Vodafone Mobile Broadband - What Is The Best USB Modem For International Use?

[Johnmcl7]

I've had a look over the Vodafone site but I can't seem to find much in the way of hardware specifications and what information there is conflicts with other Vodafone pages. I'm trying to find out if either of the current modems offered are a better choice for use abroad, I doubt either offer CDMA but if one offers quad band and the other doesn't then clearly the quad band one would be the one to go for.

Is there just two models on offer (modem stick and modem stick pro) and is one any better than the other for use abroad?

Thanks,
John

[Retired-Reidar]

Hello John and thanks for your post

The two sticks (standard k305 and k4505 pro stick) are the main ones on offer at the moment, on the website they simply state USB Modem Stick and USB modem Stick pro,

The core difference is that the pro is capable of higher speeds subject to signal and data reception in the area, in terms of international travel, this translates to the maximum data signal output in any given area.

If you want to take advantage of higher speeds then a Pro stick is the way to go, however in areas of relatively standard or low signal you will not experience any major difference between the two.

Functionally both modems are identical, so ultimately your decision should be based on cost and the data package you intend to use.

Thanks

Reidar

eForum Team

[JohnA]

Reidar is right about the speed difference but you'll need to be in a HSPA+ network to take advantage of the Pro K4505 speeds of 21.6/28.8 Mbps. The current standard K3805-Z is 14.4 capable. However your question seems to be more about the bands covered. Both are quad band GSM (2G) but only the K4505 is quad band 3G (850/900/1900/2100). The K3805 is 900/2100 only. None will work on CDMA/EV-DO networks.

If you get the K4505 it may need a firmware upgrade as the older firmware is very unstable when on 2G. Also be aware that there have been many externally similar looking devices that have been called standard or Pro so make sure you check the model number.

[Johnmcl7]

Thanks for the both the replies, John that is exactly what I'm after - I'm not so bothered about ultimate 3G speeds but if one model offers more 3G bands then that's definitely what I'm after.  I didn't think there were any hybrid CDMA/GSM devices unfortunately.

John