By Kevin Mitchell

Over a year ago, I wrote an article about getting EMOBILE wireless internet service on the HAJET website. Since then there have been hardware changes, as well as a competitive services that is gaining momentum. Let’s first look at EMOBILE’s new hardware offerings after the break.

Wifi in Your Pocket

EMOBILE's Pocket WiFi

Besides an update to the ExpressCard D03HW in the form of D24HW and some USB type 3G modems, there is now a new product called the “Pocket WiFi”; also called the D25HW. The Pocket WiFi is unique because it doesn’t work as a 3G modem that’s connected directly to your computer, but rather as a portable Wi-Fi 3G hotspot using IEEE802.11b/g. You simply carry it around like you would a cell phone, and if you want to connect to the internet, you just connect to it like you would any secure Wi-Fi network, by logging in. This means that you can connect your PC, Mac, Nintendo DS, Sony PSP, iPad and etc. to it and not have to worry about compatibility or software. It works wonderfully. No need to get a separate iPad 3G data plan if you can just use this and AND your laptop at the same time, right?

You can also connect up to four devices at a time, but keep in mind you’re sharing the same 7.2Mbps download speed, so don’t expect to do any heavy simultaneous usage with it. Plans are still capped at 5400 yen a month, no matter how much you use. Coverage is the same as before. EMOBILE says you might have a problem if you are in a high rise building, so keep that in mind. Performance is just as good as the D03HW I reviewed last year, but with a higher upload rate. It also doesn’t take up a port on your computer, though you’ll probably need to plug it into a charger before the batter runs down. After exchanging my ExpressCard D03HW for this, I haven’t looked back.

Surfing Wireless Wave at 21Mbps

D31HW

EMOBILE's Speed Demon

For people who feel the need for speed, there is a new offering in the form of the D31HW. This USB 3G modem tops out at 21Mbps but doesn’t require a different data plan. Again, it’s not a good idea to use torrents, as BitTorrent apps use more TCP ports. They’ll most likely end your service if you try so I wouldn’t bother. Downloading larage 100MB+ files won’t be a problem though. Check the purple spots on his map for the areas where 21Mps is available.

If you need the fastest wireless, available and you have a USB 2.0 port to spare, you should give this model a long look. Otherwise, you might be better served with the Pocket WiFi. That is of course, if you don’t want to use EMOBILE’s competitors.

A Challenger Appears!

For those who don’t get EMOBILE in their area, or simply want to stay with one company, you can check out the offerings from Docomo. Like EMOBILE, Docomo has an ExpressCard and USB offerings, but for universal-use sake let’s just talk about the USB modem called the “L-05A”.

The L-05A

Docomo Strikes Back!

Unfortunately I don’t have the Docomo service or modem to test, so I’m just going to write about what Docomo said and what users have experienced. The Device plays well with both Windows and Intel Macs, so there shouldn’t be much of a worry in the compatibility department. I’m not going to go through the install process, as you can read about that here from Docomo. I do recommend using the updated software on their site as opposed to the one on the CD. You can get that here.

Speeds seem to be around 384kbps download in real world use, which should be plenty for most people and is around the same speed as EMOBILE. The unlimited data plan costs up to 6510 yen, depending on if max out your “limit”; which you will. This means you’ll only pay 6510 yen a month at the most for this unlimited service.

There is another…

C01LC

Softbank isn't just for iPhones anymore.

Another entry into the wireless internet fray is SoftBank. Their Service is 4700 yen a month for unlimited internet and they have a USB 3G modem to use as well called the “C01LC”. Speeds should be similar to EMOBILE and Docomo, but like EMOBILE, their coverage isn’t as good as Docomo. Supposedly the software for their devices is not compatible with 64-bit OSes, so if you have Windows Vista or Windows 7 64-Bit, it’s best to look elsewhere. Mac users are OK to 10.5 (Leopard) but Snow Leopard users may have problems. All providers are hesitant to say that the software will work on an English version of Windows, but if you enable “Non-Unicode Support” with Japanese, this should make things fine. Personally I think this is more about not wanting to support and English OS than it is about software compatibility, but I guess that’s understandable considering that 95%+ of their market is Japanese.

It also should be noted that Softbank is also carrying the Pocket WiFi, but it appears to be using EMOBILE’s network; as evidenced by their dial-up number and login name.

Conclusion

Wireless internet is good for people who can’t get high speed internet in their apartment in Japan and also for those who want to supplement their internet with something they can use on-the-go and at school. Some may go with Docomo due to the better English support and wider coverage, but then again EMOBILE’s hardware offerings are better and their plan is cheaper. Yet, don’t count out SoftBank with their cheap alternative. Check out everyone’s coverage maps first and then decide one which service is best for you.

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