[KnowItAll]

*sigh* If there was a hint of "how to win friends and influence people" .. I'd forward your message on.

I do agree on the card / SIM lock. Not acceptable. Telcos in HK need to get away from the monopolistic approach, specially when you've paid full price.

[njoy]

for what its worth, re staff: ive found them to be polite and helpful, well informed about their own products and willing to listen and go find out about new questions ... cant say if they havent volunteered something, but their customer service is good

re speeds: seems that 1.8 Mbps with a card is more than adequate for normal browsing/ emails/ downloads, and this is really pretty good wireless technology ... but of course its nice to know that 3.6 is also available for speed freaks and heavy users

[SMC-Voda]

Thanks for your continued interest in the SmarTone-Vodafone Mobile Broadband service. Answers to your major questions are provided below.

Currently, we offer consumers the Mobile Broadband service with 3.6Mbps USB modem in our stores. We are the first network within the Vodafone's mobile community to do so, well ahead of Australia, UK, etc. The current Vodafone Mobile Connect software supports only Mac Powerbook G4 for the time being. We are working with Vodafone to develop a new software release which supports the MacBook and MacBook Pro (i.e. macbook intel). It is expected that this will be ready by the end of Oct 2006. You will be able to download the latest release through our corporate website. The link to the specific section is http://www.smartone-vodafone.com/jsp...sh/devices.jsp.

The Launch2net by novamedia you mentioned is a third-party software that comes with its own dialer to support the MacBook.We have tested this software and found that its performance is not stable at all.

We see market demands for both datacard and USB modem, and therefore both are currently available today at our stores. Customers can choose their preferred device to suit their needs.

SmarTone-Vodafone constantly strives to introduce more advanced products and services to satisfy customer demand. Customers can choose whether to upgrade from 1.8Mbps datacard to 3.6Mbps modem or not based on their individual needs, and currently there is no plan for automatic upgrades. However, if you already own a 1.8Mbps HSDPA datacard it can still deliver true broadband speed comparable to fixed broadband. This speed is sufficient for normal web browsing and most file downloads. As our network is now upgraded to 3.6Mbps, its increased capacity can accommodate even more users to enjoy full 1.8Mbps speed at most times, which provides an even better user experience than before.

We hope to have addressed your questions and concerns. We always appreciate your members constructive feedback and we're happy to provide more information if you require in the future. Alternatively, please visit any of our stores or www.GetMoving.com.hk

From SmarTone-Vodafone

[oyster]

there is no need to use the dialer from launch2net. After installing the trial software, it will install the driver into os x and you can just dial manually. works fine here

[discobay]

Originally Posted by SMC-Voda

...However, if you already own a 1.8Mbps HSDPA datacard it can still deliver true broadband speed comparable to fixed broadband.

OK when you've got off the floor after rolling around with uncontrollable laughter hands up all of you who have fixed broadband speeds of less than 1.8Mbps - this is not the UK where broadband speeds start at 256Kbps! HELLO is there a person on the end of that keyboard!!!

[Saw]

You won’t believe this! I do have bad experience of using fixed broadband especially the evening time. Guess that is what people call 'network traffic jam'. The poor performance is likely a result of people at the same building using very bandwidth-hungry applications e.g. movie downloads….

[njoy]

Something of importance in all of this – choosing a wireless network. Check out http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/null/3863 for some practical hints and a few fun suggestions – I like the idea of having a party to check out your friends’ reception and equipment. With full coverage of the SAR, SmarTone-Vodafone has to be a contender.

[discobay]

That link is too US specific for my liking.