O2 Mobile Broadband Dongle Usb Modem E160 > Reviews (4)

Getting an o2 dongle had never really felt like something I would ever need to buy, as I always have had internet provided by a big name internet provider in my house so that I can receive broadband. However, as of recently my contract ended and I knew I'd be moving flat in 2 months so the point in starting a new contract up and paying cancellation fees just didn't seem like an option. This is when the idea of a dongle seemed like the best idea and having my phone with o2 I wanted the dongle with them too as I think they provide a good service.

APPEARANCE

With the o2 dongles, you can get them in a range of colours, in either pink, black or white which makes it just a little bit more fun. I decided to go for the pink one but they are very compact and easy to use and look just like a usb pen drive. The SIM card to activate it slots in and has a mobile number with it to register you and the blue light appears on the end and flashes which is when you know it is connected right and is working fine. It doesn't stick out too much and you don't even notice it is there really.

USB DONGLE

To start with, I asked the woman in the shop to install my SIM card as I wasn't sure how to do it, it does seem odd that your dongle is given a mobile number but this does make sense to give it an ID of some sort. Also, when using this I used to have a network usb to give me internet signal but with this I didn't need that anymore as this is like a 2 in 1 device. There are many plus sides to using a dongle but as I've experience while writing this at times the connection can go very slow, however out of the whole time I've had it this is the first time this has happened.

Now, to start using this once your SIM is inserted, you just put in the USB stick to one of the ports and it will start to install drivers automatically then it is ready to go. You will have the connection manager open up which is how you know all of your information. This shows you how much data you've used and all of your account information. It is handy for keeping track of useage as you will be told when you are nearly over your montly allowance as well as it automatically carrying on from the last time.

Another thing good about the dongle is that if you run over your allowance you can buy 1gb more but it is about £8. I have a business dongle so get 2gb a month which is very basic and is mainly good for emails etc but you cannot wait films or anything with it or your 2gb will go quick. I do find it ok but I used to use the internet for music etc so am finding myself very limited. I am monitoring my MB useage but it seems to get used up so quick which is frustrating.

You can get a monthly contract or pay as you go. Monthly ties you down for about 2 years and is cheaper but pay as you go you just pay £10 for the dongle and then £15 a month which is the most and you can cancel this at anyimte also. The dongle seems to connect very easily, at first it kept connecting to the wrong connection but now as soon as my laptop starts up, it seems to connect within under 5 minutes and you are online and the connection seems reliable.

Whe you first use the dongle it doesn't take long before you are up and running. I think these are mostly for people who are on the go and want to check emails etc but I do think I'll be glad to get my unlimited broadband back as I hate constantly watching the MB's I can't go on Skype or anything like that anymore. The dongle is good if you need internet quick and I will keep hold of it but at £18 a month with VAT for 2 gb it just seems quite a lot when I used to pay that a month almost for unlimited broadband.

In terms of downloads when I was downloading music it was still going at about 300kb a minute which isn't really that bad so it isn't the slowest dongle in the world.

COST

The dongle like I said has a £10 charge if you go for the rolling contract on pay as you go. However, to choose your tariff you're best to go instore as they can recommend it best to suit your needs as some tariffs go up to £30 and seem quite pricey for what you are getting. Just make sure you understand it all before buying as I had numerous sales people trying to con me into these whereas o2 their own shop sat down and went through it all very clearly.

The official o2 website is http://www.o2.co.uk