Dongles will disappear sooner or later as new laptops and netbooks integrate SIM readers making them redundant. But now, Vodafone has launched a brand new USB Stick Pro Mobile broadband dongle which not only provides with HSDPA speeds but also a 4GB microSD card which can act as a secondary memory.
The device will allow you to reach download speeds of around 4.5 to 5mbps and will be available on some price plans including a 5GB one which will cost you £21.28 a month (with a three-month introductory tariff of £14.19) although you will need to take a two-year contract.
Vodafone is also proposing a few other bundles but it is their 3GB price plan which will get heads turning. At £12.91+VAT including the price of the modem, it is good value for money given the fact that O2 charges £15 for the same data plan (albeit with unlimited WiFi).
How does the dongle compare? Well, most laptops now have a SD card reader and a 16GB SDHC card should cost you only £17.99. Furthermore, dongles are prone to breakage since they protrude from the USB connector and are easily lost, you'd rather choose to go for an Expresscard.

Have you read these related articles?
Newsletter: