Big, black and bulky, Orange’s USB modem might look like a beast, but inside it’s a little beauty.
There’s no escaping it, Orange’s Option Icon 2 is a big device. Roughly twice the size of similar offerings from 3 and T-Mobile, it’s also less attractive.
Its girth also makes it awkward to fit into some computers’ USB slots. Not only will it refuse to sit pretty with an Apple MacBook Air, but will also cause problems for anyone using rear USB sockets on a desktop PC.
Aside from its size, however, this is a competent piece of kit. A single white LED light flashes while the network is unavailable, and remains lit to signify a solid connection. It’s simple, yet effective.
Similarly, the SIM card is inserted into a small slot on the side of the modem. Left with its edge visible, it’s unprotected from dust and grime, but also easily available for anyone swapping SIM cards between a phone and modem.
All the software needed to get a connection up and running with Windows XP or Vista is included onboard, as are the relevant pieces of software for Mac OS X.
Set-up is fast and pain-free, and although it looks basic, the connection management software is rock solid.
Most impressively, however, this modem supports speeds up to 7.2Mbit/sec, and while Orange has yet to roll out speeds that high across the UK, it means anyone choosing this modem will be future proofed for at least a couple of years to come.
Ugly? A little, yes, but with such a well thought-through design, future-proofed hardware and software more sturdy than a ten-legged table, it’s a very smart choice.
Verdict
Ultra-wide, but smarter than most and future-proofed too.
Best features
Easy SIM access
Reliable software Ready for future network expasion
Not so good
Too wide for some USB sockets
Closest rival
Vodafone K3520 USB Stick Mobile
Also able to serve up 7.2Mbit/sec connections, Vodafone’s stick is slimmer than Orange’s too. The better choice if you’ve got limited room around your USB sockets.
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