Is there any USB Dongle Expert on here that knows if this model is the last word for good quality ?

http://www.dlink.com...&idCategory=199

Anything faster/stronger than that one, similar price range ?

I guess maybe ebay is cheaper than Thai electronics markets inc. postage (will be in Chiang Mai)

Guess I would buy a SIM from either AIS or True then after finding a great dongle.

I guess one that accepts a mini-antenna would help with speed.

Any good pay-as-you-go plans ?

I'd use apt wifi, coffee shop wifi, and dongle between those 2.

Edited December 20, 201114 yr by freedomnow

Are you living in Chiang Mai now? Do you spend most of your time there? Are you able to get post-paid services, perhaps as a result of your residency/spouse?

How much data per month do you think you use?

What is your budget, per month, for mobile broadband data?

I assume you want to take advantage of 3G where available. In Chiang Mai presently both Truemove (H), on 850 Mhz and AIS/One-2-Call, on 900 Mhz, offer 3G service.

As Truemove H is currently post-paid you may be better off going with AIS/One-2-Call, so you'd need an air-card which supports 900 Mhz 3G, The air-card you reference supports 850 Mhz 3G.

http://www.totalaircard.com/categories/AIS-3G-Aircard/

Generally I would recommend a volume-based plan; for example AIS/One-2-call have 1 GB/30 days, 350 baht.

http://www.ais.co.th/mobileinternet/en/internet-package/

Great info lomatopo.Will look in detail at your links.I always find it fun to find the best hardware/software mix

I'll be based there as a tourist.

It is just a back-up option between my room and cafes.

Most of these dongles can be had for less than 2,000 baht here in Thailand...

Buying on eBay and shipping it all the way here will save you little and makes you the tech support...

Just go to a local shop here with you laptop and have them set you up and get it all running before you leave the shop...