The Mozilla Minefield is currently on it’s Alpha version, which means that it’s still on its testing phase. Developers and even experienced internet users who want to have a first-hand browsing experience with Mozilla Minefield are encouraged to download this new browser. As it is on its Alpha version, Mozilla Minefield is provided without any guarantees of stability, so use it at your own risk. It is recommended that you back up your profile regularly, as there may be bugs that corrupt your data.

I, myself, had several frustrations over Smart Bro Prepaid since I bought it last September 2008. I’ve had experienced frequent internet connection interruptions, with almost 5-15 minutes of disconnection. So I had to make several dialing attempts but usually ended up disappointed. I called their Smart Bro Hotline, even e-mailed them, only to end up disappointed again. It took a customer service representative a week to update me of the report, when they said I should expect a call of update within 24 hours. In fairness to them though, the customer representatives I’ve talked with are polite enough to assist me with my connection problems with Smart Bro Prepaid.

Despite the different techniques I’ve tried to speed up my Smart Bro connection and avoid frequent interrupted connection, I only got disappointments. I almost gave up on my Smart Bro Prepaid Kit. I stopped re-loading my Smart Bro SIM for over two weeks until a friend bought his own prepaid kit and said the connection is just alright. I tried to load my Smart Bro Prepaid SIM and was happy to find out that indeed, the connection has improved. I think though that the promised speed of 2Mbps is not true but at least the new Smart Bro Prepaid internet is much faster than dial-up. I didn’t have the 15-minute disconnection dilemma unlike before. However, there are still rare instances that the modem disconnects by itself.

So do I consider Smart Bro Prepaid Kit now as a smart buy? As I have said in my previous post, it has its pros and cons that should be considered before buying you own modem. Most importantly, you must consider your internet activities. If its only for e-mailing, internet browsing and the usual stuff you do in the internet, or if you are just like me who could not apply for an unlimited plan because of the lack of requirements, then Smart Bro Prepaid is maybe a good choice. It can also be a supplement for your unlimited plans, especially if you’re the on-the-go type of internet user. Not everywhere has WiFi signal, but almost everywhere has 3G signal. However, if you are into online gaming, downloading and a frequent internet user, then you should go to an unlimited plan.

I always discouraged my friends not to buy a Smart Bro Prepaid modem before, but now, I can already recommend it due to a much better speed I’ve experienced with it during the past few days. I hope though that the connection stays as is.

I tested the connection speed at Speedtest.net, and here is the result:

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I am particularly using Smart Broadband Prepaid and have been ranting about its inconsistency in internet connection. I have been getting interrupted connections since I bought the modem. I tried calling the Customer Service several times, keeping promise that they will try to look at the problem as soon as possible, but I had to wait for several days before I got an update.

My problem with my connection is that, I could connect but could not receive any data. So I have to make several connection attempts, sometimes even reaching 20 times or more than 30 minutes before I can finally browse the internet. My prepaid load sometimes are just put to waste in connecting alone. A customer care representative said that it could be that some of the 3G signals in the area where I am at is barred or being used by multiple users. However, I have been experiencing similar problems any day of the week, any time of the day (even at off-peak hours). So I concluded that the problem lies with the 3G/HSPDA connectivity itself.

So instead of waiting for their lousy customer service, I looked for some ways to prevent interrupted connection with Smart Bro Prepaid. Here’s what I found out. If you are continuously downloading data from the internet, your connection is continuous also. With that, I have thought of some practical ways to avoid interruption in my internet connection, and perhaps speed it up at some point.

1. Downloading. I usually use LimeWire, the powerful P2P software and download some music. It does me double purpose – speeding up and avoiding interruption of my internet connection at the same time adding collection to my music library.

2. Online streaming. When I am browsing the web, I always listen to online radios or online streaming sites like IMeem.com.

3. Watching flash videos. I have been a fan of Korean and other Asian novelas and I frequent to Crunchyroll.com which has a vast collection of Asian movies and shows. Yesterday, when I have decided to watch some movies, I have observed that my internet was not disconnected. I have also observed that I reached 300 Kbps and more download speed.

Someone asked me if I have tried using internet speed boosting software to speed up my Smart Bro prepaid connection. I have only tried this technique when I was on dial up. It does increase the speed at a minimal level. It might also work with Smart Bro Prepaid.

I am not sure also if these techniques also apply with other prepaid internet like Globe Visibility and Sun Cellular.

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I’ve been asked by some friends on how I use my mobile phone to connect to the internet.  So I’m sharing here how.

What you need:

1. A GPRS/3G enabled phone.  It should also support USB internet. Most models nowadays support these network types. I am using my Sony Ericsson k530i phone for my mobile networking.  It functions similarly.

2. A network provider supporting MMS, GPRS and 3G.  In my case, I am a Smart Telecom subscriber.

3. A USB cable to connect to your laptop or desktops.

4. A synchronization software.  Fortunately, most brand new purchased phones always comes with a CD containing this synchronization software.

How to connect to the internet using your Sony Ericsson phone?

Foremost, make sure you have activated your GPRS/MMS/3G setting before proceeding and have your synchronization software installed in your computer.

1. Connect your phone to your laptop or desktop using a USB cable. Put your device into Phone Mode.  This will enable you to use your phone while it is connected to your laptop or desktop.

2. Turn on USB Internet which can be found on the Connectivity tab on your phone.

3. Synchronize your phone with your computer using your Sony Ericsson PC Suite.

Synchronizing your SE with your computer using SE PC Suite

4. Click on the Mobile Networking Wizard, then click Connect.  You don’t need to enter a username or a password because it’s already pre-formatted.

Sony Ericsson Mobile Networking Wizard is easy to use.

Then, you are connected!  Remember, always disconnect your connection after using the internet.

I tested my internet connection speed which showed these results:

Speed Test for Smart Bro GPRS/3G using my SE k530i

Note: Internet rates are the same with phone browsing, depending on your network provider. Smart Telecom charges P10 per 30 minutes on a 30-minute block metering method. It’s of the same rate with using Smart Bro Prepaid Kit modem.

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Google Chrome, the new internet browser

From search engines, to PPC, to Google Earth, to photo software (Picassa), to e-mail clients, and now a new browser, web giant, Google, is ruling every aspect of the internet.

Google recently released Google Chrome, their own entry to the increasing number of internet browsers.  Google Chrome is a browser that combines a minimal design with sophisticated technology to make the web faster, safer, and easier.

For more features of Google Chrome, see the video here.

Hmm, what’s next? A new OS?

So last Friday, I went to the Smart Wireless Center, TriNoma branch to consult about what was happening.  The SIM was working but the modem was defective. Their PCs could not detect the modem also so they’ve decided to replace it.  I had a white version of the modem manufactured by Huaiwie (I don’t know if that was correctly spelled).  They replaced it with the black version manufactured by ZTE. I still have a problem with the connection but at least I wasn’t experiencing it more frequently than before.

OOT: Here’s a good news: The Smart Bro prepaid now charges P10 per 30 minutes from its previous rate of P15 per 30 minutes.  It would be better if they charge by minute not by 30-minute block metering.

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Connect to the internet anywhere

I been wanting to own a SmartBro Prepaid Kit since the product was launched. I finally got my budget for it last week so I am using it now as my internet connection. Since the purchase, I’ve been evaluating it if it’s a wise buy and compiled the advantages and disadvantages of this modem.

Advantages:
1. It is very portable and handy.
2. You can basically use it anywhere (where there is Smart 3G signal of course). But with the nationwidest coverage of Smart, you can basically use it anywhere.
3. It is cheaper than its competitors available in the market. Globe Visibility modem costs P4,500 and Sun Cellular’s own prepaid kit, although unlimited, have a lock in period of 1 year and requires you a high-paying job to apply. You have to have at least P20,000 salary per month to qualify.
4. You can conveniently load it up using E-Loads and PasaLoad.

Smart Bro Prepaid Kit: Perfect for Laptop Computers

Disadvantages:
1. It works as your ordinary dial-up modem which needs to be dialled to connect. Although, it’s much faster than dial-up.
2. They employ the 30-minute block metering. Once you’re connected, P10 pesos (consumable for 30 minutes) will be automatically deducted from your current load. To understand the this method, you may refer to the Smart Bro Prepaid Website. SmartBro Prepaid Kit
3. The modem can be sucky at times (all the times actually) making you re-connect several times.
4. It’s more costly than the unlimited plans offered by most internet providers. Like in my case, I can consume P100 per day. The rate of course depends on the usage.

I still recommend the unlimited plans if you are a frequent internet user. But if you are always on-the-go, Smart Bro and other prepaid plans can be a good internet connection supplement. So ruit is a wise buy? Well, I am still shrugging myself when someone asks me.

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Just this morning, I have received such great news from a co-intern that Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center is also a WiFi Hotspot provided by LinkSys. So now, I’m enjoying the free internet. Oops, got to attend a patient. J

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I went to Smart Wireless first and the agent said that the kit was out of stock. I’ve tried it at SM San Lazaro, too, however it was also out of stock due to the higher demand. Then I went on to Globe Business Center, to try if they also have a prepaid internet plan. I didn’t know that they have Globe Visibility plans which also works like Smart Bro Prepaid. Then the last stop was at SUN Cellular Center. I checked on if they also offer prepaid internet. Interestingly, they also offer a similar service.

Why should you choose a prepaid internet plan?

First, it’s convenient and you can load up in thousands of load outlets nationwide. Second, you can use it anywhere there is PC/laptop and a signal. Third, you only pay for what you have used. Prepaid plans are perfect for regular use like browsing and chatting. Fourth, you don’t need to provide any proof of billing and lock-in periods (except for SUN cellular’s prepaid plan). Fifth, you only need a plug and play USB modem to connect to the internet. No phone lines needed.

Here is the comparison of the Prepaid Internet Plans available in the Philippines:

1. Smart Bro Prepaid Kit – It was my first choice because, firstly, I am a Smart subscriber and secondly, I’ve tried the Smart Broadband Plan 999 for 1 year which was not a bad choice (although at times, the connection sucks).

The Smart Bro Prepaid Kit plug and play USB modem costs P3,800 (from its original price of P4,500) with 5 hours free internet hours. The maximum speed is 384kbps. Broadband Internet use is P10 for every 30 minutes. The nationwidest coverage of Smart and the convenience of loading it to thousands of load outlet nationwide.

2. Globe Visibility – It costs P4,500 (increased from its original price of P3,500) with free P30 load good for 6 internet sessions (1 session = 15 minutes) equivalent to 1.5 hours of continuous internet time. Mobile internet access connections available include GPRS, EDGE, 3G, and HSDPA. All of Globe’s 3G sites are HSDPA-ready. In the event of structural or hardware limitations, other connections such as EDGE, GPRS or Wi-Fi may be chosen.

Free hours are applicable to browsing within the Philippines only. Mobile Internet rate in excess of the free hours is charged at P5 for 15 minutes. Similar with Smart Bro Prepaid Kit, which can be loaded at thousands of e-loading stations, it can be reloaded at all Globe Business Centers and Autoload Max Retailers or using Share-A-Load or GCash.

Below are the different Globe Mobile Internet Connection you could use, their corresponding average and maximum speed.

HSPDA – Ave. speed of 400-700 Kbps – Max speed of 1.8 Mbps
3G – Ave speed of 150-250 Kbps – Max speed of 384 Kbps
EDGE – Ave speed of 80-120 Kbps – Max speed of 156 Kbps
GPRS – Ave speed of 30-40 Kbps – Max speed of 56 Kbps
WIZ Wi-Fi – Ave speed is dependent on HotSpot – Max speed is 512 + Kbps

Globe visibility is also available in postpaid plans. For available postpaid plans, please refer to the Globe website.

3. SUN Cellular Broadband. This service was just recently launched by SUN Cellular for Metro Manila users only. It also uses GPRS/EDGE/3G/HSPDA technology. It is said to have the lowest wireless broadband plan, with lowest per minute rate.

Affordable SUN Cellular Broadband plans:

- Plan 799

Monthly Service Fee (MSF): P799
One-time Charge: Waived
Maximum Speed: 400 Kbps
Monthly Usage Allowance: 60 hours
Rate in Excess of Usage Hours: P0.30/min

-Plan 999

Monthly Service Fee (MSF): P999
One-time Charge: Waived
Maximum Speed: 400 Kbps
Monthly Usage Allowance: Flat Rate
Rate in Excess of Usage Hours: N/A (Unlimited internet hours)

-Plan 1999

Monthly Service Fee (MSF): P1,999
One-time Charge: Waived
Maximum Speed: 1.4 Mbps
Monthly Usage Allowance: Flat Rate
Rate in Excess of Usage Hours: Unlimited

Their plans are seem to be worth-grabbing however, they would require the applicant to submit a proof of billing/proof of income, to sign a lock-in period of 2 years, and that s/he should have at least P20,000 monthly salary! Okay, they may have made it intended only for corporate people, I presumed. They should have made it more student-friendly because as I have observed more students are using the internet and owning a laptop.

So my final choice would be Globe Visibility. It has the most adorable features I must say.  I was excited to buy a while ago but it was out-of-stock.  I’ll try it if it’s already available next week or I may contact the Globe hotline to inquire about it.

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1. Send SET to 211.

2. To download 3G/GPRS/MMS settings, type SET <phonemodel> then send to 211. To get a list of supported mobile phone brands, key in SET LIST and send to 211.

For example: To activate MMS/3G/GPRS setting for Nokia 6300, key in SET N6300 then send to 211. For Sony Ericsson model K530i, just key in SEK530i then send to 211.

3. You will then receive a message that asks you to install the settings. Just click Yes then enter the passcode: 1234. Your MMS/GPRS/3G setting is now active and you’re ready to make video calls and send nice MMS graphics and photos, and browse through the web using your MMS/GPRS/3G-able phone.

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