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The range of Mobile Broadband (Mobile BB) devices is an ever evolving market, with manufacturers and networks aiming to outperform and outclass opponents. The purpose of this article is to provide you, the buyer with an overview of the different products on the market that would function with Vodafone’s latest range of Mobile BB tariffs.

I have detailed the products in order of their industry release, all products are compatible with Vodafone’s GPRS, 3G & HSDPA mobile data networks in the UK;

Vodafone Data Card
The classic data card has been on the market via Vodafone and alternative suppliers for many years, typically this card will be inserted into the TYPEII (or PCMCIA interface) in the user’s laptop, following the installation of the manufacturers supplied software. Once installed the card, powered by the laptop, provides wireless functionality to connect to Vodafone’s GPRS, 3G or HSDPA data network. The recent replacement to the original style data card is commonly known as the BroadBand Express Card, providing the same functionality as above but inserts into the newer Express Card slot in more recently produced laptops, however to provide backward compatibility the card comes with an adapter allowing insertion into the TYPEII (or PCMCIA) slot.

Vodafone USB Modem
Providing the same functionality as a data card the USB modem provides the additional benefit and flexibility of connection via the laptop (or desktop PC) USB slot. The device is attached or connected to a cable of approximately 15cm in length to which the USB connector is on the end. This device provides network connectivity to Vodafone’s GPRS, 3G, and HSDPA network.

Vodafone USB Stick Modem
The latest introduction to the fleet of products is the USB stick modem, again as per the above product the USB modem this provides the same functionality but does away with small 15cm USB cable connection. The USB stick modem is simply inserted directly into the laptop in the same fashion as a USB memory stick or flash drive. This is currently the preferred selection.