So I have a Kohjinsha UMPC for mobile computing but how do I get Internet access? Singapore's wireless@SG service is a boon though it's not blanket island coverage but rather a set of hotzones centered on shopping centres, libraries and other nexus. It also takes over pre-existing WiFi access points such as McDonalds. I find the service unreliable unless close in to a node, and the hotzones are just not enough coverage. I need 3G.

The two 3G network operators in Singapore are M1 and SingTel both of whom offer a 3G HSDPA data service using the Huawei E220 modem.

I spent quite a bit of time comparing price plans and data caps. Again, a small amount of procrastination helped as over a few weeks, SingTel and M1 were in a bidding war to offer the highest data cap. When I started looking, it was 2GB per month, then 5GB, 10Gb, 50GB and then M1 went "unlimited".

Both operators are currently hiring out the E220 modem for free and charging about S$22pm for the 512kbps downlink service.

I toyed around with the idea of just getting a 3G or even a 3.5G (HSUPA) phone and BlueToothing it over to the Kohjinsha but I would have had to buy a phone and the voice+data tariffs are not so generous. Plus, I didn't find a phone I liked enough to want to buy. The Nokia N95 is a nice, slightly chunky phone but it's S$1,000 without a tariff and over S$600 with. I'd rather wait for the 3G iPhone before spending that kind of money.

I went with M1, 6-month contract, unlimited data cap. Beyond about 5GB, the monthly data cap is pure marketing. I don't use anything close to 10GB, let alone 50GB.

Performance is fine and has worked everywhere I have tried it. It's a pity it's an external USB device; I expect my next mobile computer to have 3G built-in. The E220 is simlocked or at least software locked - I tried it in the UK on the 3 network; no joy. There may be a workaround to that but it's a low priority problem for now.