How To: Install a 3G USB modem on EeePC
I’ve spent the last 3 days hacking around on my Asus EeePC 701 trying to find information on how to install my USB 3G modem, Vodafone 3G to be precise, on it. I was directed to a number of different websites prompting me to download a load of different drivers and all sorts of other stuff the the EeePC.
As it turns out it is really simple, and takes about a minute.
Here’s how (it’d be useful for you to turn on your Asus EeePC now);
- On the ‘Internet’ tab open up the ‘Network’ icon, this will take you to Network Connections
- Click on ‘Create’ to start a new connection
- Select the type of connection, for the 3G USB modem select GSM / 3G (UMTS) / HSDPA, click ‘Next’
- Select Hardware, huawei E-220 /dev/ttyUSB0 and plug the modem into the first (closest to front) USB slot and click ‘Next’
- Network Registration, click on ‘Search’ to find the modem and 3G service. Once you get the list select your provider by clicking on their name and click ‘Next’
- Login Data, select the operator location you’re in, ie. Australia - Vodafone, then click ‘Next’
- Name your connection, ie. Vodafone 3G, and click ‘Next’
- You can now choose for this connection to start at system start, and also when you finish the wizard. It’s up to you but I prefer to start mine manually. Click ‘Finish’ and you’re done
In your Network Connections list you should now have your new 3G USB Modem connection, right click on it and select Connect and after a short period of connection time you will have yourself a 3G USB Modem connection. Go browse the internet, download some emails, chat, etc.
Hopefully your install goes as smoothly as mine did.
Vodafone has no iPhone, Optus leading the pack
We’ve seen the official pricing of the iPhone from Optus for a day or so now, we’ve seen most of Telstra’s pricing, but we’ve still not sen anything from Vodafone? wtf
For around 20 minutes or so earlier today Vodafone had some publicly released pricing on their website but for some strange reason they removed it. At this point in time nothing has replaced it, and I doubt they will have anything public today.
At this point in time Optus has the best plans for the iPhone in Australia, followed by Telstra and well who knows what Vodfone is doing.
Here in Newcastle you’re probably better off getting the Telstra version if you want the full 3G data speed, if you’re prepared to wait until the end of the year then both Optus and Vodafone will / should have 3G in Newcastle (I heard this from Vodafone at Kotara).
How much will not having 3G effect you? Good question. I have a Vodafone Mobile Broadband account that works off of their 3G service and while it’s no where near as fast as my dsl at home I can easily browse a couple of websites whilst chatting in my instant messenger client without it being frustrating. So bearing this in mind I think you’re better off waiting for Optus / Vodafone to get their 3G tower installed in Newcastle. Not only will you not be stuck with the pain that is Telstra, you’ll also be paying less which is pretty important.
Anecdotally I’ve been informed that all of supplies of the iPhone in Australia are effectively accounted for because of the pre-sale / registration that Optus, Telstra and Vodafone have done. So for all intent and purpose the actual iPhone release in Australia wont be for another couple of weeks! Similar information is coming from the UK, NZ and other countries where Apple has delivered around 10-20% of the ordered stock. Fingers crossed I actually get mine on Friday as I’ve pre-paid for mine at Optus.
Assuming Vodafone release some pricing tomorrow, there will only be one more piece of the puzzle to be revealed……Mobile Me…
Optus says ‘try your luck’ to non-deposit holders
How can I get an iPhone 3G from Optus?Not a deposit holder?
Don’t worry, you’ll get your chance to get your hands on a new iPhone 3G from Optus. Stock is strictly limited, though here are a few ways to get your iPhone 3G from Optus as early as possible.
1. Try your luck and turn up to one of our participating stores on July 11
If you want to try your luck, turn up to a participating store on July 11. Please remember deposit holders will receive priority queuing on launch day so you will only get the opportunity to purchase once all deposit holders are processed.
To view a list of participating stores click here.
2. Leave an order in store
Your nearest participating store can take pre-orders from July 11 onwards. In the event of stock shortages, customers that pre-order will be given priority allocation in future iPhone 3G shipments.
We recommend pre-ordering from July 12 when all customers will be able to queue on a ‘first in, first served’ basis.
Important: Online and call centres
There will be no iPhones available from our online shop or sales call centres from launch. We will advise you via email when these channels commence stocking the iPhone 3G.
We understand how excited you are about the iPhone 3G from Optus and we really want you to be with Optus. We hope this information helps you plan ahead and avoid any disappointment on launch day.
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