Island Linux Bits and Bytes of Technology

Over the past four months I have installed and configured twelve Dell Inspiron mini 10 netbooks with Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic Koala) Netbook Remix. The netbooks are connected via USB cellular modems from Telus. During the process of ordering and configuring the cellular modems I received three different modems:

• Sierra Wireless USB 598
• Sierra Wireless USB 306
• Huawei E182E

Overall I managed to get all three USB cellular modems working with Ubuntu 9.10 (Karmic Koala) Netbook Remix. I ran into a few technical issues that I overcame and have had great success with all three cellular modems.

The Sierra Wireless USB 598 currently offered through Telus *almost* works on Ubuntu 9.04 out of the box. A Windows or Mac box is needed to install the "Watcher" program that allows for the automatic online configuration of the Sierra Wireless USB 598. Aside from the requirement of Windows/Mac the card was immediately picked up and ready to go.

Rogers is bringing the HTC Dream to Canada next month. As I mentioned in HTC Magic Reviewed I can not wait to get my hands on the Google Android operating system.

The HTC Dream is exactly the same as the T-Mobile G1. According to an article by Rob Jackson (HTC Dream vs. T-Mobile G1)T-Mobile rebranded the HTC Dream as the T-Mobile G1 to "cash in on the idea of the '1rst Google Phone' - or G1". Check out the HTC Dream specifications versus the T-Mobile G1.

The reviews of the HTC Dream include quotes such as:

• "The G1(HTC Dream) isn’t going to blow anyone’s mind right out of the gate." - Engadet
• "Unfortunately the Dream can't decide whether it's a touchscreen device or not." - The Sydney Morning Herald
• "Better Wait for HTC Magic, Forget HTC Dream" - wassup

Enough said. The HTC Magic is a better choice.

The HTC Magic is coming to Canada next month. I am excited by this new "smart phone" (aka mini-computer) and can't wait to get my hands on the Google Android operating system. All reviews are positive and position the HTC Magic as an open-source competitor to Apple's iPhone.

This phone is running Google Android 1.5 (nicknamed Cupcake) and boasts many improvements. For a detailed and informative review check out this HTC Magic review. For the technically inclined here are the HTC Magic Specifications.

Personally I would rather wait for some more phone choices before committing to a smart-phone and a plan. If I had to choose now I would take the HTC Magic over the HTC Dream (aka T-Mobile G1, see HTC Dream Reviewed).