Computers and phones

[ososlo]

As you guys know by now we have shipped our D3 over to Sydney which will get there next Tuesday and we get in on Wednesday..

What cell phone provider would you recommend and who should I see about a modem stick for our laptop?

We intend to hit Sydney and turn right working our way towards Cape York and then who knows!!!

Thanks in advance

Graeme

[WhiteD3]

At work we've just got rid of our Optus 3G dongles for these. Much better reception and speed.

Mobile Broadband Internet - Australia's fastest wireless broadband network - Telstra BigPond (http://go.bigpond.com/wireless/)

[Owl]

At work we've just got rid of our Optus 3G dongles for these. Much better reception and speed.

Mobile Broadband Internet - Australia's fastest wireless broadband network - Telstra BigPond (http://go.bigpond.com/wireless/)

... and coverage

[Wilbur]

Yep, Telstra best by far, technically and worth the extra cost.

However... for admins Telstra sux big time. I have just returned from NZ where I embarrassed myself because I was so over the top with thanks to a chap in a Telecom office because he gave me a pre-paid SIM card for my phone, a USB stick for my computer and it only took three minutes! And it all worked first time!

Don't expect it to be so easy at Telstra!

Do enjoy your time in Australia - try to see the real outback, that's what we specialise in, just like you lot specialise in mountains, walking tracks, fabulous roads and unbelievable scenerey!

Cheers,

Paul

[shining]

If you are looking for a handset as well (which you can tether to your laptop for internet access) go for any Telstra NextG handset with a blue tick. I've got a Motorola Defy. It is dust and water "resistant" and will survive splashes and a brief dunking. Plenty of info on the Telstra site and youtube demos.
Have a good trip.

[walc100]

Telstra Next G is the only option

Need to consider an patch lead and a high gain antenna if comms is important.

Matthew

[ososlo]

Thank you guys...

The D3 has landed at Sydney and we fly over tomorrow.

I will look up the Telstra shop this week..

I'll get one of the Inmarsat isatphone pro phones as well..

they look a reasonable price...Just don't know about the plans available but just something else to sort out.

[dominicbeirne]

satellite calls are very expensive last time i looked, 2 years ago. Telstra Next G mobile with big external antennae should see you in right most places

[gps-au]

satellite calls are very expensive last time i looked, 2 years ago. Telstra Next G mobile with big external antennae should see you in right most places

Actually saw an advert today in (I think) June issue of Silicon Chip.

$900 which included $100 credits (minutes ?).

Quite cheap actually I thought for a sat phone.

Remember that telstra covers approx 96% of the population, unfortunately that really only about 4% of the actual country P-)

[oldsalt]

satellite calls are very expensive last time i looked
Worth their weight in gold if you are broken down by the side of the road in the middle of nowhere !

cheers

[shining]

Depending upon what you are planning to do and how far off the track you'll be going consider a epirb (spelling?) they can be easily hired.

[Utemad]

As said get a Telstra NextG phone. If you get one you can tether then you don't need the USB modem.
Also the Motorola Defy has had it's blue tick dropped. It was the only blue tick smartphone. Any Nextg phone is a million times better than any other telcos phone though.

[Utemad]

Just thought I'd add to this.

If you want a blue tick smartphone you can now get one for $119 + $30 for credit from Australia Post.

LG Optimus Spirit running Android 2.3

Don't know what it is like but it is cheap.

http://www.lg.com/au/mobile-phones/all-lg-phones/LG-bar-phones-Optimus-Spirit-P690.jsp

http://www.telstra.com.au/shop/personal/Mobile-PrePaidMobiles-LGOptimusSpiritNextGPrePaidPack?SMSESSION=NO