To Dongle or mifi, that is the question ...

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Level 1

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To Dongle or mifi, that is the question ...

I want to buy a gadget to connect a macbook to the internet whilst travelling around the country. I don't have specific details of the macbook as it's my friends and the gadget will be a present from me - once I know what to buy.

From the research I've done it seems both dongle and mifi connect you to the internet but the mifi can connect multiple gadgets - have I got this right? If so, then a dongle would be fine and I'm thinking I just need to select a data package.

Is it really this simple or am I missing something? Any pointers\advice would be truly appreciated.

I've searched the forums for any similar discussion but can't find any so if there is one, please send me the link.

Posted on Nov 7, 2013 10:25 AM

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Answer 1

mende1

Level 10

93,624 points

Nov 7, 2013 10:27 AM in response to Chemy

It's better to use a MiFi. This is because dongles need drivers and they may be quite problematic with Mac OS X if you don't find any driver or if the driver causes the MacBook to crash. Also, you can connect more than one device to a MiFi.

Another option is to use your iPhone or Android phone as a router by features like Personal Hotspot on the iPhone, which allows you to connect other devices to it and use its network > http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4517

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Answer 2

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Nov 7, 2013 10:30 AM in response to Chemy

Check with the various Internet providers Make certain that the modem that you get is Mac compatible and will operate with your Operating System. Some will not!

You are correct about the Mifi. It allows several users to connect to the Internet simultaneously. As a single user you do not need this.

Ciao.

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Answer 3

Chemy Author

Level 1

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Nov 7, 2013 10:32 AM in response to mende1

Thanks Mende, I did think of the phone option but my friend has only just worked out how to send a text message so don't want to confuse the issue and burst his brain by suggesting he does more than use his phone for phone calls😀

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Answer 4

mende1

Level 10

93,624 points

Nov 7, 2013 10:32 AM in response to Chemy

You are welcome

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Answer 5

Chemy Author

Level 1

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Nov 7, 2013 10:33 AM in response to OGELTHORPE

Ogelthorpe - should I be looking for a modem rather than a dongle?

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Answer 6

mende1

Level 10

93,624 points

Nov 7, 2013 10:34 AM in response to Chemy

A dongle is a USB modem

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Answer 7

OGELTHORPE

Level 9

57,329 points

Nov 7, 2013 10:44 AM in response to Chemy

As Mende has indicated, a 'dongle' and modem are the same. Do not be deterred by the need to install any software in your MBP that may be necessary to make it work. It is no different that any other device that may require such software.

I use two wireless services, one with installed software and one without. I have experienced NO crashes with either. The important factor is compatibility with your MBP and the OS.

Ciao.

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