| The range of Mobile Broadband (Mobile BB) | | | | same functionality as above but inserts into the |
| devices is an ever evolving market, with | | | | newer Express Card slot in more recently |
| manufacturers and networks aiming to | | | | produced laptops, however to provide backward |
| outperform and outclass opponents. The purpose | | | | compatibility the card comes with an adapter |
| of this article is to provide you, the buyer with an | | | | allowing insertion into the TYPEII (or PCMCIA) slot. |
| overview of the different products on the | | | | Vodafone USB Modem |
| market that would function with Vodafone's latest | | | | Providing the same functionality as a data card |
| range of Mobile BB tariffs. | | | | the USB modem provides the additional benefit |
| I have detailed the products in order of their | | | | and flexibility of connection via the laptop (or |
| industry release, all products are compatible with | | | | desktop PC) USB slot. The device is attached or |
| Vodafone's GPRS, 3G & HSDPA mobile data | | | | connected to a cable of approximately 15cm in |
| networks in the UK; | | | | length to which the USB connector is on the end. |
| Vodafone Data Card | | | | This device provides network connectivity to |
| The classic data card has been on the market via | | | | Vodafone's GPRS, 3G, and HSDPA network. |
| Vodafone and alternative suppliers for many | | | | Vodafone USB Stick Modem |
| years, typically this card will be inserted into the | | | | The latest introduction to the fleet of products is |
| TYPEII (or PCMCIA interface) in the user's laptop, | | | | the USB stick modem, again as per the above |
| following the installation of the manufacturers | | | | product the USB modem this provides the same |
| supplied software. Once installed the card, | | | | functionality but does away with small 15cm USB |
| powered by the laptop, provides wireless | | | | cable connection. The USB stick modem is simply |
| functionality to connect to Vodafone's GPRS, 3G | | | | inserted directly into the laptop in the same |
| or HSDPA data network. The recent replacement | | | | fashion as a USB memory stick or flash drive. |
| to the original style data card is commonly known | | | | This is currently the preferred selection. |
| as the BroadBand Express Card, providing the | | | | |