Product Review

We have tried and tested this product. Heres our thoughts

With the Dell Mini 9 from Vodafone, we see the inclusion of HSDPA connectivity via a built-in SIM. This means you get no separate dongle to have sticking out the side. Great idea, how does it work ?

The netbook, like the MSI Wind, is glossy, small and cute. Build quality seems to be slightly better than the Asus Eee range, with a glossy outer shell and a bright 8.9-inch (1024 x 640) screen on the inside.

Below the screen is as you would expect a QWERTY keyboard with all shortcut keys accessed via the function keys. The only other buttons you'll find on the netbook are the two mouse buttons (left click, right click) and a power switch, which helps this piece of kit look streamlined, and for joe public, easier to navigate.

Speakers are located under the screen and facing you and while they are not great, sound quality is more than acceptable. There is of course a 3.5mm headphones jack, which will give you better performance as with all netbooks.

For talking to others there is a built-in webcam (1.3 megapixels) above the screen and a microphone-in socket for clear audio if you are a Skype user. In itself, this webcam is a nice touch

In Summary the keyboard, is small but functional, so is the trackpad, and we like the fact the click buttons are underneath. For Connection, the Dell Inspiron Mini 9 features three USB sockets, an SD/MS/Pro/MMC card slot alongside a VGA and Ethernet slot down the side.

The SIM card slot is actually behind the battery compartment and it's easy to get your SIM in and out.

For performance, the Mini 9 is powered by the now almost standard Intel Atom 1.6GHz processor, and you'll get 1GB of RAM on-board to help Windows XP move along nicely. Storage comes in the guise of a rather small 8GB Solid State Drive, that will have preinstalled software already loaded. Simply switch on, and you'll be up and running with Microsoft Works and McAfee Security Center. This storage device means power usage is reduced, so you'll get about 4 hours from the battery, depending, of course, on what you do with it. Heavy usage of multiple applications will reduce, surfing the web alone will extend.

Of course the whole purpose of the Mini 9 from Vodafone is that you've ditched the need for a dongle sticking out the side. Once the SIM is installed it's just a case of loading the Vodafone Mobile Connect software and it does the rest connecting you in seconds rather than minutes. It will offer you some additional google software, which you can choose to install or not. Using this Mini 9 has been a treat for us. No connection issues in or around London, where we successfully carried out a number of tasks on a train journey.

A Good strong offering from Vodafone, as netbooks go, this is nice.

Vodafone User Reviews

Here are some of the latest user reviews of this product / service provider

Hi. I am using a Vodafone usb stick to connect to the internet and so far so good.
There are things about the Vodafone mobile broadband I love, and things I find very frustrating.
im with vodafone mobile broardband and can honestly say its excellant value for money im on a two year contract customer services was spot on and any probs delt with promptly but can any one tell me if my firewall affects me connecting to the internet because ive just installed new anti virus and it has been so slow or non existant network ive disabled my firewall and bingo works great again fingers and legs crossed i hope. (Note from Admin - some anti virus programs have a bad habit of slowing down your computer, and the anti virus could well be to blame. If uninstalling the anti virus program makes your computer fast again, then switch to a different anti virus solution, NOD32.com from ESET software does a good job.)
Super Fast dongle from Vodafone - had it 1 week and speeds seem to be variable. Cannot deny it does what it says on the tin. 4 out of 5 for me.
I have bought the Vodafone prepay dongle. I am on the move a lot and this option works for me. Service and Speed fair, price for usage good, dongle cost me slightly more than o2, does anyone know if this means my dongle is better quality ?

Buyers Broadband | Dell Notebook with built in Mobile Broadband **Discounted Line Rental. Buy Dell Notebook with built in Mobile Broadband **Discounted Line Rental from Vodafone

Buyers Broadband brings you Vodafone Laptop Dongle Deals, with Unlimited Downloads Vodafone Dongles will give you mobile internet. Free Laptop Dongles from Vodafone offer you a free laptop, and broadband dongle. The cost of the free Vodafone laptop is spread over the contract period and includes a generous download allowance. Surfing the web on a free Vodafone laptop will let you get mobile with the internet for a great price

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What is a laptop dongle deal ? We class it as something that provides a top specification laptop free, with a broadband dongle and a good download allowance. All dongle providers now offer a range of laptops. You can get a dongle with a free multimedia laptop, or a mini laptop, or notebook. In terms of the dongle, you get practically identical service. The networks know thsi, so with each mobile network battling to sign you up to their dongle, the laptops are getting better, and the prices are coming down. Make the most of the credit crunch, and take advantage, with a Laptop and Dongle Deal today.

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The best answer to this question would be Broadband Dongles are mobile internet. Either using a USB stick or a dongle, you will be able to connect to the internet anywhere you are and anytime you want. Simply plug your dongle into your laptop or home pc to get online. Broadband Dongles can now even power online play on a Playstation 3.

Broadband Dongles are also known as broadband dongles, USB Modem, mobile modems or wireless modems. All refer to the same small device that plugs into your laptop.

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Unlimited WiFi Options from O2

All O2 laptop dongle tariffs will also include Unlimited Wi-Fi quite simply thats high speed access via 6100 Cloud hotspots in cities and towns across the UK. Wi-Fi generally provides the fastest connection and best possible customer experience.

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Wi-Fi data usage is not deducted from the Mobile Broadband allowance (minimum contract required), so you should be encouraged to use it as much as possible to avoid any extra data charges on your bill.

As with everything, check the operators current terms, as Excessive usage applies to Unlimited Wi-Fi

Dongle Costs when abroad

Your monthly fee you agreed when your took out your laptop dongle deal will not increase if you move abroad, or take your laptop and dongle with you, however you should understand the reason why. That is your tariff will not include data usage abroad and will charge you a fixed fee per MB of downloads.

Before you go abroad with your laptop dongle deal, you should contact the operator and apply a data bolt on that covers usage when abroad. The operators customer service advisor will be able to advise you on cost, usage and connection instructions on the same call. Typically, the data abroad bolt on will provide a high amount of usage, for a fixed fee, and will prevent your laptop dongle costing you serious money.

Laptop Warranties

As with all products sold over the internet, you are covered by distance selling regs. This means you have a 14 day period in which to decide to keep the laptop. If a fault occurs during this time, it will be replaced with a new model. This rule applies for 28 days, after which, the laptop or dongle will be repaired under the manufacturers warranty, at no cost to yourself. If damage is outside of a fault, ie, you drop the laptop, then its unlikely this will be covered under the laptop warranty.

Taking out insurance at the point of sale is another way to protect your laptop and dongle deal. For a small monthly fee, additional damage like accidents, loss and theft will be covered, and ensure you continue to benefit from your great laptop dongle deal. Again, you should check the terms of any insurance policy on receipt

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