Macbook Air & Vodafone USB Modem Stick..

[Eazkk123]

Does the Vodafone USB Modem Stick http://www.vodafonebusinessshop.co.uk/USBModemStick.html
fit the Macbook air?

And what is the difference between the USB Modem Stick and the standard USB Modem http://www.vodafonebusinessshop.co.uk/3GUsbModem.html

Help Appreciated :)

[glitch44]

via a Google search:

"if your notebook can't accommodate a large USB device - like the woefully under-featured MacBook Air - you can use a USB extension cable, and you'll find one in the box with the Vodafone USB Modem Stick."

[miniConvert]

Don't know if it fits I'm afraid, I'd like to know the answer to that, too.

There's no technical difference between the stick and the 7.2 modem. One is smaller and has an integrated USB connector, the other is larger and requires a cable. The stick is definitely more desirable.

[heyadol]

While the smaller one will certainly travel better, the larger one should have a larger antenna element in it. That should lead to better apparent gain i.e. better signal strength.
I guess it depends on your specific needs, but I agree with miniConvert.

[Eazkk123]

If it requires an extension cable, than it basically makes the usb stick pointless and it would be better to get the actual Modem as it has a larger antenna.

Or am I missing something??!!!?

[MacRumorUser]

There is a benefit to the ones with the external cable. You can use an extender cable to locate it to a better reception area (top of a window or such) where if it was plugged into your laptop directly you can not do so.

But you can just use an extender with the vodafone one too.

I have tried it and I did use an extension cable and the O2 (new black one) and I settled on the O2 (1.7mbps normal download, vodafone gave me 512kbps normally)...

Thank god for the 30 day trial. Just get the one you want, if it doesnt do what you want it to do - send it back for a refund and just pay for the usage you have done.

No harm done.

[miniConvert]

Damn, O2 for 3G? ;) You're very lucky to have good coverage where you are!

FWIW, local geographic issues aside, Vodafone do appear to have the best nationwide coverage, highest top end speeds (though only in London and airports atm) and lowest latency. We banter about 3G Broadband quite a lot on Talk3G (http://www.talk3g.co.uk), so feel free to share your experiences!