ExpressCard for data + Virgin postpaid for the cheapest mobile data option?

Reading Dave Hall’s experience with 3, I can attest to their horrendous service. I never looked at Virgin offering cheap rates, but from their website, it seems that on a post-paid account, I can get 300MB of data for $10/month. I’m currently paying 3 $29 for 200MB of data (and yes, they’re cheaper than what Optus can offer).

Which certainly has me interested in becoming a Virgin post-paid customer. From their website, it seems that if I just want a SIM, I’ll be a pay as you go customer. Which works out well for me, as all I really want is data + any excess (at 1.5c/KB).

However, what Express Card can I buy outright or via eBay, that will work with Linux (and preferably, OS X)? The Novatel Merlin U530 that Dave has is a PCMCIA card, not something that most newer laptops have. What are my ExpressCard options? And does Virgin charge for roaming rates? 3 charges you extra if you’re not within their 3 Broadband Zone and are Roaming [via Telstra]. 3’s advertised MobileBroadband card now apparently offers an Express Card option.

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3 Comments

  1. Simon Rumble says:

    Two things you need to know: the pre-paid offer doesn’t allow GPRS Internet access. They don’t actually SAY this anywhere on their site. You can only get to their walled garden’s crap.

    Second thing is their excess data rates are incredibly extortionate. This is specifically to stop people doing what you’re proposing. There’s no usage meter so this could really sting you!

  2. byte says:

    Aha, thanks for that. No usage meter would be a real bummer. Its hard to keep track of data use then.

    Looking at further research, it seems 3’s 1GB plan might actually work out to be the cheapest option. $49/month, with excess charges by the megabyte not kilobyte. Vodafone is charging $59 for the same deal.

    So, I can’t get 300mb/$10/month with just a SIM deal. Darn. No virgin for me then.

    (ironic, and unrelated. Virgin Mobile prepaid was my first ever foray into a mobile phone…)

  3. wired says:

    don’t forget – 3’s roaming charge is $1.65/MB. If you’re not in a 3 coverage area, you hop onto telstra. If you don’t notice that you’re roaming or if there’s an ungraceful handoff, you’ll be slugged.

    Virgin’s plans are meant for use with your phone only – the T&Cs state that you’re not allowed to hook it up to a computer. 300MB for $5 is an absolute bargain if you use it the way you’re meant to – with your phone!

    BTW if you pretend you own a supported (not all are supported) phone, you can get 3 to bolt on an X-Series plan to your account. $20/500MB, $30 for 1GB, $40 for 2GB. It also comes with Skype minutes.

    Of course, watch those roaming charges!


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