2010 T-Mobile AirCard & Broadband Card Review
If you're looking for a T-Mobile AirCard or Broadband card or you used to have 2 options:
However, with the launch of their 3G network, they've phased out PC Cards. That's right, you better have a USB port.
If you've read "How To Pick The Best Broadband Card" from the Mobile Broadband Buyer's Guide, you already know that ExpressCards and PC Cards (the oldest of the bunch) are being phased out in favor of USB broadband cards.
The proof is in the pudding:
In short, USB Broadband cards take up less space and are compatible with practically any computer (PC, Laptops, MacBooks & Netbooks) & operating system (Windows XP, Vista, 7, Mac OS X, Linux, etc).
Which T-Mobile Broadband Card Can I Get?
Like I mentioned before, you've got 1 type of broadband card from T-Mobile. Here's a side-by-side comparison of the 2 varieties offered:
T-Mobile AirCard / Broadband Card |
|
|
|
Full Review |
|||
Video Review |
N/A |
||
Interactive Demo |
|
N/A |
N/A |
External Antenna Jack |
No |
No |
Yes |
Max Download Speed Potential |
3.6 Mbps |
3.6 Mbps |
21 Mbps |
OS Compatibility |
2000 / XP / Vista / Windows 7; Mac OS X |
2000 / XP / Vista / Windows 7; Mac OS X |
2000 / XP / Vista / Windows 7; Mac OS X |
Network Compatibility |
T-Mobile 3G Network (HSDPA) / WiFi / EDGE/ GPRS (850 MHz;900 MHz;1800 MHz;1900 MHz;2100;UMTS: Band IV (AWS)) Roams internationally |
T-Mobile 3G Network (HSDPA) / WiFi / EDGE/ GPRS (850 MHz;900 MHz;1800 MHz;1900 MHz;UMTS: Band IV (AWS)) Can't roam internationally |
T-Mobile 3G Network HSPA / HSPDA/ WiFi / EDGE/ GPRS (850 MHz;900 MHz;1800 MHz;1900 MHz;UMTS: Band IV (AWS)) |
GPS |
No |
No |
No |
Extra Storage |
None |
microSD (up to 8 GB) |
microSD (up to 16 GB) |
Support Info |
|||
Comments |
T-Mobile's first 3G broadband card. No microSD card but roams internationally |
T-Mobile's 2nd 3G broadband card. Supports up to an 8GB microSD card |
T-Mobile's 3rd 3G broadband card & fastest with support for 21 Mbps HSPA+ speeds. Also supports up to 16 GB of microSD storage. |
Price |
Retired Models:
So Does T-Mobile Wireless Broadband Make The Cut?
Whether your magenta colored friend gets an A+ in your gradebook has as much to do with broadband cards as it does mobile broadband plans, 3G speed & 3G coverage. In this 2010 T-Mobile Wireless Internet Review we've covered each & found the following:
T-Mobile Plans | 2010 Mobile Broadband Plans
There are 3 T-Mobile plans for Wireless Internet. Only 2 of them have mobile broadband. Chances are you'll only need the 5 GB plan. As a side benefit, it comes with unlimited WiFi Hotspot use.
T-Mobile 3G Speed isn't terrible. Speed tests show it on par with Sprint's 3G speeds nationwide. In a surprise to everyone, they may end up with the fastest 3G network in 2010.
2010 T-Mobile 3G Coverage Review
T-Mobile 3G coverage has come a long way in a short space of time. They now reach 70% as many people as the largest mobile broadband networks and are still expanding.
2010 T-Mobile AirCard & Broadband Card Review
T-Mobile has the smallest selection of broadband cards available. With only 2 broadband cards available, device enthusiasts may need to look elsewhere. However, if you just need something that works via USB then it'll get the job done.
Get a T-Mobile AirCard or Broadband Card For Free
If you feel like T-Mobile wireless broadband makes the cut, pick up a broadband card for free and start enjoying the internet without wires.
The beauty of it is that you can test it out for a week, cancel and get a full refund (if you even paid anything) it's not working out for you.
If you decide to get mobile broadband through one of the links above, I do make some money. Just some full disclosure. Besides, every broadband card is free or puts money in your pocket. Talk about win-win.
Still Not Sure?
If you've got doubts on whether T-Mobile makes the cut for you, your best bet falls into one of two options:
1. See how T-Mobile compares to the competition in the Wireless Broadband Service Comparison
2. Learn everything you need to know before, during and after buying mobile broadband in the Mobile Broadband Buyer's Guide.
<<PREVIOUS PAGE | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
