Mobile broadband OK for SL?

Has anybody had experience with mobile broadband systems (ie using a card or USB plug-in using 3G phone technology, NOT wireless connection to a server). They claim speeds in the 3-7 mbs range, which should be enough, but I dont know how to convert SL usage into the mb 'fair usage' rations that these systems typically have.

I'd be grateful for advice on this (or send me to a different forum or location if it has already been answered. I didnt see where, but it seems likely)

Mix a wireless (which is Mobile/Cell) connection with USB and you probably won't be able to stay connected to SL very long. At least stick to a card connection for the modem.

I do know of people that connect their laptop using 'mobile' broadband connections, but they are in the USA, so have less latency issues between your mobile connection provider, and the landlines across the atlantic and back (assuming you are outside USA, as you did say Mobile not Cell ).

You can install a small footprint programme that will measure quite accurately your internet usage, try that for a few 'average days' and then you can make a prediction for monthly usage. Don't be surprised if you use several GB's per month.

Yes, I have...

My home boradband connection went down for a week, and I was stuck without connectivity. I hooked up my Orange UK mobile phone to my PC using the data cable and using the Nokia connection software ran SL fine for the week. I did reduce my "connection speed" in preferences to around 120k to help it along, but it was a viable alternate and it was usable.

Just make sure you have an inclusive daa package with your mobile provider - otherwise you may get a very nasty bill

Gomez

thanks guys.

Seems to run OK using a Huawei HSPDA USB modem, in the UK on the 3 network. I've used it on a Mac Powerbook, and provided it gets a reasonable connection (HSPDA instead of GPRS) it runs, if not quite as smoothly as on the normal wifi connection that I use at home. SL in a nice pub whilst drinking real ale is really quite enjoyable... and if you drink enough you don't notice the lag

Now looking forward to seeing how well it runs on a sub-min Asus eee pc via 3G.

SL seems to use about 100 Mb an hour, (very rough unreliable count), so on a 1Gb fair use contract you ought to be able to use it on odd occasions...

my few attempts over different networks usually resulted in playable but latent (packet loss)

not saying it will 100% will be, just be prepared