I was just reading a report about data theft at CeBIT [link-German]. Just set up an open WiFi hotspot, log the data going through it and you’re done! It reminded me of one of the reasons I don’t use hotspots any more. Apart from them always being difficult to set-up, they are a huge security risk. In Europe, my advise is to use a 3G provider now. WiFi hotspots have had their day.

Here are some options I’ve taken up in Germany.

SIM 1 – 60 minutes, all-network talk and unlimited http proxied Internet access. (HSDPA) 24-month tariff. No tethering. Vodafone.

SIM 2 – 200MB per month open Internet access. (HSDPA no PC restrictions) Vodafone – 24 month contract

SIM 3 – Pay as you go. No monthly contract. Unlimited Internet access: 15 Euro Update: Price dropped to 5 Euro per day (HSDPA – No PC restrictions) Vodafone.

SIM 4 – 5 Euro per month and 5 Euro per day unlimited Internet access when required. (HSDPA – No PC restrictions) No minimum contract length.T-mobile.

SIM5 – Pay as you go. 24c per MB Internet access on the 02 network (HSDPA) – Fonic (virtual provider.)

You might ask why I have so many SIM cards! The two pay-as-you-go cards are for other people at CeBIT and Card 4 will likely be canceled after CeBIT. The point to make here though is that there are a big big number of mobile Internet tariff options now and even the pre-paid customers should be able to find a good deal.

All these SIM cards are bound to be flagging me up as suspicious in some computer somewhere!

Wow. It finally happened! MoDaCo in the UK got hold of an HTC Shift in retail packaging and have posted an unboxing video.

Important to note is that the hardware doesn’t seem to have changed at all. I’m analysing the video and will add some text here as soon as i’ve finished.
Update: They are ‘impressed’ with the keyboard. Are having trouble geting used to the thumbpad. The screen is still 800×480, the SnapVue is still a restricted WM conponent. Speed of the device seems good and ‘doesnt feel like it’s got an 800Mhz processor.’ Origami Experience 2.0 is installed. Hibernate speed is improved. Battery life is still 2 hours. In summary, nothing seems to have changed since my review except Origami Experience. One outstanding question I have though is about the slider. Is it improved?

There’s a discussion going on in MoDaCo forums where Paul is taking questions. The Shift ‘old timers’ are also having a discussion in the UMPCPortal HTC Shift forum.