Sexy, svelte, smart… no, today I’m not talking about my fellow editors (sorry guys!) but the new D-Link 4G LTE USB Adapter. Dongles have come a long way since they resembled a ceramic light fuse with screws and this one is no exception. Streamlined to fit into your purse, pocket or bag, the D-Link 4G LTE USB Adapter is a classy yet simple networking accessory. On the go, working from home, uni or school, the D-Link 4G LTE USB Adapter delivers excellent high speed internet access. With download speeds up to 150Mbps and uplink up to 50 Mbps1, the internet is now more accessible and reliable for everyone.
Getting Started
Set up is straight forward. Grab your SIM, plug the 4G LTE USB Adapter into your computer and you have access anywhere you receive an LTE signal. D-Link state it is backwards compatible with HSPA, GSM, GPRS, or EDGE data signal.
D-Link also spruik the integrated antenna that provides the user with a dependable connection whether you’re in the office, stealing some me time at a cafe or working from home. The 4G LTE USB Adapter is compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8, Mac OS X 10.5 or higher so there’s no issue getting up and running.
Fuss Free
Insert the USB and you’re off; the drivers kick in immediately for a fast and efficient installation. It was quick, painless and access was straight forward. There’s compatibility for notebooks and netbooks with no need for a CD Rom drive. For those with a USB A port, the drivers will install automatically. You’ve also got the added bonus of additional connection manager software to receive and send SMS messages without the need for additional software. For those of you with USB C ports, I’m going to presume that, like me, you’ve already got a multi-tasking dongle so plugging in another device isn’t an issue.
Portability
No cables, no batteries, no hardware… minimalist technology that is provides the access you need at a fraction of the cost. And did I mention the microSD card reader for optional removable storage (up to 32GB) – no excuse for not having everything you need on hand. Meanwhile, at only 103mm x 34mm and a matte black in colour, the D-Link 4G LTE USB Adapter is unobtrusive yet packs a punch performance wise.
Functionality
Yes, it does work and very well. I trialled the D-Link 4G LTE USB Adapter in a variety of places albeit in a regional setting. From a café in one town to a university library in another, download was great but slower than the acknowledged theoretical rate for obvious reasons. Upload was decent but again, dependent upon the local network which leaves a lot to be desired out in these here parts. *chews slowly on straw…
For some contrast, Miss 17 was loaned the D-Link 4G LTE USB Adapter to try at school where the wifi is poor. I gave her carte blanche – go for it, anything and everything she needed including streaming music, data and apps. She was so excited to actually have great access she now wants her own D-Link 4G LTE USB Adapter because, you know, “Year 12, Mum!”. Oh, I know, trust me…
Recommendation
The D-Link 4G LTE USB Adapter provides consistent, reliable wifi on go for both work and lifestyle data users. Can I recommend it? Yes, most definitely.
The 4G LTE USB Adapter retails at $99.00 at JB Hi-Fi. You can also get some good deals on the D-Link website if you sign up for their mailing list or on Amazon. In addition, Easter sales are just around the corner, no doubt closely followed the next month by Christmas *wry look*. So what are you waiting for? Stop reading and get out there and buy yourself one before they sell out!
Editor Lis would like to thank D-Link for their generous donation of the 4G LTE USB Adapter for this review.
[1] Data rates are theoretical. Data transfer rate depends on network capacity and signal strength. Please check regional mobile operators for 4G LTE/3G mobile Internet availability.
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