiFi Hero will automatically turn on WiFi when the device is on charge, and automatically turn off WiFi when device is not charging and on battery power.
- This application is very small (about 12K) and is optimized for battery life.
WiFi Hero will work on all WiFi-enabled BlackBerry devices running OS 4.5 and higher and is available in the store for $4.99 with a free trial available.
FORT WORTH, Texas, Nov. 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- American Airlines, the first U.S. airline to launch Gogo Inflight Internet, is launching its new Wi-Fi Widget that enables customers to identify Wi-Fi equipped flights 24 hours prior to departure.
Customers can visit aa.com/wifiwidget to find and use the Wi-Fi Widget. The tool allows travelers to determine if their American Airlines flight will be scheduled with Wi-Fi enabled aircraft. Customers can also embed the Wi-Fi Widget in their own blogs, Web sites, and social network sites, which makes finding Wi-Fi on American Airlines flights even easier.
"We are pleased to have the Wi-Fi Widget tool available for our customers," said Doug Backelin, Manager - Inflight Communications and Technology. "We realize how important inflight connectivity is to travelers and believe the new widget will make identifying Wi-Fi equipped aircraft easy."
Simply enter your flight number or select your flight's departure airport from a drop down menu to find out in seconds if your flight is scheduled on a Wi-Fi equipped aircraft. For a quick video demonstration of how to use the Wi-Fi Widget, visit http://www.youtube.com/americanairlines.
Recently American completed the installation of Wi-Fi on 150 MD-80 aircraft. Combined with the 15 Boeing 767-200 aircraft that also have the service, American Airlines fleet now has 165 planes that are capable of providing customers with the ability to surf the Web, check e-mail, send instant messages, and more on a greater number of flights. In August 2008, American became the first U.S. airline to launch the Gogo service. Since then, thousands of customers traveling on American aircraft have enjoyed onboard Wi-Fi service while flying throughout the United States.
Coming soon, customers will also be able to determine if their flight has Wi-Fi by looking for the Wi-Fi symbol on the AA electronic gate information display screens at the airport.
Gogo service turns an American Airlines flight into a Wi-Fi hotspot. Once the aircraft has reached 10,000 feet, users can simply turn on their Wi-Fi enabled devices - such as laptops, smartphones and handheld PDAs - then open their browsers and be directed to the Gogo portal page where they sign up and begin surfing. Gogo also provides complimentary access to all that AA.com has to offer, including booking flights, hotel stays and rentals, checking AAdvantage accounts, and more.
Once connected, passengers can surf the Web, check e-mail, send instant messages, access a corporate VPN, and even start holiday shopping with SkyMall. By placing an online SkyMall order onboard, customers will receive a $12.95 discount on orders totaling more than $100 - covering the price of the Gogo session.
Each paid Gogo session includes full Internet, e-mail and VPN access. Cell phone and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service use are prohibited.
About American Airlines
American Airlines, American Eagle and American Connection® serve 250 cities in 40 countries with, on average, more than 3,400 daily flights. The combined network fleet numbers more than 900 aircraft. American's award-winning Web site, AA.com®, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a founding member of the oneworld® Alliance, which brings together some of the best and biggest names in the airline business, enabling them to offer their customers more services and benefits than any airline can provide on its own. Together, its members serve nearly 700 destinations in more than 130 countries and territories. American Airlines, Inc. and American Eagle Airlines, Inc. are subsidiaries of AMR Corporation. American Airlines, American Eagle, American Connection, AA.com, AAdvantage, AAnytime, MileSAAver and We know why you fly are registered trademarks of American Airlines, Inc. ( AMR)
About Aircell
Aircell is the world's leading provider of airborne communications. As winner of an exclusive FCC frequency license in 2006, Aircell has built a revolutionary mobile broadband network for commercial and business aviation. In 2008, the Aircell Network and its inflight portal, Gogo, revolutionized the commercial airline passenger flight experience by delivering a robust Internet experience at 35,000 feet. In addition, the Aircell Network provides airlines with connectivity to operations and a path to enhanced cabin services such as video, audio, television and more. A similar feature set is available to Business aircraft operators. Aircell has facilities in Broomfield, Colorado, and Itasca, Illinois. Aircell's vision is to give everyone the ability to stay in touch, in flight®. For more information about Aircell, please visit www.aircell.com.
About Gogo
Gogo, powered by Aircell, turns a commercial airplane into a Wi-Fi hotspot with true inflight Internet access. Passengers with Wi-Fi enabled devices, such as laptops, smartphones and PDAs, can surf the Web, check e-mail, instant message, access a corporate VPN and more. For more information about Gogo, please visit www.gogoinflight.com.
© 2009 Aircell LLC. Aircell and Gogo are trademarks of Aircell or its affiliates. All rights reserved
AmericanAirlines® We know why you fly®
Current AMR Corp. releases can be accessed on the Internet.
The address is http://www.aa.com
SOURCE American Airlines
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