The test below will measure your current download speed in kilobytes per second.

To make the most of the results, you first of all need to know how much speed you pay your ISP for. You can then work out wether your actually getting value for money.

For me, I pay £10 a month to Sky Broadband (bskyb) for 1600kbps (16mb) and my download speed currently averages at 1400kbps, since I am on a wireless network with multiple machines attached, thats a a fairly good speed.

If your speed falls below your expectations of your ISP, it may be worth seeking a cheaper, more cost effective deal, that would supply you with speed your actually received internet access at.

Feel free to share your upload/download speeds along with your ISP and average payment, in the comments box below.

What exactly are you getting for your money? The HSDPA data modem is advertised as having speeds of “up to” 3.6 megabits per second, which varies depending on your service provider. 3 Mobile, for example, have practically never reached this kind of download speed, whereas O2 and Vodafone are roughly equal averaging anything from 1mb to 3.4mb on a good day. One thing which is not advertised is the upload speed, which is essentially nothing. The “D” in HSDPA stands for download, indicating what that particular modem is for. There is also a HSUPA model with superior upload speeds that must be purchased separately from Huawei itself. 3 mobile managed an average 60kbps upload, with O2 and Vodafone managing a more reasonable 3-400kbps.

As for the inner workings of the system, the modem is controlled by a SIM card, the likes of which you’d find in any mobile phone. It also works like any other SIM and can be used in phones with its own phone number and PIN code. With the software included you can send text messages from it like a normal phone, seemingly for free. (I have yet to receive a bill for my new O2 modem but I never had any extra charge on the 3 contract)

The Modem is packaged with 2 USB2.0 cables, a short, standard one and a longer cable with 2 connections to provide extra power (I find this to be the only way of getting a strong signal sometimes), a small Velcro patch for sticking it to your laptop on the move, and the obligatory informational booklets.

Installation of the device is very simple and requires no installation CD. All files are stored on the modem and are run when first connected.

Pros	Cons
Simple to use Works in any location where a mobile phone signal can be attained Fast enough to stream video with no lag and view web pages quickly	Rather expensive for the simple coverage it gives Can occasionally disconnect if left idle for some time 10gb download cap or less, depending on network. Not good if you download all of your TV shows.

Overall, it’s not the best broadband option around, but if you need it on the go for business on the bus or (like me) you don’t have a phoneline and can’t get the “antenna broadband” it is definitely a suitable alternative. Although pricey it’s far from ridiculously expensive and if you’re any good at e-commerce it will pay for itself

I paid £5.98 for it and that included free delivery from Hong Kong to the UK. I opened the envelope to find a simple standard vacuum formed wrapper, and paid no attention to the cardboard insert and just removed the mouse ready to plug it in.

When I actually glanced at the insert I was surprised by what I saw. It’s been along time since I’ve bought a mouse, but I’m sure the boxes never have this much detail. The insert explains the life span of all moving components as well as the product overall, as well as the usual stuff promising ergonomic comfort and so forth. The device also boasts 1200dpi resolution “the fastest mouse in the world”.

The box also boasts to be compatible with pretty much every OS known to mankind, with the exception of Windows 3.1 much to my dismay…

The Product

What you see is what you get, a nice standard black finish with a hard wearing durable shell. Its cable is approx 1 m in length and provides a great deal of length for you to manoeuvre with.

In terms of ergonomics, the device appears to be right handed only, although does although the standards options of reversing the clickable button functions. The buttons themselves are nicely placed centered by a mechanical wheel that almost everybody will be familiar with.

On the main body you will find a pack away Velcro/elastic ring, which I found most comfortable on my index finger sitting between the top and central bend in my finger. This allowed my thumb easy access to the control buttons and wheel. Its also practical to grip the mouse as you would a pen or pencil, which allows a great deal or freedom when navigating your screen.

Plugging In

As it is USB, you get the standard plug and play options, and automatic driver installations, this takes a matter of seconds, and as you would expect it registers as a human interface device.  From an operational stand point, the mouse works great.

Experienced computer users will have no trouble picking this up and using straight away. People new to computers and technology might need a few moments to get their bearings with the mouse, but its pretty straight forward.

In terms of surfaces, the optical laser seems to work on most opaque surfaces. Its handy in  that I can slouch back in my office chair and use the arm of my chair as my mouse mat. You can of course do this with a conventional mouse but this is obviously not as bulky.

Weighing It Up

Pros	Cons
Very Simple to use Clever Concept Price is very affordable	When typing can be really clunky Easy to point the laser into eyes Novelty can be tiresome

Summing it up

Overall I like the finger  mouse, it’s such a simply adaptation of an everyday item. As mentioned in the ‘Cons’  it does have some notable downsides, since with a conventional mouse you never pick up a cup or scratch your face with it in your hand, you never find yourself blinded by the laser, but this, with the strap in use,  is stuck to your index finger. It does have a fail-safe dimmer like a normal mouse when lifted from its surface, but the dim makes little if any difference. Another issue picked up on, is the clunkiness of it. If like me you can touch type and type fast, it can be a problem, the mouse adds weight to your index finger, which means typing is noticeably slowed down.

On the positive side, the practical applications and noticable, although I would probably limit my use down to powerpoint presentations. Taking the price into account, it is a very welcomed addition to my peripheral box, and despite the downfalls I would still recommend the finger mouse to other people.