It’s less glamourous than Vodafone’s other, stick-shaped modem, sure. But the E220 should never be dismissed because of its bulky looks. Instead, it should be grabbed, and revered as a model of mobile modem excellence.
Vodafone’s E220 is a chubby ‘dongle’ modem in the traditional sense. It hangs from a USB port like a web-friendly limpet, but thanks to its short connection cable there’s no trouble fitting it into otherwise troublesome sockets.
Perfect for MacBook Air owners, or anyone else with awkward USB connections, it’s actually made by Huawei and from the outside it’s larger than seems strictly necessary, but achieves a good signal, and delivers solid results.
Solid software provides drivers for Mac and PC, so setting it up on any computer is ultra-simple, although you’ll need to use the included CD for a Mac, while PCs will work simply by plugging it in.
A simple slide-out tray keeps Vodafone’s SIM card safe inside, and free from dust, and the ‘puck’ design, while bulky, is minimalist and neat.
The only downside to the otherwise sturdy and reliable E220 is its connection speeds.
While Vodafone’s Stick modem is capable of ripping data from the sky at 7.2mbps, the E220 stalls at 3.6mbps.
However, in reality it’s hardly an issue. Connection speeds will vary depending on your location, and unless you’re camped out underneath Vodafone’s transmitters, you’re unlikely to top 3.6mbps anyway.
So while it might not be as neat, or have the theoretical top speed as Vodafone’s Stick modem, the E220 is still a solid buy, and should provide much needed relief for those with cramped USB connectors too.
Verdict
It’s not a looker, but with solid software and decent design on its side, the E220 is still a good buy.
Best features
Works with any USB socket
Fast HSDPA speeds (although not the fastest)
Not so good
Not compatible with Vodafone’s fastest 7.2mbps service
Closest rival
Vodafone K3520 USB Stick Mobile Broadband Modem
For those with a taste for Vodafone’s network, the only other modem to consider is the Stick. In principle it’s faster than the E220, although those with tightly-packed USB connectors might struggle to squeeze it in.
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