3G for Acer Aspire One

So, when 3G for the Acer Aspire One is finally offered, new models, of course, will have 3G capability built in. Does anybody have a guess as to what kind of modification or accessory we will be able to use to get 3G on existing AAOs.

I would rather not have to go the route of the ATT USB DataConnect thingy, but will if I have to.

 

YOu can replace the wifi card with a mini pci 3g card.

 

your best bet is to go with the usb modem.

internal modems have very poor signal reception, and interference from the hardware around it. if you use usb, you can also get a router for home use.

also att has the worst 3g service of any company. i'd look at other companies such as Millenicom http://www.acun.com/mobilebroadband/index.html. they have no contract, no data limit cap and run on the sprint network which has huge 3g coverage.

 

That is GREAT advice. THANK YOU! I had only looked at ATT because that is with whom I have my cell service, so this is very useful information, and great info about the fact that I really do not want internal 3g.

 

If I were to go this route, I would have to have it done for me. I think, given the popularity of the AAO, that somebody could create a nice little piece of business for themselves if they started doing this at a decent price.

 

I checked out Millenicom and sent in for some info. I received a very comprehensive email response very quickly...

Regarding your request for us to check your location for Mobile Broadband:

Congratulations, you are in an area where the connectivity should be
excellent.

The speeds are burstable to 3.1M/1.8M. Your actual speeds will vary
(consider the service works over cell towers, so as your cell service has
variability so will this service) but should fall in the 500K - 1.5M range
(with upload speeds about half that).

The cost is $59.99/month with a $49.99 one-time fee.

Your connection is unlimited, will not be location specific, can be used
throughout the country, even while you travel and has no contract (you can
cancel at any time).

If you would like to move forward, please submit the sign-up form:
https://members.millenicom.com/members/signup.php?clienttype=18&package=53

Once we receive your sign-up request, you should receive your device
within one week (your initial charge will be pro-rated for the month with
re-occurring $59.99 charge automatically on the first of each subsequent
month; accounts signing up in the last 10 days of the month will be
charged the following months fee as well). Please note there is a $15
shipping fee.

If you have any questions please either reply to this email or call
888-925-4221 (technical support) or 800-996-1285 (customer service). We
hope to hear from you soon!

No Contract ~ you can close your account at any time. Simply return the
device in proper working order in its original case with all the original
contents of the case. Failure to do so results in a one-time charge of
$200 and then you are no longer responsible for the account.

International Rates: Please do not use our service outside the US and
Puerto Rico. Use of this device outside the US and Puerto Rico will
accrue charges of $20/minute + fees.

Note: if you have your own device that works over the Sprint mobile
broadband network you can also choose our BYOD account, full details can
be found at: http://millenicom.com/mobilebroadband/BYOD.htm

Millenicom Sales

Looks like a really good deal. I don't think I want to get rid of my at-home cable access, but, as a backup, I have Netzero for dial-up if my cable goes down or if I am at a hotel which does not have Internet (that doesn't happen very often at all anymore). Netzero is $14.95 a month, so this would be a bit more, but I can use this service on the road; for hotels where the Internet does not come free; and also, for when my cable service goes down. Very tempting.

I also understand they don't add a lot of taxes to their charges.

Anybody have any feedback? I have read really good reviews of their service.

Also, they do not cap you at 5gb monthly.

Should I take the plunge? <G>

 

If you want to use the second miniPci express slot, you have to smd solder the missing parts on the motherboard:

Still working on it...

If someone has the missing information, please post.

 

Thanks, hugo. In my case, I think I would go with the USB since I can move it from laptop to laptop.

Now, if only they would design a Nano USB to do the same job.