T-stick woes

[Scuba_Steve]

the T-stick sucks
get a vodem.

hell NO!, if mobile Internet wasn't slow enough on Telecom, Vodafone slows that down further and when you most need it you'll prob find Vodafone giving you 2G speeds and that is FAR more painful to use then capped broadband.

[Gremlin]

the T-stick sucks
get a vodem.

Dead wrong.

I have tested numerous vodems and t-sticks, normally in the premium vodafone areas. I even did a test with a vodem and t-stick, in Parnell (Vodafone said no problems, top service in the area), on the same laptop, back to back, over and over.

The t-stick consistently out-performed the vodem in software start, achieving a connection, and performance of the connection.

Generally, if the t-stick can install properly (and does so more reliably than the vodem) then it will work well. The last vodem I set up earlier this week took minutes to start every time, and the network speed was slow. I couldn't actually believe it took so long to start up... their software is getting worse, not better.

I recommend t-sticks, use a t-stick myself, and wish I earnt a penny from sales, but I earn nothing from the sales of either.

[Zerker]

there are multiple types of Vodem, the contract ones are better than the prepay ones

[Gremlin]

there are multiple types of Vodem, the contract ones are better than the prepay ones

Been using all types since Vodafone was in PCMCIA format. The last vodem I used was the Vodem Stick Pro (contract)...

[scracha]

Uninstall the lot, then upon re-installation, make sure you have another internet connection, working, and set the laptop to install drivers automatically.

To turn it on (if it isn't already), right click on My Computer, Properties, Advanced System settings, Hardware, Device Installation Settings, Yes Automatically.

This will let Windows 7 find the best drivers for your T-stick from either the T-stick, or MS website (which may have newer versions)

Next question is, which T-stick is it? One of the cheapies or the more expensive Sierra ones? The Sierra ones are more expensive for a good reason, they're american with much better drivers.

Unfortunately, I've had issues with one of the cheapie t-sticks before, on my laptop, I'm in IT, had a couple of colleagues look at it, and we all had to give up (after digging right through the drivers themselves).

Your problem can vary from pretty simple, newer drivers, or drivers from the manufacturers website (name escapes me presently... huawei? Or is that Vodafone), through to my solution. I used another hard drive, installed a test copy of Windows 7, and surprise surprise, it worked. Had to set up my OS all over again, all the software etc, testing the t-stick as I went... took a couple of days.

Spot on Gremlin, especially about the Sierra ones being miles better. The 64 bit Win 7 drivers are at www.zte.co.nz or summit like that. They're so fucking dodgy and notorious that I carry drivers. The ZTE kit also overheats with constant use and just erm....hangs....drives end users bonkers. The Telecom Connection Manager is a piece of $hit. I now bypass it and set it up with *99#. Sometimes they just won't work. Telecom deny there's a problem. This is a major PITA if the customer is on a 2 year contract. I normally flog them an Edimax or NetComm 3g router as it works out cheaper than a complete reinstall. The rebadged Netcomm 3G wireless modems Telecom sell (at twice the price of the exact same modem Bigpoind flog in Aus) work really well though and can take larger SMA antennas etc.

As for using Vodems around here.....I'd be better off on dial-up.

[marie_speeds]

My ZTE T- stick kind of freezes up all the time? Shows as connected to internet, but then says webpage cannot be displayed and receive rate is locked in at 0.00kps, no matter where I move around to. I have to then keep connecting disconnecting several times to try get something, and finally when that fails I restart laptop. Any suggestions?

[scracha]

My ZTE T- stick kind of freezes up all the time? Shows as connected to internet, but then says webpage cannot be displayed and receive rate is locked in at 0.00kps, no matter where I move around to. I have to then keep connecting disconnecting several times to try get something, and finally when that fails I restart laptop. Any suggestions?

1) Yep, bypass Telecon connection manager software and made a "dial up' connection using #99* as the phone number (no username/password).
2) Phone up Telecon and ensure you've got a version 3 SIM. If you've not then go into a Telecom shop and they'll swap it for free.
3) Use an Edimax or Netcomm (there are others) 3G wireless router (
about $99). They bypass any computer hardware probles, you can put them in the room with the best signal and they work with both Telecom T-Sticks and Vodafone Vodems.
4) Swap your ZTE/Huwaie piece of shite for a Sierra Wireless modem (trademe?)
5) Get one of these or find a Bigpoond Elite 3G Gateway (another rebadged Netcomm modem) if you're one of these unusual Kiwi's who dont like getting ripped off. They just WORK.


Zerker...you're talking absolute bollocks about the Vodem mate. You work for these tax dodging bastards at Vodafone or something?