MI-FI (portable broadband)

[billysastard]

After discussing this on the chat box last night I thought I would post something up so it is available to everybody to see.

Over the last few weeks I have been using a device called mi-fi.
Mi-fi is to put this simply a mobile portable broadband connection very similar to a dongle. However where it differs from a dongle, is that you dont need to plug it in to anything, it can just sit in your pocket and give you a wireless signal.
Basically it is a dongle type of thing where you turn it on, and it picks up an internet signal, you are then able to connect upto 5 devices to that signal at any one time.
It is password protected so when you want to connect a to the signal you need to enter the password before you get connected. So it is also pretty secure. No tom, dick or billy will be able to use the signal without entering the password.

What can you connect to the mi-fi?
Well anything you want, if it is wireless enabled then it will connect, phones laptops and so on.
I use mine with my Ipod Touch.
Now the ipod touch is intersting, plenty of people have said they are thinking of getting an iphone, or some other type of smartphone which will no doubt cost a fortune on monthly contract or run well over £300 on payg. The touch you can buy for as little as £149 (probs a little cheaper somewhere if you look around). The touch is in all intense and purposes an iphone without the phone. So getting one of these means you wont have to concern yourself with moving/changing phone comapny's/tariff's if you dont want to.
I have had no problems at all logging into any bookies with the Touch and mi-fi, and even did the Paddy Power Chelt mobile offer with it. The site recognised the Touch as an Iphone. I got the £20 free bet no problems.

Where to get mi-fi?
At the moment in the uk I believe the only place you can get it is from mobile provider Three. However you have the choice of having a monthly contract or payg. The payg option costs £69.99, with that you get a dongle thing and 3gb of internet. You can then top up whenever you need in the same way as you would a phone top up.
However you can get it a little cheaper, buy the dongle for £49.99 and then seperatly get the 3gb top up for £15, bringing it in at £64.99
If you want more thab 3gb, you can purchase 7gb for £25, that is the option I went for.

Is the signal anygood?
For me yes, in the couple of weeks I have used it, I have never failed to get a decent signal, however just because I can get a good signal, does not mean everybody can.

Cashback avaialble?
Certanly is, quidco offer £20 for mobile intenet purchases from Three. My transaction tracked within 2 days.

Extra
Apparently there is a small rumour I heard that Three will be bundling 5gb a month and an Ipod Touch for £23 a month. Not sure if that is the case, just a rumour I heard on the grapevine. Poss a 24 month contract though.


Hope that gives you all a little food for thought and adds a little something to the old what phone to use for matched betting.

Here is the direct link to the Three site for mi-fi.
3 - Mobile Broadband - MiFi

[butty]

No idea if it's any use but might be of interest:

Transform your iPod into a phone with 'Truphone for the iPod touch' application, the revolutionary communications application for the second generation Apple iPod touch

iPod Touch Apps - Download the iPod Touch Application by Truphone

[kalman]

When moving to my my new apartment I was thinking about getting these instead of normal broadband. Got a decent speed and it was cheap, but it didn't work with my work VPN so no question. This was about 6months ago so it might be better now.

[billysastard]

Vodafone have launched there mi-fi. It is available on a monthly contract, no payg option at the moment. I saw it in carphone warehouse but not in the vodafone store.
I think when I mentioned about mi-fi on chat a few said they would have a look when vodafone did something, well here it is.

In all seriousness, this has been a godsend. I used to miss bits and bobs, but now just switch on the thingymebobs and put the password into my ipod touch and away we go. It has already well and truely paid for it's self. I did the last will hills bogof on sat whilst waiting to tee off on the 12th hole. Bit of a delay on the fairway so had a few minutes to place those bets.

[rogsmith]

billysastard,can i ask or perhaps anyone else that may know,can you get connected near enough anywhere with this thats the only worry i have.

[zenmaster]

billysastard,can i ask or perhaps anyone else that may know,can you get connected near enough anywhere with this thats the only worry i have.

3 - Help & Support - Coverage - The 3 network - Our network