Laptops and internet-capable smart phones have brought together an era of high performance mobile computing. This increase in productivity requires an always on connection. However ubiquitous broadband internet access is not available without the use of specialized equipment. Various companies have introduced solutions which only solve part of the problem. Unlike other hardware, dongles have proven to be extremely popular and functional device. A quick tour of Broadband-Expert.co.uk is enough to demonstrate the powerful uses of a simple dongle.

What Is A Dongle?

In simple terms a dongle is a piece of hardware that connects to a computer. It might connect via a USB interface, Infrared (IR) or even Bluetooth. Dongles can also serve a variety of purposes from providing internet access to connecting headsets or providing modem functionality. Jump on to Wikipedia for more info. The dongles available on Broadband-Expert.co.uk provide mobile internet and mobile broadband services from a variety of mobile service providers mainly in UK.

Mobile Internet VS Mobile Broadband

Mobile internet and broadband may sound similar but are quite different. Mobile internet is receiving 3G data service over the phone service provider. This feature comes bundled in almost all smart-phones and PDA’s. The 3 major mobile internet providers in UK are T-Mobile, Orange and Vodafone. Across the Atlantic in US, mobile internet is provided by T-Mobile, AT&T and Verizon. It is a very nice feature to have for quickly looking up information. But there is a downside. Being restricted to the limited phone browser and applications is no fun. That’s when you have to jump over to mobile broadband.

Mobile broadband, on the other hand, is internet access received over a USB dongle device on a laptop or PC. This generally constitutes a monthly subscription plan for data access using the USB dongle device provided by the mobile phone service provider. Mobile broadband gives you access to the internet from any laptop or PC – as long as it has a USB you can pop in the modem and roam free on the Net. The major benefit is the ability to use your computers browser and email functionality without being restricted to particular Mac or PC.

Features Of Broadband-Expert

Broadband-Expert.co.uk makes it very easy for new users to quickly learn about the technology, compare the offers of all the major carriers and choose a device and plan right for them. Some people shy away with technical words such as installing a USB broadband modem. But the user friendly interface of the website along with a wide selection of both hardware devices and service plans make it a Must-Visit-Destination. For example the below diagram shows all the steps needed to get online with mobile broadband service. It clearly shows the simple nature of the install process and reassures potential buyers who might be non-technical.

What makes Broadband-Expert Unique

The comparison table of the various dongles and service plans includes all the big names of the UK. It quickly describes the main highlights of the plan, the upload/download speeds, and the cost and customer ratings. Visitors can make informed decisions when such information is presented efficiently. Broadband-Expert website also includes links to broadband speed test, news, forums and reviews. The forums are fairly active and are well structured. They are means to make visitors more aware of the services being offered and what is best suited to their needs. The featured section allows users to make quick decisions based on the major features.

Areas of Improvement

USB dongles have several applications and are used in an increasing number of ways. However Broadband-Expert website is lacking tutorials and video reviews. An increasing number of stores are providing both as means to educate potential customers and increase their businesses. I would prefer to see these in Broadband-Expert to make it a well rounded destination and an authority on mobile internet and broadband dongles.

Verdict

Dongles are a very popular method of connecting to the internet in the UK and has a growing following across the globe. Their simplicity, usefulness and cheap price make them an attractive solution to a vast number of users. Broadband-Expert is doing a great job of educating on the use of dongles and provides several alternatives to suit every need. It is a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED site and I expect to see them grow in the future.

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