7 News

1 of 9 Credit: Telstra

We test the latest HSDPA mobile broadband hardware on Telstra's, Vodafone's, Optus' and 3 Mobile's 3G networks.

The days when the internet was something people used when plugged into your PC at home are long behind us. These days it would be an extraordinary event to board a train carriage and not witness a majority of the commuters reading the news, posting to their social networks or streaming video over the mobile web. Many of these people will be using a smartphone or a tablet, but if you want a desktop experience on the move you'll need a wireless broadband modem for your laptop.

A few years ago your choices for wireless broadband modems were pretty slim; a USB internet stick from one of the major telcos would've been the only option. Nowadays, you have different alternatives at your disposal. You can still pick up a USB stick, and fairly cheaply, or you could opt for a Wi-Fi hotspot modem, typically allowing you to share the 3G connectivity with up to five other users. Your choice of equipment provider has also expanded, with offerings from Netcomm, iPrimus and Internode, to name a few.