Mobile Broadband Hardware

Mobile Broadband Starter Guide	A guide for those who are new to mobile broadband, detailing key elements of each package
Hidden Costs of Mobile Broadband	There are a number of hidden costs with mobile broadband, which are explained here
Pay Monthly Mobile Broadband	A guide to pay monthly mobile broadband packages and types of contract
Mobile Broadband Hardware	A simple guide to hardware that enables you to have mobile broadband
PAYG Mobile Broadband	A guide to pay as you go mobile broadband contracts and packages
Broadband Comparison	Advantages and disadvantages of mobile broadband when compared to traditional mobile broadband
3G Mobile Broadband	The term 3G is explained, including how it fits into mobile broadband
Mobile Broadband FAQs	Frequently asked questions regarding mobile broadband are answered
Mobile Broadband Glossary	Key terms related to mobile broadband explained

There are a large number of devices available that allow you to connect to the 3G network, in total this number exceeds 500 at the last count!
The device given with the mobile broadband packages that are available at the moment is the USB modem or dongle, but in addition to this device there are also 3G mobile phones and mobile broadband wireless routers

USB modem

USB modems are the most common hardware given away with a mobile broadband package, they include plug and play technology so that all the software you need is automatically installed when you first plug your modem in.These modems are given away free with mobile contracts when you sign up to certain length contracts, if you sign up to a deal with no contract or for only 12 months then you are likely to have to pay a setup fee.

USB modem stick

USB modem sticks enable you to get faster speeds than you can get with the standard USB modems, these speeds currently reach up to 7.2mbps.
These work the same way as the USB modems, but are smaller and are sometimes only available on longer contracts.

Other broadband hardware

Other forms of mobile hardware include data cards and mobile broadband wireless routers.
Data cards come with adaptors for PC card slots as well as the standard plug and play technology.
The broadband Wireless Router is an alternative to a traditional fixed line connection and allows you to connect a number of computera at one time.

How to choose your hardware

The mobile broadband hardware that is right for you depends on your specifiuc needs, for instance if you want to get the cheapest available and you aren't bothered about speed then the usb modem will fit your needs fine.
Alternatively if you want to get the quickest available and don't mind being tied into a contract as well as wanting to take into account any future developmentsby taking the most advanced hardware then the USB modem stick would fit your requirements better.

Note that the advantages that are brought about by signing up to a long term contract (such as the saving in one-off payments) may become disadvantages as time progresses and the mobile broadband product and functionality reach maturity. Therefore you will forego the potential special offers and cheaper prices that may become available as there are more entrantsinto the market fighting for your business.