http://apcmag.com/ APC Magazine covers the latest in computing with a critical, independent eye to help you make the most of your tech dollar. http://apcmag.com//iphone-4-unlock-telstra-optus-vodafone-3-three-vha.htm http://apcmag.com//iphone-4-unlock-telstra-optus-vodafone-3-three-vha.htm

Want to travel overseas with your iPhone 4? Here's a list of the network lock policy, and the unlock cost, for each of the Aussie carriers.]]> Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:37:49 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vodafone-and-3-unveil-iphone-4-plans.htm http://apcmag.com//vodafone-and-3-unveil-iphone-4-plans.htm

The twin networks start their iPhone 4 offerings at $29 with 550MB of data and $18 per month for the handset, with plans topping out at $99 for 3GB and unlimited talk and text. ]]> Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:19:16 +1000 http://apcmag.com//iphone-4s-aussie-launch-set-for-july-30.htm http://apcmag.com//iphone-4s-aussie-launch-set-for-july-30.htm

The iPhone 4 gets an Australian release date on July 30th, with free bumper cases to address criticism of the phone’s signal dropout issues.]]> Sat, 17 Jul 2010 16:03:40 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vha-cuts-prices-boosts-talk-and-data-on-new-smarthone-plans.htm http://apcmag.com//vha-cuts-prices-boosts-talk-and-data-on-new-smarthone-plans.htm

It’s game on for smartphone carriers: Vodafone and 3 boost the value their smartphone cap plans, plus Telstra drops the price of the HTC Desire.]]> Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:01:59 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vodafone-to-launch-nexus-one-tomorrow-on-79-cap.htm http://apcmag.com//vodafone-to-launch-nexus-one-tomorrow-on-79-cap.htm

Google’s very own Android phone is finally released in Australia, with exclusive carrier Vodafone launching the Nexus One ‘free’ on a $79 cap plan with 1GB of data.]]> Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:35:38 +1000 http://apcmag.com//galaxy-s-pro-probably-not-for-australia-says-samsung.htm http://apcmag.com//galaxy-s-pro-probably-not-for-australia-says-samsung.htm

Samsung exec downplays chances of an Aussie release for QWERTY slider version of the just-launched Galaxy S Android smartphone...]]> Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:04:56 +1000 http://apcmag.com//dell-streak-3g-tablet-slate-release-date-australia.htm http://apcmag.com//dell-streak-3g-tablet-slate-release-date-australia.htm

Dell preps the ground for possible Aussie release of its Streak 3G tablet, showing the Android slate to local telcos and raising the possibility of a carrier deal.]]> Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//netcomm-launches-299-personal-hotspot-for-wi-fi-ipad-models.htm http://apcmag.com//netcomm-launches-299-personal-hotspot-for-wi-fi-ipad-models.htm

The first Next G-compatible ‘pocket hotspot’ to hit the Aussie market, NetComm’s $299 MyZone turns Next G and 3G signals into short-range 802.11g wireless.]]> Mon, 31 May 2010 14:11:01 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ipad-3g-a-sell-out-success.htm http://apcmag.com//ipad-3g-a-sell-out-success.htm

A slim $170 markup over Wi-Fi models plus low-cost prepaid 3G plans make the 3G iPad a sell-out success. Also: iPad customers cancelling Apple preorders to buy over the counter.]]> Mon, 31 May 2010 13:43:40 +1000 http://apcmag.com//ipad-3g-telstra-next-g-optus-vodafone-three-3-vha-test-network.htm http://apcmag.com//ipad-3g-telstra-next-g-optus-vodafone-three-3-vha-test-network.htm

We put Telstra, Optus, Vodafone and 3 to the test in Australia’s first comparison of iPad 3G providers – and if you expect Next G to be fastest, the results will surprise you!]]> Fri, 28 May 2010 09:24:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//wrapup-ipad-3g-plans.htm http://apcmag.com//wrapup-ipad-3g-plans.htm

iPad launch day is upon us, and if you're shelling out for the 3G model you're going to need a prepaid data card to go along with it. Here's a rundown of your options.]]> Thu, 27 May 2010 21:54:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//3g-options-for-the-wi-fi-ipad.htm http://apcmag.com//3g-options-for-the-wi-fi-ipad.htm

If you’re buying one of the cheaper iPad Wi-Fi models there are still a few ways to enjoy Internet access anywhere without stumping up the extra money for a 3G version.]]> Thu, 27 May 2010 16:58:51 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vodafone-announces-unlimited-ipad-data-plan.htm http://apcmag.com//vodafone-announces-unlimited-ipad-data-plan.htm

Vodafone and Three unleash aggressive prepaid iPad 3G plans, starting at $10 for 250MB and topped by an ‘unlimited’ plan for just $50 per month, with up to 14GB of data rollover.]]> Wed, 26 May 2010 17:55:16 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple-ipad-telstra-optus-prepaid-microsim-broadband-plan.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-ipad-telstra-optus-prepaid-microsim-broadband-plan.htm

Telstra and Optus confirm their respective iPad microSIM prepaid broadband starter kits will go on sale days ahead of the iPad’s launch this Friday.]]> Mon, 24 May 2010 17:49:26 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telcos-bait-the-hook-with-ipad-3g-plans.htm http://apcmag.com//telcos-bait-the-hook-with-ipad-3g-plans.htm

Apple’s decision to sell the iPad as an unlocked device for prepaid 3G sees carriers eagerly competing for customers who can easily sample and switch networks.]]> Wed, 12 May 2010 14:58:33 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstra-announces-new-next-g-cap-plans-double-allowances-free-data.htm http://apcmag.com//telstra-announces-new-next-g-cap-plans-double-allowances-free-data.htm

Has hell just frozen over? Telstra has radically improved its Next G cap plans, making it far more competitive in price with other networks.]]> Mon, 10 May 2010 14:13:51 +1000 http://apcmag.com//has-apple-screwed-the-aussie-telcos-with-the-ipad-.htm http://apcmag.com//has-apple-screwed-the-aussie-telcos-with-the-ipad-.htm

It's hard to believe that Australia's mobile telcos would not be falling over themselves in naked lust to sell the iPad when it launches in Australia on 28 May. So what's going on?]]> Mon, 10 May 2010 10:37:12 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple-ipad-3g-optus-plans-prepaid.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-ipad-3g-optus-plans-prepaid.htm

Optus will offer month-by-month 3G plans for the Apple iPad starting at $20 for 2GB, along with prepaid plans.]]> Sun, 09 May 2010 13:43:12 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple-ipad-3g-australian-launch-release-date-price-pricing.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-ipad-3g-australian-launch-release-date-price-pricing.htm

The iPad finally arrives in Australia on Friday May 28 with pre-orders from this coming Monday; Wi-Fi models will start at $629 and 3G at $799.]]> Fri, 07 May 2010 23:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//dual-format-sim-cards-start-to-appear.htm http://apcmag.com//dual-format-sim-cards-start-to-appear.htm

There may be no need to be tied into the iPad 3G’s microSIM format and the telcos who support it, if smart carriers start adopting the new dual-SIM card format.]]> Wed, 05 May 2010 00:36:57 +1000 http://apcmag.com//carriers-lined-up-to-launch-sony-ericsson-android-powered-xperia-x10.htm http://apcmag.com//carriers-lined-up-to-launch-sony-ericsson-android-powered-xperia-x10.htm

VHA’s 3 network has already landed the Xperia X10, Telstra launches next Tuesday and both Optus and Vodafone are expected to follow within the next fortnight.]]> Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:59:51 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vodafone-and-3-to-offer-dedicated-ipad-3g-plans.htm http://apcmag.com//vodafone-and-3-to-offer-dedicated-ipad-3g-plans.htm

VHA is first to confirm they'll back the iPad 3G – but will Aussie carriers also adopt subsidised contracts alongside Apple’s prepaid model in the US?]]> Thu, 15 Apr 2010 11:34:38 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vodafone-and-3-to-offer-month-by-month-mobile-broadband.htm http://apcmag.com//vodafone-and-3-to-offer-month-by-month-mobile-broadband.htm

New plans sit between prepaid and contract deals, starting at $15/month for 1GB with BYO modem, but they’re not for everyone…]]> Mon, 12 Apr 2010 09:45:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sony-ericsson-android-powered-xperia-x10-launch-this-month-on-all-aussie-3g-networks.htm http://apcmag.com//sony-ericsson-android-powered-xperia-x10-launch-this-month-on-all-aussie-3g-networks.htm

The first Android smartphone from Sony Ericsson hits Australia later this month on Optus, Telstra, Vodafone and Three, on contract and outright sale.]]> Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:51:30 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vodafone-ipad-3g.htm http://apcmag.com//vodafone-ipad-3g.htm

Vodafone says it is in discussion with Apple but remains guarded on what type of plans it will offer for the 3G iPad.]]> Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vodafone-vha-blackberry-storm-2-launch.htm http://apcmag.com//vodafone-vha-blackberry-storm-2-launch.htm

Vodafone will release RIM's upgraded Storm 2 smartphone this Thursday on a $69 cap plan with $450 of national and international calls.]]> Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//blackberry-readies-storm-2-for-aussie-launch.htm http://apcmag.com//blackberry-readies-storm-2-for-aussie-launch.htm

RIM is gearing up for local release of the second-gen Storm 2, but which carrier will score the touchscreen smartphone?]]> Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:49:41 +1000 http://apcmag.com//3g-ipad-arrives-in-australia-in-april.htm http://apcmag.com//3g-ipad-arrives-in-australia-in-april.htm

Steve Jobs tipped mid-year for international release of the 3G iPad, but Apple Australia has it lined up for local launch in the next eight weeks.]]> Thu, 25 Feb 2010 14:06:43 +1000 http://apcmag.com//card-tricks-why-apple-put-a-microsim-into-the-ipad.htm http://apcmag.com//card-tricks-why-apple-put-a-microsim-into-the-ipad.htm

The 3G iPad will come unlocked and ready to use with any prepaid mobile broadband service – provided the carrier uses the new microSIM card format.]]> Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:50:07 +1000 http://apcmag.com//dse-offers-dell-mini-9-3g-netbooks-unlocked-for-549.htm http://apcmag.com//dse-offers-dell-mini-9-3g-netbooks-unlocked-for-549.htm

It’s not the newest netbook on the market but at $549 with an inbuilt and unlocked 3G modem the pint-sized Mini 9 is a pretty sweet deal...]]> Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//best-deals-on-the-blackberry-bold-9700.htm http://apcmag.com//best-deals-on-the-blackberry-bold-9700.htm

BlackBerry fans eager to upgrade to the new Bold 9700 are scooping them up from overseas stores and back-channel importers – and at less than $700, who can blame them?]]> Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:14:04 +1000 http://apcmag.com//htc-hero-tattoo-android-optus-telstra-vodafone-3g-carrier.htm http://apcmag.com//htc-hero-tattoo-android-optus-telstra-vodafone-3g-carrier.htm

Optus or one of its virtual mobile network operators will be the sole Australian carrier for HTC’s new Android-powered Hero and Tattoo smartphones.]]> Wed, 11 Nov 2009 12:52:12 +1000 http://apcmag.com//rim-readies-broad-release-of-blackberry-os-50.htm http://apcmag.com//rim-readies-broad-release-of-blackberry-os-50.htm

The fresher, faster and funkier BlackBerry operating system 5.0 is just around the corner, with new builds leaking at a rate of knots – but it's not for every BlackBerry handset.]]> Mon, 26 Oct 2009 12:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//rtim-unveils-blackberry-bold-9700.htm http://apcmag.com//rtim-unveils-blackberry-bold-9700.htm

Take the best BlackBerry to date, trim the size but spec up the features, and you’ve got the new BlackBerry Bold 9700.]]> Thu, 22 Oct 2009 18:06:19 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sydney-wide-iphone-test-which-carrier-has-best-speed-and-coverage.htm http://apcmag.com//sydney-wide-iphone-test-which-carrier-has-best-speed-and-coverage.htm

Four networks, 150 locations and one sprawling city - Sydney’s most thorough testing of iPhone carriers reveals the winners and sinners for speed and coverage.]]> Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:09:41 +1000 http://apcmag.com//first-look-hps-mini-5101-business-class-netbook.htm http://apcmag.com//first-look-hps-mini-5101-business-class-netbook.htm

HP amps up the netbook recipe with a larger keyboard, bigger (and faster) hard drive and optional SSD, high-res HD display and inbuilt 3G modem.]]> Fri, 31 Jul 2009 16:11:15 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vodafone-cuts-prepaid-mobile-broadband-adds-2gb-bonus.htm http://apcmag.com//vodafone-cuts-prepaid-mobile-broadband-adds-2gb-bonus.htm

Vodafone drops the price of its Prepaid Mobile Broadband Starter Pack to $119 and extends the promo date for its bonus 2GB of data to get you started.]]> Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:58:59 +1000 http://apcmag.com//laptop-connect-offers-short-term-mobile-broadband-hookup.htm http://apcmag.com//laptop-connect-offers-short-term-mobile-broadband-hookup.htm

Innovative ‘short term hire’ program offers a Next G modem from $5 to $11 per day, including around 140MB of daily data.]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:50:50 +1000 http://apcmag.com//3s-new-iphone-3gs-plans-to-start-at-57month-free-on-79month-with-1gb.htm http://apcmag.com//3s-new-iphone-3gs-plans-to-start-at-57month-free-on-79month-with-1gb.htm

The 3G-only carrier gears up for this Friday’s release of the iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS with both prepaid and contract plans, but with an additional $200 to unlock your iPhone.]]> Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:14:15 +1000 http://apcmag.com//htc-magic-continues-android-dream.htm http://apcmag.com//htc-magic-continues-android-dream.htm

Less is more in the new Android phone from HTC: Magic drops the keyboard.]]> Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:25:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//htc-magic-launches-in-australia.htm http://apcmag.com//htc-magic-launches-in-australia.htm

Waiting to hear on plans and pricing for HTC’s second-gen ‘Magic’ Android smartphone? Yeah, we are too.]]> Thu, 28 May 2009 10:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//vodafone-confirms-htc-magic-android-touchscreen-smartphone-for-australia.htm http://apcmag.com//vodafone-confirms-htc-magic-android-touchscreen-smartphone-for-australia.htm

Vodafone and Three are gearing up for next week's launch of HTC’s Android-powered Magic touchscreen smartphone.]]> Thu, 21 May 2009 12:09:58 +1000 http://apcmag.com//prepaid-wireless-mobile-broadband-optus-telstra-three-and-vodafone-compared.htm http://apcmag.com//prepaid-wireless-mobile-broadband-optus-telstra-three-and-vodafone-compared.htm

Vodafone has joined its rivals in offering 3G wireless broadband to prepaid customers. So which telco offers the best value for your ‘pay as you go’ mobile broadband buck?]]> Mon, 04 May 2009 21:57:02 +1000 http://apcmag.com//samsung-ultratouch-is-ultra-sneaky.htm http://apcmag.com//samsung-ultratouch-is-ultra-sneaky.htm

What other phone lets you fake an incoming call, complete with pre-recorded dialogue, so you can escape from a boring meeting or social situation?]]> Mon, 04 May 2009 16:44:06 +1000 http://apcmag.com//internode-adds-3g-wireless-data-to-its-broadband-menu.htm http://apcmag.com//internode-adds-3g-wireless-data-to-its-broadband-menu.htm

The popular ISP’s new NodeMobile Data plans repackage Optus 3G from $15 per month for 250MB, with excess usage blocks starting at $10 for 250MB.]]> Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:01:36 +1000 http://apcmag.com//mobile-broadband-busts-loose.htm http://apcmag.com//mobile-broadband-busts-loose.htm

Vodafone’s new 900MHz 3G network and Three’s roaming deal with Next G help mobile broadband stay connected beyond the ‘big smoke’.]]> Thu, 16 Apr 2009 21:33:45 +1000 http://apcmag.com//three-gears-up-for-next-g-roaming-slashes-roaming-data-rates-to-50cmb.htm http://apcmag.com//three-gears-up-for-next-g-roaming-slashes-roaming-data-rates-to-50cmb.htm

Smartphone and mobile broadband customers of Three’s limited 3G-only network will soon be able to roam onto Telstra’s fast and far-reaching Next G network for 'just' 50c per MB.]]> Thu, 02 Apr 2009 19:41:22 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telcos_slash_mobile_broadband_prices_in_time_for_christmas.htm http://apcmag.com//telcos_slash_mobile_broadband_prices_in_time_for_christmas.htm

As Christmas fast approaches some telcos have taken the opportunity to make substantial cuts to their on mobile broadband offerings. They've also rejigged iPhone pricing too.]]> Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//office_workers_frustrated_by_networks_delays.htm http://apcmag.com//office_workers_frustrated_by_networks_delays.htm

Office networks are so slow that many of us are ready to throttle the IT manager, and there doesn't seem to be an immediate fix in sight, a survey has shown.]]> Mon, 15 Sep 2008 17:00:55 +1000 http://apcmag.com//sting_in_the_tail_for_optus_prepaid_wireless_broadband_plans.htm http://apcmag.com//sting_in_the_tail_for_optus_prepaid_wireless_broadband_plans.htm

Optus' new prepaid wireless broadband plans look good on the surface but come with a nasty sting in the tail.]]> Mon, 18 Aug 2008 00:01:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//three_australia_announces_multi_gigabyte_iphone_plans.htm http://apcmag.com//three_australia_announces_multi_gigabyte_iphone_plans.htm

The telco spurned by Apple so far -- Three -- has announced tasty plans for iPhone users who bring their own 3G handset.]]> Thu, 31 Jul 2008 16:06:08 +1000 http://apcmag.com//newest_blackberry_makes_a_bold_debut.htm http://apcmag.com//newest_blackberry_makes_a_bold_debut.htm

It’s finally here – well, sort of. Despite today’s official launch, the 3G smartphone won’t land in our hands for at least another three weeks.]]> Tue, 29 Jul 2008 12:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//three_slashes_blackberry_plans_to_59.htm http://apcmag.com//three_slashes_blackberry_plans_to_59.htm

3 has set a new entry-level of $59/month for 3G Blackberry unlimited-email plans.]]> Wed, 09 Jul 2008 16:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//three_internet_key.htm http://apcmag.com//three_internet_key.htm

Three's Internet Key is dead easy to set up and delivers great performance.]]> Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//3_cuts_the_cable_with_directconnect_usb_modem.htm http://apcmag.com//3_cuts_the_cable_with_directconnect_usb_modem.htm

Mobile broadband just got a little less fiddly, with 3 introducing a slim 3G HSDPA modem which plugs straight into your notebook’s USB port.]]> Fri, 23 May 2008 13:48:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//three_gets_blackberry_with_better_value.htm http://apcmag.com//three_gets_blackberry_with_better_value.htm

Three is the last telco to get BlackBerry, but it was worth the wait: its plans include 2GB of mobile broadband, free calls to Three mobiles and free push email when overseas.]]> Thu, 03 Apr 2008 01:59:16 +1000 http://apcmag.com//three_drops_mobile_broadband_to_15.htm http://apcmag.com//three_drops_mobile_broadband_to_15.htm

3 now has Australia’s cheapest mobile broadband plan at $15, while existing $29 and $49 plans also get a higher download limit. But there are some new modem fees.]]> Tue, 01 Apr 2008 11:45:25 +1000