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//prepaid-mobile-data-bargains-we-sift-through-the-options-to-find-where-the-best-value-lies.htm http://apcmag.com//prepaid-mobile-data-bargains-we-sift-through-the-options-to-find-where-the-best-value-lies.htm

Compared to a year ago, all the mobile carriers have upped their game in terms of data-per-dollar. But who provides the best deal full-stop?]]> Mon, 31 Jan 2011 12:45:33 +1000 http://apcmag.com//htc-telstra-wildfire.htm http://apcmag.com//htc-telstra-wildfire.htm

Telstra adds another Android to its Next G family this month with HTC's Wildfire, which goes on sale from August 24 at $349 outright for pre-paid customers.]]> Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:34:44 +1000 http://apcmag.com//best-prepaid-plans-for-smartphones.htm http://apcmag.com//best-prepaid-plans-for-smartphones.htm

Prepaid is no longer the poor man's postpaid when it comes to mobile data -- how'd you like 4.8GB on your next recharge?]]> Thu, 05 Aug 2010 11:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//accc-takes-optus-to-court-over-misleading-advertising.htm http://apcmag.com//accc-takes-optus-to-court-over-misleading-advertising.htm

Australia's competition regulator has taken Optus to court for playing fast and loose with the word "unlimited" in plans which do have usage limits -- after it was warned not to.]]> Tue, 08 Jun 2010 10:26:54 +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//optus-launches-50-unlimited-ipad-plan.htm http://apcmag.com//optus-launches-50-unlimited-ipad-plan.htm

Optus apes Vodafone with the sudden introduction of a $50 unlimited prepaid plan for the iPad 3G.]]> Fri, 28 May 2010 13:55:03 +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//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//optus-to-allow-ipad-3g-data-rollover-up-to-15gb-up-to-six-months.htm http://apcmag.com//optus-to-allow-ipad-3g-data-rollover-up-to-15gb-up-to-six-months.htm

Optus confirms that data rollover will be available across all of its nine ‘microSIM’ prepaid iPad 3G plans, with as much as 15GB able to be carried over for six months at a time.]]> Wed, 19 May 2010 07:00:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//telstra-apple-ipad-3g-nextg-prepaid-plans-data-rollover.htm http://apcmag.com//telstra-apple-ipad-3g-nextg-prepaid-plans-data-rollover.htm

Telstra will permit unused data on its pre-paid iPad 3G plans to be carried forward into the following month rather than expire at the 30 day use-by period, but there’s a catch...]]> Tue, 18 May 2010 07:40:00 +1000 http://apcmag.com//apple-ipad-australian-launch-date.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-ipad-australian-launch-date.htm

Too many orders or not enough iPads? Either way, if you haven't already placed your pre-order for the iPad you'll have to wait until at least June 8th for delivery. ]]> Thu, 13 May 2010 10:49:34 +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//apple-ipad-3g-optus-prepaid-plans.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-ipad-3g-optus-prepaid-plans.htm

Optus 'microSIM' plans for the iPad 3G kick off at $15 for 500MB, stretch to $130 for 14GB, with expiry periods ranging from 15 days to six months.]]> Tue, 11 May 2010 12:07:49 +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-telstra-next-g-plans-prepaid.htm http://apcmag.com//apple-ipad-3g-telstra-next-g-plans-prepaid.htm

Telstra reveals its prepaid Next G plans for Apple's 3G iPad, spanning from $20 for 1GB to $100 for 12GB, all with 30 day expiry.]]> Sun, 09 May 2010 12:25:28 +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//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//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//telstra-upsizes-next-g-prepaid-mobile-broadband-plans.htm http://apcmag.com//telstra-upsizes-next-g-prepaid-mobile-broadband-plans.htm

Telstra's new Next G prepaid wireless plans come with 1GB free upfront, plus up to six months expiry on recharges -- can anyone say "perfect for Apple iPad?"]]> Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:13:40 +1000 http://apcmag.com//aussie-ipad-likely-to-nudge-1100.htm http://apcmag.com//aussie-ipad-likely-to-nudge-1100.htm

Estimates of local pricing for the iPad suggest $649 for the entry-level model with Wi-Fi only and a 16GB drive, $819 for the cheapest 3G model and $1,099 for the primo iPad.]]> Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:43:43 +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//vodafone-cuts-prepaid-mobile-broadband-to-99-doubles-data-to-1gb.htm http://apcmag.com//vodafone-cuts-prepaid-mobile-broadband-to-99-doubles-data-to-1gb.htm

Vodafone’s Prepaid Mobile Broadband Starter Pack now sells at $99 and throws in 1GB of data for the bundled dual-band USB modem.]]> Tue, 06 Oct 2009 16:03:08 +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//double_the_price_optus_hikes_wireless_charges.htm http://apcmag.com//double_the_price_optus_hikes_wireless_charges.htm

Optus has hiked the prices of its prepaid wireless broadband service -- up to double the price on some plans -- just weeks after launching the service.]]> Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:31:10 +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