expired Vodafone Pocket Wi-Fi Router. Half Price $39.50 (Bonus 3GB Data)
This was posted 2 years 21 days ago, and might be an out-dated deal
Was looking around to buy a used one, and found this on Aus Post. Seems like a good deal.
Im already using one since 6 months and it works good.
+3 votesCrownanchor on 30/05/2011 - 22:37 ¶Yes that is correct.
Awesome deal, bought the Virgin Mobile WiFi router (older Hawawei model) when it first came out in October 2009, paid $200 for it, this is a bargain, pity its Vodafone though.
- Crownanchor on 30/05/2011 - 22:55 ¶
The model is Huawei E585, looks like it can be unlocked free with DC Unlocker.
- +1 voteCrownanchor on 14/07/2011 - 17:47 ¶
2enjoy, try this http://techwizzardry.wordpress.com/2011/06/18/unlocking-the-...
+1 voteYou can unlock this device by following this link and paying $25:
https://unlock.vodafone.com.au/voila/handsetunlockAlternatively, you can get it unlocked for $50 from a store.
I bought this device and it's useful for travelling.
However, it cannot be used with Telstra NextG.
cameldownunder on 31/05/2011 - 11:38 ¶"Huawei E585 Router Specifications
1 HSPA/HSUPA/HSDPA/UMTS/3G (2100MHz)
2 GSM/GPRS/EDGE (850/900/1800/1900MHz) "It says 850Mhz … Am I missing something ?
+2 votesm0nkeycheese on 30/05/2011 - 23:35 ¶Yes defiantly check the link freddy put up I made a guide to unlock free :)
Telstra will work too but not on their faster Next G network (doesnt support 850Mhz) So it will be the same speed as optus/voda/3
+2 votes- Can be unlocked for free - google (but not very straightforward).
- No NextG support (no point using Telstra SIM on these).
- Optus works (after unlock, but you need to setup a profile), Optus reseller networks and Virgin Mobile also work.
Bought one when the price dropped to $79…. now another price drop.
I have unlocked yesterday free of cost by simple manual effort. No need to pay 25 bucks to Vodafone. Simply check for instruction at below link and follow comments from #83.
http://www.talk3g.co.uk/showthread.php?8334-How-To-Unlock-th...
aboutconfig on 30/05/2011 - 22:49 ¶Good if you have signal cover, Huawei E585 900/2100.
Half of the time I only have emergency call on Vodafone in my room, while Telstra has full signal, Optus almost full as well. Outside the room, the speed is also slow for Voda.
Though I have 1.5G data on voda plan, I end up buy some data from Telstra.
+3 votesalready using one since 6 months
Are you German by any chance?
HSUPA/HSDPA 2100/900,
Damn! The only decent voda 3G here is 850MHz.
Note 3GB is only valid for 30 days.
http://m0nkeycheese.blogspot.com/2011/04/australian-huawei-e...
- +3 votesm0nkeycheese on 30/05/2011 - 23:29 ¶
Haha beat me too it! This is a seriously awesome deal! Thanks for the love <3
Click on some ads if the unlock works for u but dont tell Google XD
+1 voteShootingStar on 31/05/2011 - 08:44 ¶Thanks freddy and m0nkeycheese. Had been looking for this! Works like a charm.
clandestino on 30/05/2011 - 23:37 ¶hmm, this certainly sounds like a nice gadget to have. But can anyone actually explain to me why I would need one, in the real world? Does it have any practical use?
- m0nkeycheese on 30/05/2011 - 23:40 ¶
Most common use if for people that bought a iPad with no 3G. But I use mine as my main connection as I have no phone line love :( Hell u could unlock it then sell it on ebay they go for $100+ Hmmm… Light bulb!
- spawnpoint on 31/05/2011 - 14:29 ¶
did he initiate you in person?
Did he make you cut your hand and seal the blood on a PS3? So many questions?
Also what does he look like? Post in off topic forums for the other to know ;)
Better option is an entry level smart phones which sports wifi hotspot or blu-tooth tethering. When only one device needs wifi, even the simplest of 3G mobiles will tether for a good internet connection. Using a mobile in these scenarios keeps accounts simple and will be better value, however if it is for a home coonection for multiple users then a dedicated 3G router is better suited.
- clandestino on 30/05/2011 - 23:44 ¶
So basically, it is a bit like owning one of those pre-paid 3g broadband usb sticks. Except you don't need to plug it in to your laptop / device?
- +11 votesm0nkeycheese on 30/05/2011 - 23:59 ¶
Yep! I did a lame review if u wanna watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiH4tInDDyY
Super lame but gets the point across :P
+1 voteScaryZombie on 31/05/2011 - 05:39 ¶that was a good video. which video editing program did you use? I really like the overlays that were used (whatever they're called) :P
- m0nkeycheese on 31/05/2011 - 07:46 ¶
iMovie. It comes with OSX (mac) so I tried it out :) Pretty easy to use.
- m0nkeycheese on 31/05/2011 - 01:31 ¶
U would need the APN settings for that network but Google will help u with that
+1 votegreenpossum on 31/05/2011 - 01:41 ¶If you stay in hostels often you will get free WiFi. Hotels will also have Internet but you may have to pay for it. Unless you must have Internet on the go, I wouldn't worry about getting one of these.
There is a sneaky little way you can get 3g in europe without getting a sim. Kindle provides 3G for free all over europe and you can google on how to teether to a laptop. The ad supported version is around 160US.
That said, you most likely don't need it as most hostels have wifi and if not, net cafes are everywhere and cheap. If you were going to get an ebook reader paying the extra 50 for lifetime unlimited 3g all over the world is a pretty good deal.
many thanks for the advice and suggestions. i guess i'll do my usual trick and just search for the free wifi spots (that are much more abundant in Europe than here). i was thinking that it would be handy to have internet while on the go… but sounds more complicated than I thought. Do you have any suggestions muzzamo? Would it just be simpler to just buy a 3G usb dongle in Europe? Thanks also fungi79 but i dont need an ereader.
- +3 votesgreenpossum on 31/05/2011 - 11:57 ¶
Mmm, just enjoy your holiday and see the sights instead of looking at your netbook? Except in the evening when you want to post to your blog to make relis jealous.
just don't access your bank account
banks use encryption, so you are safe using your own trusted device with public wifi.
Just make sure you have the Verisign authentication as normal.Public terminals such as internet cafes are a risk, even if you trust the operators.
Has anyone used it with a MacBook before? When I've used a Voda 3G USB stick, it was fine when plugged into the Mac, but plugged into a USB wireless router, the signal constantly drops in and out via the Mac's Airport. Same when I use my HTC Desire HD as a wireless hotspot.
My Voda USB stick just died one month out of warranty (convenient?), so looking for new option.
- +1 votem0nkeycheese on 31/05/2011 - 08:05 ¶
I do but I do use it a lil different to most people. I have my Pocket WiFi setup as a wireless repeater to an old Dlink router flashed with DDWRT custom firmware. Basically the Dlink picks up the Pocket WiFi signal and rebroadcasts it as well as anything plugged into the router (Dlink) gets internet connection too. In my Dlink router I Have wired Xbox 360, NAS, Sonos, Pc, PVR, WDTV Live. Wirelessly I run an iPhone, Macbook Pro, Galaxy s phone. All works great I may make a guide how to do that later on :)
Ive heard different things on dropouts, I think its more to do with how good your signal is..
Sleepycat3 on 31/05/2011 - 09:55 ¶That can still happen but is usually an issue with the wifi channel that is selected. The default channel for many devices is 11, hence it ends up being overloaded and you get frequent dropouts. I use the Telstra version and just have to change the channel to get a more reliable signal.
+2 votesI had a Vodaphone USB Stick a couple of months ago when i had ISP problems.
Was the most frustrating thing ever!
Slow speeds and constant drop offs on my Mac. They don't call it Vodafail for nothing.Just FYI. - If you value reliability and speed, look elsewhere.
Prob good deal if you want to test of vodaphone and get the router (to unlock later on)
- +1 voteCrownanchor on 31/05/2011 - 08:04 ¶
Most people buying this on OzB will probably be unlocking this for free and using it on an Optus or an Optus reseller.
- +1 voteSleepycat3 on 31/05/2011 - 09:56 ¶
On my telstra one, I get about 3-4 hours. It depends if you are constantly transferring data or just browsing.
- Sleepycat3 on 31/05/2011 - 09:56 ¶
Going to buy one and unlock it so that I can use it when I am travelling. Just need to get a prepaid data sim card from where ever I travel to.
garratt torlesse on 31/05/2011 - 10:05 ¶Vodafone is just trying to off load these 900/2100 devices before their 850 network is fully rolled out. If you buy these now, you will only be able to use half of Vodafone's network. i.e. only the 2100 in metro rather than 2100 and 850. This might just be the difference between a working and not working connection.
- m0nkeycheese on 31/05/2011 - 12:36 ¶
Yeh you can do that but you will just have to put the APN settings for that network in :) The network just sees it as data.
camelgrass on 31/05/2011 - 23:17 ¶Yes you can do that, but depending on the terms of use you agreed to from your provider it may be technically not allowed. If the provider finds out that you're using the data from a dedicated router they may cancel your service. Not sure how strictly it is enforced though.
kunalparikh on 31/05/2011 - 15:02 ¶I work out of a St Kilda rd office and the connection is fine here. Actually, I just bought this thing in the morning and have been using it to connect my laptop and phone to it. Everything works fine. Actually the speed is quite decent.
+4 votesUse the 3gb and then unlock from vodafone with this:-
Free…
http://m0nkeycheese.blogspot.com/2011/04/australian-huawei-e...- spawnpoint on 31/05/2011 - 20:28 ¶
move this buying/selling or general discussions and link that forum here. That will allow more people to take advantage of the deal than just people browsing this particular post.
Just a suggestion :D
- +2 votesCrownanchor on 31/05/2011 - 20:34 ¶
Selling SIMs may not be a good idea. You provide ID to purchase the SIM card for purposes of Government crime/fraud prevention, if you sell your SIM, this maybe like handing over your credit card details on the internet, or bank account details to a Nigerian. I strongly advise not to sell SIM's.
^ what stumo said. remember the doctor who gave his sim card to his naughty cousin in London? Well sure he got a few million in compensation last year but it wasn't without a good few years of pain and suffering.
More seriously though, I can confirm ID required and recorded at point of sale - source: personal experience in various shops for starter sims, prepaid mobiles and usb modems.
The requirement is a watered down version of what was originally proposed here: http://www.news.com.au/top-stories/plan-for-identity-checks-...
- greenpossum on 31/05/2011 - 22:36 ¶
Yes, isn't the ID asked for at activation or recharge, not at purchase?
- camelgrass on 31/05/2011 - 23:09 ¶
I bought a $2 amaysim starter pack the other day from Big W. I was asked for my ID and they recorded all my details from the ID. That is even before I activated the SIM online.
- spawnpoint on 01/06/2011 - 23:09 ¶
WTF I just bought an optus prepaid sim from Coles the other day and wasn't asked anything? He checked my DL but didn't write anything down.
I have to keep buying prepaid SIM for people visiting from Overseas quite a few times a month and never have they recorded my details anywhere. Might be different t&c with amaysim( but I bought mine online)
Any law students/lawyers provide some documentation to back this up?
- +1 votecamelgrass on 01/06/2011 - 23:26 ¶
Some places might get lazy in recording details, even though they are supposed to.
The "security checks" are a complete joke anyway. It's so easy to get a fake driver's licence or proof of identification card (18+ card) these days.
- +1 vote
@spawnpoint: Why cant you just accept because I said so (above) :P Ok fine, without getting too heavy on the details, under s99(1) of the Telecommunications Act 1997 the federal government gives power to the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to make certain determinations which mobile service providers must follow. One such determination made by ACMA was the Telecommunications (Service Provider- Identity Checks for Pre-paid Public Mobile Telecommunications Services) Determination 2000 the title of which is self explanatory - check and collect ID information at POS as required by Part 3 of that determination. The main purpose of the determination at the time was to curb criminal activity but would now also extend to the reason of national security to justify its existence.
Having said all that, wording within the determination, combined with the fact that it isnt direct "statutory" law, lax enforcement and poorly trained retail staff who forget/cbf to do this often leads to people buying sim cards without the ID recorded. Telcos reason that people need to call up to activate anyway so we'll just get their details then, but despite joint commission after joint commission finding that the telcos reasoning is inadequate and open to fraud - yet here we are!
One last point, in the guidelines provided to retailers, if the person is purchasing less than 5 prepaid sims and paying by cc or bank card, then them using that card is sufficient ID. If paying by cash, then ID needs to be recorded. This is even though the determination itself has preference for full ID to always be recorded. An example of the above being fail? Well, today I bought the optus mytab paying cash at australia post and walked out without giving ID - yes the rep was clueless, she was more interested in asking me what the mytab was. Yes, the mytab contained a prepaid sim card pack :|
How's that spawnpoint? Can I go back to my bargain hunting now :P and yes Im a lawyer as per your initial requirement.
Some reading:
Guidelines given to retailers: www.amta.org.au/files/Pre-paid.ID.Check.Guidelines.pdf
s99(1): http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/ta1997214/...
The determination: http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/F2005C00313
Explanatory statement to the determination - easier for those who dont speak legalese: http://www.acma.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WEB/STANDARD/1001/pc=P...
m0nkeycheese one is better. It was written later - after DCUnlocker starts to support it. The reason you want to use the InfoReader/DCUnlocker first (just to diagnose) is that it ensures the modem is properly connected to your PC, with the appropriate drivers installed. It is important for the next step to work - otherwise you could be troubleshooting for ages.
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m0nkeycheese on 30/05/2011 - 23:59
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vikme on 31/05/2011 - 01:12
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Algeraist on 31/05/2011 - 17:46
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greenpossum on 31/05/2011 - 11:57
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letmejoin on 31/05/2011 - 01:20
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Hang on, it says "Portable 3G WiFi router". Does that mean all the devices connected to it can see each other on its wifi network? That would be kinda neat.