as we were selling off our Original iPad and iPad 2 to dig-in for the NEW iPad 3, we had to endure the pain of how used 3G models sold at near-Wi-Fi prices . so more will be opting for the Wi-Fi model this time around than LTE whose speed is not to be had in South Korea due to different frequencies than North America -_-
and now Eggs, which convert cell phone carrier or telecommunication companies’ WiBro signals into Wi-Fi usable for your iPad in its third year has a handful of models : here to advise the best choice, although only one ultimatum -_-
again it is futile to do the numbers as we have found it is at the mercy of surroundings especially on moving platform such as in buses or subways . but know ONLY the slowest 3G will work still with random cut-offs inside running KTX bullet trains . Yes, they have their own paid-Wi-Fi service, free to First Class Passengers but NOT worth the effort -_-
the final verdict is that :
- “Original Egg” in KWI-B2200 is the most steady, while having the shortest battery life .
- then comes the “Strong Egg” in ModaCom KWD-B2600, quite stable and long battery life .
- the “Slim Egg” or “Egg 3” KWi-2400 has the best of both Worlds but differs among factory manufacture (dates) because some are stable while others are NOT, so is like picking a lottery 0o0
- while the two compact models in “Mini Egg” KFTech KM-MR100 and “Compact Egg” infoMark KWF-B2700 lacks battery life .
*all above except 1 the Original Egg KWI-B2200, are third-generation models either doubled battery life or shrunk in size, for the second were a flop failing to achieve neither -_-
so ideally 2 above : the Strong Egg KWD-B2600 is the winner for now
for you will find to need at least an afternoon’s battery life for any serious iPad use .
better to subscribe with KT for they have the most options in W10,000 a Month for an ample 10GB usage .
( rates change annually so far, so this effective May 2012 )
– Korea Tech BLog, May 2012 –
yearning for the Chicken who laid the Egg ..
Do they charge via USB?
no each have dedicated power adaptors (inveniently incompatible with other models)
almost twice the size of cutesy iPhone/iPad adaptors -_-
so quite bulky to carry around for the earliest Eggs lasted 4 hours while these 3rd/4th (year) Generation have almost doubled usage time .
still, the first original Egg has the most stable connection .
Where I can buy this EGGS wi-fi.?
1.Eggs are sold with subscription from KT/SK/LG telecommunications branches
but I suggest you head for the main OR one of the direct-run branches
for they have the most clerks willing to try out English
(NOT the half-a-dozen or so, labeled as “for foreigners” for they are accustomed to lying
as they are smaller-branches whose livelihood depends on how each can con)
2.also sold on virtually all larger On-Line shopping malls
BUT with 2-year subscription and W5500/Month for 10GB and twice that for 30GB traffic usage
where the device is yours ONLY after completing the two years .
3.but the best deal would be to ask a local colleague, preferably a Korean male student
to seek a “group-buy” on a larger cell phone community On-Line .
these go on regularly and offer FREE sign-up AND usually the first 3 Months .
there used to be many lucrative deals two years ago
when they offered 6 Months FREE and some without limits !
Is it possible to buy it anywhere outside Korea and without a subscription? Thanks
1.it is possible to buy the device alone for around W120,000 but not worth it in South Korea as you can get it FREE (for example on a lowest subscription) paying W10,000 a Month for 10GB traffic for a year (earlier terms) or two (current terms).
2.these Korean Eggs are only useable within South Korea, even when an in-coming foreigner needs to use WiBro-to-Wi-Fi . however similar counterparts exist in developed countries, with different names and service (for example “Pocket Wi-Fi” in neighboring Japan) . and because Koreans have grown used to their Eggs AND now travel frequently on business as well as pleasure : both cellular carriers in KT and SKT offer Egg Roaming, where you rent (NOT actually a Korean Egg but) a similar device compatible in your destination country, usually W10,000 a day with NO traffic limit .