I need an aircard for a short period (3 months) Any advice on brand and data contracts for them here in Thailand

Thanks

If you buy a Mobile Carrier/Operator "branded" AirCard in Thailand it will be SIM Locked to that Carrier. Otherwise you can purchase a non-Carrier-branded AirCard [ ie:Huawei, ZTE ] that operates on 850/900/2100 Bands and have it work with the 4 major Carriers (AIS, DTAC, TOT-3G and TrueMove-H). Currently, only DTAC and TrueMove-H have nationwide LTE, otherwise you'll be using UMTS/HSPA+ (GSM Data).

While an USB AirCard will work fine with a computer, you might also want to look at alternatively purchasing either a Portable/Personal WiFi Hotspots or a Mobile Smartphone that has Hotspot/Tethering features.

For Carrier/Mobile ISP suggestions we usually recommend having you tell us what AREA(s) or Provinces you want to use the service in, and what type of services you'll be visiting/using and if you're going to be a heavy downloader as most of the mobile carriers provide strong coverage/service in some areas but not always others.

Since you'll be using it for 3 months that probably relegates you to Pre-Pay Contracts. Pre-pay contacts vary by amount of data you'll use. People who only only websurf and check email might due well with True's 512kbps unlimited package at 59 baht/week. If you want higher speeds then expect to name a fixed GBytes amount of data and pay 150 baht per GB and then have the connections severely THROTTLED when that data is used up (there's no such thing as HighSpeed Unlimited, even if the package is labeled so).

Though it's always best to look for the promotions.

AIS 3G Computer Data Pocket WiFi offer

DTAC add-on Internet

TOT 3G * Mobile Internet

TrueMove H 3G 4G Internet Data Promotions

* TOT 3G and their MNVOs (mobile virtual network operator) are NOT really recommended as a service.