If you have an e-mail address, chances are you've been the recipient of messages that have invited you to share Bill Gates' fortune, or warned about telephone company scams, exploding cellphones, Internet taxation rumors and the always popular DCSMN (Dying-Child-Send-Money-Now) scam.
You can avoid online pitfalls by being aware of the following "red flags" that all hoaxes or scams display, in whole or in part:
A sense of urgency. It doesn't matter if it's a phony alert about a newly discovered virus or a desperate plea for help because Little Scotty's disabled mother's crutch poked a hole in his oxygen tent, these types of breathlessly desperate messages always implore recipients to respond immediately. Also, look for the liberal use of exclamation points!!!!, messages typed IN ALL CAPS, or the inclusion of words that suggest that time is of the essence.
A prediction of dire consequences, if you do nothing. If it's a virus alert, your hard drive will explode, spiders will take up residence in your modem or your house pets will turn on you while you're sleeping. The "consequences" of failing to heed this type of phony e-mail alert are usually so horrific, they would give Stephen King nightmares.
Authentication/Corroboration. Hoaxes usually contain bogus authentication by some highfalutin yet highly fictitious official at Microsoft, AOL, IBM or other well-known institution. Other hoaxes are authenticated by phony police officials, insurance companies, the government or somebody's brother-in-law who purportedly works for a company referenced, as if to suggest the message contains insider information. It's all nonsense.
A request to forward the message to as many people as possible. This "town crier" approach takes advantage of our good nature and the fact that most of us want to help others. Plus, let's face it, we all love to share bad news. As soon as you see a request to forward a message to everybody you know, you don't even have to think twice about it: Reach for the delete key and stop the madness.
The best way to thwart the spread of these random acts of error is through awareness. Keep an eye out for any of the above telltale signs and make frequent use of your delete key. If you have any doubts about a given message, before you consider forwarding it, spend a few minutes researching it at Snopes, www.snopes.com, or Hoaxbusters, www.hoaxbusters.org.
For answers to your computer questions, visit www.MrModem.com.
DBC Network
Wednesday, 25 August 2010
Useful information on D-link Router Setup
Have you actually fairly recently obtained a different D-link router to add to your computer system? In these present-day times, the majority of households have more than one laptop or computer and many work with wireless internet connects in order to browse the web. Setting these gadgets up may not be an overly difficult process, even though from time to time, the cable or broadband firm you make use of might have specifics you should take into account. This will be a quick guide of which is easily the most common strategy to configure a D-link router.
Before starting, be sure to have all the appropriate products required for example cables, power source as well as installation instructions and also disk as well as a power outlet. In addition make certain that your cable modem is unplugged. Make sure that your pc is actually turned off prior to the installation (many times modern D-link routers may auto configure on restart).
Please follow these simple steps:
Take the Ethernet cable which is hooked up on the modem to your computer and disconnect it from your computer. Plug that within the WAN port of the D-link router. If it is a new setup, and its not attached to a computer then proceed from the cable modems’ Ethernet port to your router’s wan port. If you would like connect to a computer system, take an additional Ethernet cable and go from the D-link router to the port of your computer. If you work with all wireless, you don’t need to use this measure.
When the connection from the cable modem to the router is definitely hooked up, plug both the router and the modem back in and restart your personal machine. Ideally you will see the router LED lights blinking meaning it is working and the d-link router startup is actually correct, that is to say they are speaking to one another.
After your computer is back on you will have to configure your d-link router to setup all of your configurations. Open Internet Explorer or your preferred internet browser, and type the universal IP address of 192.168.0.1. Check your owner guide this provides you with the first time sign in details.
From here, you should generate an username as well as password, along with make sure that the firmware is current. If you use wireless, ensure that you setup the SSID plus be sure you create an exclusive label for the router. Make sure you enable encryption so people not inside your house are unable to use your wireless.
You might want to take many other actions at the time you perform the d-link router setup such as parental control, firewall, and in some cases if you choose to merely permit selected computers (utilizing a MAC address) having access to the network.
Any time you wish to configure a D-link router that has a varying setup then the particular one detailed in this particular posting, you can certainly explore and also get qualified advice along with computer help by visiting Computer Too Slow.
Before starting, be sure to have all the appropriate products required for example cables, power source as well as installation instructions and also disk as well as a power outlet. In addition make certain that your cable modem is unplugged. Make sure that your pc is actually turned off prior to the installation (many times modern D-link routers may auto configure on restart).
Please follow these simple steps:
Take the Ethernet cable which is hooked up on the modem to your computer and disconnect it from your computer. Plug that within the WAN port of the D-link router. If it is a new setup, and its not attached to a computer then proceed from the cable modems’ Ethernet port to your router’s wan port. If you would like connect to a computer system, take an additional Ethernet cable and go from the D-link router to the port of your computer. If you work with all wireless, you don’t need to use this measure.
When the connection from the cable modem to the router is definitely hooked up, plug both the router and the modem back in and restart your personal machine. Ideally you will see the router LED lights blinking meaning it is working and the d-link router startup is actually correct, that is to say they are speaking to one another.
After your computer is back on you will have to configure your d-link router to setup all of your configurations. Open Internet Explorer or your preferred internet browser, and type the universal IP address of 192.168.0.1. Check your owner guide this provides you with the first time sign in details.
From here, you should generate an username as well as password, along with make sure that the firmware is current. If you use wireless, ensure that you setup the SSID plus be sure you create an exclusive label for the router. Make sure you enable encryption so people not inside your house are unable to use your wireless.
You might want to take many other actions at the time you perform the d-link router setup such as parental control, firewall, and in some cases if you choose to merely permit selected computers (utilizing a MAC address) having access to the network.
Any time you wish to configure a D-link router that has a varying setup then the particular one detailed in this particular posting, you can certainly explore and also get qualified advice along with computer help by visiting Computer Too Slow.
Use a Mobile WirelessUse a Mobile Wireless MiFi Modem to Connect Your iPad Or Laptop to a Mobile Phone Network to Connect Your iPad Or Laptop to a Mobile Phone Network
If you have a WiFi enabled iPad or laptop but aren’t in a wireless hotspot then a MiFi modem can be used to connect to the cellular/mobile phone network (3G or HSDPA signal) and create a wireless broadband hotspot so you can get online. Alternatively you can use a MiFi mobile wireless modem to connect up to 5 WiFi enabled devices to the cellular network which could get you online on your iPod Touch, Sony PSP, Nintendo DSi, netbook, mobile phone or other WiFi enabled devices all at the same time.
MiFi packages are available from numerous mobile phone carriers worldwide (such as 3-Mobile MiFi/Vodafone MiFi in the UK or Verizon/AT&T MiFi in the US) and various plans exist depending on if you want to sign up for a contracted period and pay a set amount per month for a regular data allowance or pay-as-you-go service. The pay-as-you-go plans may be more appropriate if you use the service from time-to-time as the data is more expensive but you only pay for what you need.
MiFi modems vary in size and shape but generally they’re credit card sized and around 1cm thick. The MiFi modem is portable but equally substantial device that is like a very small mobile phone. Some also have a micro-SD slot so you can add your own SD card and use the device as a memory stick also.
How to set up your mobile wireless MiFi modem
The following instructions relate to a Huawei E585 3G Wireless MiFi Modem (part of the 3 MiFi package from the 3-Mobile network provider in the UK)but other modems will work in a similar way.
When you pick up a strong 3G or HSDPA signal you should get decent data speeds enabling you to stream YouTube videos and loaded web pages quickly. The performance is as any fast as you’d get on a smart-phone but not comparable to a high-speed home broadband connection. The signal strength largely depends on the cellular/mobile carrier you select and their coverage in the area you’re trying to access the 3G or HSDPA network.
Battery life of the Huawei E585 3G Wireless MiFi Modem was generally around four hours when powered by the battery in the modem and in continuous use”. But standby time is much longer so best to turn the modem off if not in use to prevent the power draining away.
To give you an idea of how far your data allowance will go. The 3-Mobile cellular network in the UK states that 1 GB of data should roughly allow you to browse the web for 10 hours, plus send 1000 emails, plus download 32 four minute music tracks, plus download 5 four minute videos. A lot will depend on what you use if for but simple websites such as Google with few images require very little data usage and video downloading on YouTube will take much more.
Mobile WiFi Summary
Your mobile wireless MiFi experience will largely depend on the cellular/network coverage in the area that you’ll use it and watch out for hidden charges such as using the device abroad. All-in-all though, a MiFi modem is a great way to get online when you’re out of range of a WiFi network and don’t have a 3G connection built into your iPad, laptop or other wireless enabled device. MiFi modems also allow you to create one connection that a number of other devices can connect to and often the cost of the modem is far less than paying up front for a 3G enabled device.
Ted Summs runs and writes for the What Tablet PC website that covers not just mobile wireless MiFi but also Apple iPad, tablet PC and e-reader reviews and news. The site is dedicated to helping people choose and use an iPad or the best tablet PC alternatives for their needs.
MiFi packages are available from numerous mobile phone carriers worldwide (such as 3-Mobile MiFi/Vodafone MiFi in the UK or Verizon/AT&T MiFi in the US) and various plans exist depending on if you want to sign up for a contracted period and pay a set amount per month for a regular data allowance or pay-as-you-go service. The pay-as-you-go plans may be more appropriate if you use the service from time-to-time as the data is more expensive but you only pay for what you need.
MiFi modems vary in size and shape but generally they’re credit card sized and around 1cm thick. The MiFi modem is portable but equally substantial device that is like a very small mobile phone. Some also have a micro-SD slot so you can add your own SD card and use the device as a memory stick also.
How to set up your mobile wireless MiFi modem
The following instructions relate to a Huawei E585 3G Wireless MiFi Modem (part of the 3 MiFi package from the 3-Mobile network provider in the UK)but other modems will work in a similar way.
- Get the SIM in the modem by opening up the modem and slotting it in the SIM card slot behind the battery.
- You’ll need to charge the modem for a long period initially to get it up and running (around 8 hours). You can do this by connecting it to the mains via an adapter plug, or alternatively you can charge by attaching it to a USB socket if you’re using it to connect a laptop or other USB enabled device.
- Power up the MiFi modem using the on/off switch and give it 90-120 seconds to pick up the mobile/cellular signal.
- The modem’s screen contains various icons giving you details of signal strength – all are pretty self explanatory and explained in detail on the instructions that come with the modem
- You then just connect to the usual WiFi signal on your iPad, laptop or other device and enter the login and password details provided by the carrier who you purchased the MiFi and data plan from.
When you pick up a strong 3G or HSDPA signal you should get decent data speeds enabling you to stream YouTube videos and loaded web pages quickly. The performance is as any fast as you’d get on a smart-phone but not comparable to a high-speed home broadband connection. The signal strength largely depends on the cellular/mobile carrier you select and their coverage in the area you’re trying to access the 3G or HSDPA network.
Battery life of the Huawei E585 3G Wireless MiFi Modem was generally around four hours when powered by the battery in the modem and in continuous use”. But standby time is much longer so best to turn the modem off if not in use to prevent the power draining away.
To give you an idea of how far your data allowance will go. The 3-Mobile cellular network in the UK states that 1 GB of data should roughly allow you to browse the web for 10 hours, plus send 1000 emails, plus download 32 four minute music tracks, plus download 5 four minute videos. A lot will depend on what you use if for but simple websites such as Google with few images require very little data usage and video downloading on YouTube will take much more.
Mobile WiFi Summary
Your mobile wireless MiFi experience will largely depend on the cellular/network coverage in the area that you’ll use it and watch out for hidden charges such as using the device abroad. All-in-all though, a MiFi modem is a great way to get online when you’re out of range of a WiFi network and don’t have a 3G connection built into your iPad, laptop or other wireless enabled device. MiFi modems also allow you to create one connection that a number of other devices can connect to and often the cost of the modem is far less than paying up front for a 3G enabled device.
Ted Summs runs and writes for the What Tablet PC website that covers not just mobile wireless MiFi but also Apple iPad, tablet PC and e-reader reviews and news. The site is dedicated to helping people choose and use an iPad or the best tablet PC alternatives for their needs.
Gao Research Inc. ’s Software Modem Connected replaced Ceiva Digital Photo Frame Chipset
To ensure the connectivity of the device automatically updates online photos are available, including the collection of modules of your choice GAO standards ITU-T line CEIVA softmodem V. 34, the software V.42 error correction, and various modules and telephony Linux driver. The software enables digital photo frames are inserted into an existing phone line and silently choose a local number each night to post new photos, without interruption, its telephony service, and no charge on the line.
is “This is a typical scenario, we meet many of our customers,” said Dr. Frank Gao, president of GAO Research Inc. A?? By replacing the modem chipset into their design highly optimized software solution GAO, CEIVA is able to realize significant savings. ”
Jim Sepe, CEIVA Logic CTO, said: “If our members upgrade CEIVA digital photo frame and a difficult decision to change to a software-based solution, we need to make sure we kept the functionality and has remained very competitive. Our choice GAOâ? modem software solution that allows us to do both. “Sepe also mentioned that?? CEIVA results are very satisfactory. The optimization and performance software GAO has far exceeded our expectations and after-sales support is excellent. Â??
GAOâ? S modem software packages and integrated fax includes a complete range of ITU-T modem and fax data pumps and compliance protocols. Modem data pumps include V. 92 V. 90 V. 34 V. 32a / 32 V, V 22a / V. 22 V. 21, and other standards. Fax data pumps include V. 34 V. 17 V. 29 V. 27b, V. 21 and CH. Second GAOâ? S embedded modem and fax software is fully optimized DSPs and microprocessors on platforms including Texas Instruments C5000 Series and C6000, Analog Devices ADSP 218x and Blackfin, ARM7, ARM9 run / D, Pentium and in others.
About GAO Research Inc.
GAO Research Inc., www. gaoresearch. com is the leading embedded software products for communications and DSP microprocessor environments, and one of the fastest growing in Canada. GAOâ? S integrated communication modules are used by telecommunications, semiconductor and electronics manufacturers worldwide. GAO offers its VoIP & FoIP modules, V. 92 and V. 90 7xx with all the help soft-modems, Super G3 & G3-Fax software and voice codecs G. on the broadest range of DSPs and microprocessors. GAOâ? S CEIVA customers Motorola, Samsung, Alcatel, Philips, Telular, Telcordia, OKI, Marconi, Agilent, Siemens, Infineon, AudioCodes, ABB, LG Electronics, Toshiba and other customers worldwide.
About CEIVA Logic, Inc.:
CEIVA Logic, Inc., www. Ceiva. com, is the inventor of the digital photo frame supplier in the world? Framesi link s first and only digital camera? ¢. CEIVA, families and friends for endless slideshows from camera memory cards to display on the Integrated card reader and you will automatically receive photos sent by camera phone or an online CEIVA account. Providing world-class care to personalized customer CEIVA Digital Photo Frames CEIVA and services Pictureplane ® is the only solution to enable effort digital photo display, secure storage and sharing digital photos. CEIVA products are available to Ceiva. com and at select retailers nationwide.
is “This is a typical scenario, we meet many of our customers,” said Dr. Frank Gao, president of GAO Research Inc. A?? By replacing the modem chipset into their design highly optimized software solution GAO, CEIVA is able to realize significant savings. ”
Jim Sepe, CEIVA Logic CTO, said: “If our members upgrade CEIVA digital photo frame and a difficult decision to change to a software-based solution, we need to make sure we kept the functionality and has remained very competitive. Our choice GAOâ? modem software solution that allows us to do both. “Sepe also mentioned that?? CEIVA results are very satisfactory. The optimization and performance software GAO has far exceeded our expectations and after-sales support is excellent. Â??
GAOâ? S modem software packages and integrated fax includes a complete range of ITU-T modem and fax data pumps and compliance protocols. Modem data pumps include V. 92 V. 90 V. 34 V. 32a / 32 V, V 22a / V. 22 V. 21, and other standards. Fax data pumps include V. 34 V. 17 V. 29 V. 27b, V. 21 and CH. Second GAOâ? S embedded modem and fax software is fully optimized DSPs and microprocessors on platforms including Texas Instruments C5000 Series and C6000, Analog Devices ADSP 218x and Blackfin, ARM7, ARM9 run / D, Pentium and in others.
About GAO Research Inc.
GAO Research Inc., www. gaoresearch. com is the leading embedded software products for communications and DSP microprocessor environments, and one of the fastest growing in Canada. GAOâ? S integrated communication modules are used by telecommunications, semiconductor and electronics manufacturers worldwide. GAO offers its VoIP & FoIP modules, V. 92 and V. 90 7xx with all the help soft-modems, Super G3 & G3-Fax software and voice codecs G. on the broadest range of DSPs and microprocessors. GAOâ? S CEIVA customers Motorola, Samsung, Alcatel, Philips, Telular, Telcordia, OKI, Marconi, Agilent, Siemens, Infineon, AudioCodes, ABB, LG Electronics, Toshiba and other customers worldwide.
About CEIVA Logic, Inc.:
CEIVA Logic, Inc., www. Ceiva. com, is the inventor of the digital photo frame supplier in the world? Framesi link s first and only digital camera? ¢. CEIVA, families and friends for endless slideshows from camera memory cards to display on the Integrated card reader and you will automatically receive photos sent by camera phone or an online CEIVA account. Providing world-class care to personalized customer CEIVA Digital Photo Frames CEIVA and services Pictureplane ® is the only solution to enable effort digital photo display, secure storage and sharing digital photos. CEIVA products are available to Ceiva. com and at select retailers nationwide.
Using a wireless modem to connect mobile MiFi IPAD or laptop to a wireless network
If you have a WiFi enabled laptop or IPAD, but not in a hotspot MiFi, you can use a modem to connect to the cellular network (3G or HSDPA signal) and create an access point wireless broadband so that you can get online. Alternatively, you can use a wireless modem to connect wireless devices MiFi up to 5 Wi-Fi to the cellular network that could bring the Internet to your iPod Touch, Sony PSP, Nintendo DS, netbook, mobile phone or Another Wi-Fi enabled devices in allsame time.
MiFi packages are available from many mobile phone companies in the world (like 3-MiFi MiFi Mobile / Vodafone in the UK or Verizon and AT & T U.S. MiFi) and the different schemes in terms of Si you want to enroll in a contract period and pay a fixed amount per month for a regular supply of data or "pay-as-you-go services. The pay-as-you-go plans may be more appropriate if the service is used from time to time that data is more expensive, but you only pay for whatneed.
MiFi modems vary in size and shape but are usually credit card size and about 1 cm thick. MiFi modem is portable, but the camera just as important as a mobile phone is very low. Some also have a micro SD slot so you can add your own SD card and use the device as a memory card too.
How to configure your wireless network wireless modem MiFi
The following instructions refer to a Huawei E585 3G Modem Wireless MiFi (Part 3 of 3 fixed-mobile MiFinetwork providers in the United Kingdom), but other modems work the same.
Getting the SIM card into the modem by opening the scoring in the modem and the SIM card slot behind the battery.
You must load the modem for a long period for the initial construction and operation (approximately 8:00). You can do this by connecting to the network via an adapter, or alternatively, you can load connected to a USB port if you use to connect a laptop or other USB compatible.
TowerMiFi modem using the switch ON / OFF and give 90-120 seconds to collect the mobile / cellular signal.
The Modem screen contains several icons giving details on the signal strength - all are quite explicit and detailed instructions provided with the modem
Then just connect to WiFi signal on your usual camera, laptop or other IPAD and enter the login and password provided by the carrier acquired MiFi and data plan.
Iffight for a strong signal and then move on to the network coverage can vary considerably, even a few meters.
When you take a 3G or HSDPA signal that should get decent data speeds that you can listen to YouTube videos and web pages load faster. The operation is faster than all get in a smartphone, but it is comparable to a broadband connection at home at high speed. The signal intensity depends largely on the cellular / mobile operator and choose their coveragearea you are trying to access the 3G HSDPA network.
Battery Huawei E585 modem for 3G wireless MiFi usually about four hours when running on battery power on the modem and continued use. "But the waiting time is much longer if it is better to turn off your modem when not in use to avoid running out of energy.
To give you an idea of how much data can your franchise. The cellular mobile 3-in the United Kingdom states that 1 GB of data or less should allow you to surf the webfor 10 hours and sending emails 1000, more than four minutes to download 32 songs and four videos to download 5 minutes. Much will depend on what you use, but while sites like Google with simple images of some countries require the use of very little data and download YouTube videos will be many more.
Abstract Mobile WiFi
Your experience wireless mobile MiFi depend largely on the cellular network coverage and use of IT and care with hidden charges such as the useaircraft abroad. All-in-all, however, a modem MiFi is a good way to get online when you are out of range of a WiFi network and do not have a 3G connection IPAD integrated into the device, laptop or other wireless licenses. MiFi modems also allow you to create a connection that a number of other devices can often connect to the modem and the cost is much less to pay in advance for a 3G compatible handset.
MiFi packages are available from many mobile phone companies in the world (like 3-MiFi MiFi Mobile / Vodafone in the UK or Verizon and AT & T U.S. MiFi) and the different schemes in terms of Si you want to enroll in a contract period and pay a fixed amount per month for a regular supply of data or "pay-as-you-go services. The pay-as-you-go plans may be more appropriate if the service is used from time to time that data is more expensive, but you only pay for whatneed.
MiFi modems vary in size and shape but are usually credit card size and about 1 cm thick. MiFi modem is portable, but the camera just as important as a mobile phone is very low. Some also have a micro SD slot so you can add your own SD card and use the device as a memory card too.
How to configure your wireless network wireless modem MiFi
The following instructions refer to a Huawei E585 3G Modem Wireless MiFi (Part 3 of 3 fixed-mobile MiFinetwork providers in the United Kingdom), but other modems work the same.
Getting the SIM card into the modem by opening the scoring in the modem and the SIM card slot behind the battery.
You must load the modem for a long period for the initial construction and operation (approximately 8:00). You can do this by connecting to the network via an adapter, or alternatively, you can load connected to a USB port if you use to connect a laptop or other USB compatible.
TowerMiFi modem using the switch ON / OFF and give 90-120 seconds to collect the mobile / cellular signal.
The Modem screen contains several icons giving details on the signal strength - all are quite explicit and detailed instructions provided with the modem
Then just connect to WiFi signal on your usual camera, laptop or other IPAD and enter the login and password provided by the carrier acquired MiFi and data plan.
Iffight for a strong signal and then move on to the network coverage can vary considerably, even a few meters.
When you take a 3G or HSDPA signal that should get decent data speeds that you can listen to YouTube videos and web pages load faster. The operation is faster than all get in a smartphone, but it is comparable to a broadband connection at home at high speed. The signal intensity depends largely on the cellular / mobile operator and choose their coveragearea you are trying to access the 3G HSDPA network.
Battery Huawei E585 modem for 3G wireless MiFi usually about four hours when running on battery power on the modem and continued use. "But the waiting time is much longer if it is better to turn off your modem when not in use to avoid running out of energy.
To give you an idea of how much data can your franchise. The cellular mobile 3-in the United Kingdom states that 1 GB of data or less should allow you to surf the webfor 10 hours and sending emails 1000, more than four minutes to download 32 songs and four videos to download 5 minutes. Much will depend on what you use, but while sites like Google with simple images of some countries require the use of very little data and download YouTube videos will be many more.
Abstract Mobile WiFi
Your experience wireless mobile MiFi depend largely on the cellular network coverage and use of IT and care with hidden charges such as the useaircraft abroad. All-in-all, however, a modem MiFi is a good way to get online when you are out of range of a WiFi network and do not have a 3G connection IPAD integrated into the device, laptop or other wireless licenses. MiFi modems also allow you to create a connection that a number of other devices can often connect to the modem and the cost is much less to pay in advance for a 3G compatible handset.
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
Better data plans drive 3G growth
For wireless on the go, businesses pick mobile broadband over Wi-Fi, writes David Flynn.
Wireless hot spots may suit the casual cafe set but businesses are increasingly relying on 3G mobile broadband to get connected anywhere, any time. It's the next wave in mobile computing and completes the shift from desktops to laptops, with mobile phone networks providing a high-speed wireless feed that's faster than basic home and office ADSL connections.
And while those speeds increase, the costs are coming down. Australia's "big three" business carriers - Optus, Telstra and Vodafone - all offer upwards of 3GB of data for a low $30 a month, including a free USB modem. That's almost half the price of those same plans just two years ago, with a newly competitive Telstra making the biggest cuts.
Add the appeal of prepaid wireless broadband, less than $100 for the USB modem and 1GB of data - a package Vodafone has dropped to $49 - and it's hard to imagine why anyone would bother hunting around for a Wi-Fi hot spot.
"Hot spots haven't really taken off to the same extent in Australia as you might find in Europe or the US," says the marketing manager for Intel Australia, Kate Burleigh. "There's been a huge uptake of Wi-Fi in offices and homes but, for most notebook users, when they need to get online they don't want to think about where to go. They want the internet right away, wherever they are, and that's what 3G is all about."
Those tell-tale 3G modems hanging off a notebook's USB port remain the easiest way for business users to enjoy a high-speed hook-up. Carriers have broadened their offerings from the standard 24-month lock-in to 12-month contracts, month-by-month plans and prepaid deals.
While prepaid is ostensibly aimed at the cost-sensitive consumer market, it's being adopted by businesses with sporadic internet needs and also as a way to taste-test 3G wireless. "Prepaid 3G is becoming increasingly popular with small and solo businesses, as well as companies who want to trial wireless broadband to how they will use it and to assess speed and coverage," explains the director of mobile solutions for Telstra Business Marketing, Tim Webber. "It gives them cost and price certainty before committing to a longer-term, post-paid contract."
The general manager for SMB products at Optus, Mark Baylis, says "more than half of Optus's small-to-medium business customers have a mobile broadband solution, and we expect a further 10 per cent to 20 per cent to adopt it over the next 12 months."
Optus has also been active in offering netbooks and notebooks bundled with a 3G modem and data plan for a single monthly fee, which Baylis says provides business "with the latest technology and an easy-to-manage cost."
Sales of notebooks with "embedded" 3G modems are also on the rise. HP reports that shipments of 3G laptops are growing by some 25 per cent year on year, while the product marketing manager for Toshiba, Matt Tumminello, cites a staggering "200 per cent to 500 per cent growth per annum" for Toshiba's range of 3G notebooks.
"This is coming off a small base," Tumminello admits. "We're still in single digits in terms of the total range but we'll slide into double digits within the next 12 months. At the current rate of growth, we're projecting that embedded 3G will be about a quarter of our business by the end of 2012."
According to a commercial notebook specialist with Acer Australia, Daniel Goffredo, 12 per cent of Acer notebooks and netbooks sold in Australia are now fitted with embedded 3G and about half of those are sold to SMB customers.
"There's been a shift in stores selling embedded 3G notebooks and it's proving to be very successful because they understand mobility and connectivity, compared to PC dealers who've been selling computers for the last 10 or 20 years," he says.
Notebooks with inbuilt 3G have advantages over models with a snap-on USB modem, Tumminello says.
"The main benefit is that there's no dongle to damage, leave behind at the office or lose," he says. "You also get better performance because the antenna is built into the laptop's lid, so it's up higher and this reduces dropout and gives you a stronger, more reliable signal."
The cost, it seems, remains the only barrier. "That price isn't dropping as quickly as we'd like it but it's coming down," Tumminello says.
"Inbuilt mobile broadband used to be limited to notebooks above $3000; now it's a natural assumption that any notebook over $2500 has 3G. I can see this dropping to $2000 very shortly. Eventually it will almost be a standard feature, like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are today."
Wireless hot spots may suit the casual cafe set but businesses are increasingly relying on 3G mobile broadband to get connected anywhere, any time. It's the next wave in mobile computing and completes the shift from desktops to laptops, with mobile phone networks providing a high-speed wireless feed that's faster than basic home and office ADSL connections.
And while those speeds increase, the costs are coming down. Australia's "big three" business carriers - Optus, Telstra and Vodafone - all offer upwards of 3GB of data for a low $30 a month, including a free USB modem. That's almost half the price of those same plans just two years ago, with a newly competitive Telstra making the biggest cuts.
Add the appeal of prepaid wireless broadband, less than $100 for the USB modem and 1GB of data - a package Vodafone has dropped to $49 - and it's hard to imagine why anyone would bother hunting around for a Wi-Fi hot spot.
"Hot spots haven't really taken off to the same extent in Australia as you might find in Europe or the US," says the marketing manager for Intel Australia, Kate Burleigh. "There's been a huge uptake of Wi-Fi in offices and homes but, for most notebook users, when they need to get online they don't want to think about where to go. They want the internet right away, wherever they are, and that's what 3G is all about."
Those tell-tale 3G modems hanging off a notebook's USB port remain the easiest way for business users to enjoy a high-speed hook-up. Carriers have broadened their offerings from the standard 24-month lock-in to 12-month contracts, month-by-month plans and prepaid deals.
While prepaid is ostensibly aimed at the cost-sensitive consumer market, it's being adopted by businesses with sporadic internet needs and also as a way to taste-test 3G wireless. "Prepaid 3G is becoming increasingly popular with small and solo businesses, as well as companies who want to trial wireless broadband to how they will use it and to assess speed and coverage," explains the director of mobile solutions for Telstra Business Marketing, Tim Webber. "It gives them cost and price certainty before committing to a longer-term, post-paid contract."
The general manager for SMB products at Optus, Mark Baylis, says "more than half of Optus's small-to-medium business customers have a mobile broadband solution, and we expect a further 10 per cent to 20 per cent to adopt it over the next 12 months."
Optus has also been active in offering netbooks and notebooks bundled with a 3G modem and data plan for a single monthly fee, which Baylis says provides business "with the latest technology and an easy-to-manage cost."
Sales of notebooks with "embedded" 3G modems are also on the rise. HP reports that shipments of 3G laptops are growing by some 25 per cent year on year, while the product marketing manager for Toshiba, Matt Tumminello, cites a staggering "200 per cent to 500 per cent growth per annum" for Toshiba's range of 3G notebooks.
"This is coming off a small base," Tumminello admits. "We're still in single digits in terms of the total range but we'll slide into double digits within the next 12 months. At the current rate of growth, we're projecting that embedded 3G will be about a quarter of our business by the end of 2012."
According to a commercial notebook specialist with Acer Australia, Daniel Goffredo, 12 per cent of Acer notebooks and netbooks sold in Australia are now fitted with embedded 3G and about half of those are sold to SMB customers.
"There's been a shift in stores selling embedded 3G notebooks and it's proving to be very successful because they understand mobility and connectivity, compared to PC dealers who've been selling computers for the last 10 or 20 years," he says.
Notebooks with inbuilt 3G have advantages over models with a snap-on USB modem, Tumminello says.
"The main benefit is that there's no dongle to damage, leave behind at the office or lose," he says. "You also get better performance because the antenna is built into the laptop's lid, so it's up higher and this reduces dropout and gives you a stronger, more reliable signal."
The cost, it seems, remains the only barrier. "That price isn't dropping as quickly as we'd like it but it's coming down," Tumminello says.
"Inbuilt mobile broadband used to be limited to notebooks above $3000; now it's a natural assumption that any notebook over $2500 has 3G. I can see this dropping to $2000 very shortly. Eventually it will almost be a standard feature, like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are today."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)