[KnowItAll]

Quick question. I've managed to get my hands on a HSDPA card and am getting ready to review it on here and on devlib.org (super technical bits and bytes kind of review).

Current review framework is as follows:


HSDPA Review

0) HSDPA background - what is it. how is it diff from 3G data

1) Ease of Install on XP and OS/X
-- Might use a Apple dual bootcamp setup.

2) Speed Testing
-- Large Email Download (100K, 1MB, 10MB)
-- Website browsing US, HK and EU website speeds
-- VPN Speed (Netvigator v/s S-Vodafone)
-- File upload / download speeds
-- Multimedia download (Apple HD Trailer for Example)

3) Coverage Testing
-- Outdoors v/s Indoors in three Possible locations
Pokfulam / Cyberport
Central Coffee Shop v/s Outdoors
Outdoor Coffee Shop "with a view"
Airport
In a taxi?

-- Install in a PC with PCMCIA card and see if it works under the desk at home

4) Questions
-- Usage Policy
VoIP (Skype etc)
Streaming Video (CNN / BBC etc)

-- Roaming Abilities
Where and how much (website?)

-- Handsets / Phones Future
-- Killer Applications
-- Security / Encryption / Privacy


Anything else that you think you'd want covered?

[irock]

Seriously, Smartone will offer USB version? I think a USB HSDPA is a lot more versatile. Since such a modem will most likely be in USB dongle form factor, I can simply improvise with some chewed gum to stick the modem on the back of the screen of a notebook.

For your coverage test, you should try remote places like Stanley & N. Terrority where you will less likely have access to WiFi.

Speed is important, but not a major thing for me... as I simply need to blog and check on my website anywhere in the city.

[KnowItAll]

irrock : one thing I've been told, if you can get decent voice coverage in the region the HSDPA card will work everything goes to the same base station.

[discobay]

I would add going down to the MTR/coming up from the MTR. I often lose a signal this way. Also taking the MTR when crossing under the harbour and drving through a tunnel.

[KnowItAll]

You're planning on using your notebook while walking up and down the MTR escalator?

[discobay]

Good point ... I've just realised that my a/c power lead may be too short for that. But seriously, what if I'm running, say, MSN Messenger or downloading some stuff then bag the notebook then walk down to the MTR to catch a train. Would my connection be lost and would it automatically reconnect?

[KnowItAll]

Discobay: I don't think it reconnects (and there are reasons for this... although I think it should be configurable).

[longbeard]

How's the service now? Better?