Archive for March of 2008
Happiness is being waterproof
March 11, 2008
It is sometimes a little bit rainy here and today was not an exception. While waiting my bus and standing in gusty wind and rain I really appreciated my water proof trekking coat. In Budapest I used to wear my leather jacket but somehow in Edinburgh a coat with Goretex seems to be ideal.
So long Three
March 09, 2008
After testing for two days I came in to conclusion that this Three mobile broadband is not for me. The connection kept failing frequently, the provided software was lacking features and I could not log in to My3 to see my account information. The last problem was really annoying as you should receive the password in to you Three number. This happens to be the number of the mobile broadband and there is no way for Mac OS X user to get received SMSs from the Huawei e220 modem.
Today I packed everything, took the original receipt with me and went to the store. Three promises that in case of mobile broadband connection you have 3 days to return it back to the same store you bought it from in case you are not happy with it. This is also printed on the leaflet in the box, so the matter should be quite clear...
It turned out that before they can accept product back I should make a phone call to their technical support. I disagreed with this but I ended up using store's phone to call. This took roughly 20 minutes as the technical support was busy. The guy on the phone was ok and I explained the situation. He went through same steps as in the setup guide but he ended up being a bit frustrated as I demanded to cancel the contract.
Well, after the phone call the store manager agreed to progress with cancellation forms. But naturally I was the lowest priority customer so it took another 20 minutes before my Three account was deactivated. Now the exciting part is to see how many bills I will receive afterwards....
It seems that other people have similar problems:
http://aonach.com/chatter/3-data-modem-set-up-issues-not-so-quick-or-easy/
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055115306
Today I packed everything, took the original receipt with me and went to the store. Three promises that in case of mobile broadband connection you have 3 days to return it back to the same store you bought it from in case you are not happy with it. This is also printed on the leaflet in the box, so the matter should be quite clear...
It turned out that before they can accept product back I should make a phone call to their technical support. I disagreed with this but I ended up using store's phone to call. This took roughly 20 minutes as the technical support was busy. The guy on the phone was ok and I explained the situation. He went through same steps as in the setup guide but he ended up being a bit frustrated as I demanded to cancel the contract.
Well, after the phone call the store manager agreed to progress with cancellation forms. But naturally I was the lowest priority customer so it took another 20 minutes before my Three account was deactivated. Now the exciting part is to see how many bills I will receive afterwards....
It seems that other people have similar problems:
http://aonach.com/chatter/3-data-modem-set-up-issues-not-so-quick-or-easy/
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2055115306
Three mobile broadband with HUAWEI modem for OS X
March 08, 2008
After checking some reviews and comparing prices I decided to go for a mobile broadband instead of a fixed connection. Choosing the right operator was more difficult but I ended up choosing Three connection. They offered 3 GB monthly transfer for 15 £ per month with free modem and 12 months contract.
On Friday I went shopping then and I did not find Three's store right away but I ended up visiting one of those shops selling connections from almost all operators. I was already wondering how they can make their profit selling same product as neighboring operator specific shops. Well, this place offered me same Three connection with 3 GB limit with 15 £ per month but with 49 £ for the modem and 18 months contract. In order to get free modem 24 months contract was required. So, shopping around pays well - again.
After saying no thanks I continued along the Princess street and I found Three's own store. There things progressed straightforward as their numbers were matching what I read before. Curious detail was saleswoman's computer screen background image having large text "THREE SLAVE" on it. I resisted temptation to ask whether she is looking for a raise with that.
Setting up new modem was quite easy but for Mac OS X users extra steps are needed. Drivers have to be downloaded and installed. The HUAWEI modem and connection software for OS X is very basic and lacks couple features. Because Three's connection is 3G only it does not support GPRS. This means that in case the connection is weak, it falls back to GPRS which does not work. It actually connects to Orange's network but the connection does not work with Three's settings. To fix this I have to disconnect and manually select right operator again. HUAWEI's Mac OS X software should have possibility to force connection to certain operator or prevent GPRS fallback.
edit: I returned the modem back to store due problems above and failing connections. Read more.
On Friday I went shopping then and I did not find Three's store right away but I ended up visiting one of those shops selling connections from almost all operators. I was already wondering how they can make their profit selling same product as neighboring operator specific shops. Well, this place offered me same Three connection with 3 GB limit with 15 £ per month but with 49 £ for the modem and 18 months contract. In order to get free modem 24 months contract was required. So, shopping around pays well - again.
After saying no thanks I continued along the Princess street and I found Three's own store. There things progressed straightforward as their numbers were matching what I read before. Curious detail was saleswoman's computer screen background image having large text "THREE SLAVE" on it. I resisted temptation to ask whether she is looking for a raise with that.
Setting up new modem was quite easy but for Mac OS X users extra steps are needed. Drivers have to be downloaded and installed. The HUAWEI modem and connection software for OS X is very basic and lacks couple features. Because Three's connection is 3G only it does not support GPRS. This means that in case the connection is weak, it falls back to GPRS which does not work. It actually connects to Orange's network but the connection does not work with Three's settings. To fix this I have to disconnect and manually select right operator again. HUAWEI's Mac OS X software should have possibility to force connection to certain operator or prevent GPRS fallback.
edit: I returned the modem back to store due problems above and failing connections. Read more.
Progress
March 04, 2008
JUGS meeting was worth of a visit. Too bad the social part started a bit late and I had to leave too soon. But there will be more meetings later on.
My flat hunting is progressing and I have found a very nice flat near Leith walk. The landlord is a private person and the rent is reasonable. I haven't signed the contract yet but it should be done soon. So, fingers crossed with this one.
I have been working in my current job something like six weeks now. I had some doubts after my first impression but things are getting better now. There are some interesting tasks waiting and I already promised to create a small presentation about Hibernate.
My flat hunting is progressing and I have found a very nice flat near Leith walk. The landlord is a private person and the rent is reasonable. I haven't signed the contract yet but it should be done soon. So, fingers crossed with this one.
I have been working in my current job something like six weeks now. I had some doubts after my first impression but things are getting better now. There are some interesting tasks waiting and I already promised to create a small presentation about Hibernate.