1:56 AM
Soul Annihilator
I've been using the Globe Tattoo Superstick Plan 1299 extensively for 3 months now and now I'm gonna write my thoughts so far with this wireless internet connection. I have to split my article though and discuss my review of the device and the online experience separately. In this part, I'll review the Superstick device that Globe has given me, the ZTE MF60.
Yugatech already wrote a review after using this device for 1 to 2 weeks so you may want to check that out too. Now, having used the device more extensively, I wrote a more comprehensive review detailing the performance of the device after using it to its limit.
The Globe Superstick looks sleek even with the Globe Tattoo icon embedded on it (even though the picture above doesn't look like it... sorry for the poor quality of the picture). The device is shaped like a soap and smaller than your average smartphone so it fits on your pocket perfectly so you can take it wherever you go. On the left side of it are the power button and WPS button along with the microSD card slot. I had to purchase the microSD separately though. When you plug it on your laptop, the device will automatically install all the necessary plugins and drivers in order for the device to work as well as the microSD to be readable. However, because of this the microSD won't work on any other non-Windows device that has USB slot like the PS3, since it won't be able to install its drivers on it.
Yugatech mentioned that originally, ZTE MF60 can support up to 8 devices, including the device in which the Superstick is plugged in as USB but it seems that Globe has put a limitation on their Supersticks so that only 6 devices can connect to them. It could be a way to control the amount of bandwidth that is allocated for each subscriber. It should also be noted that you can be as far as 10 meters from your Superstick and still detect its signal, depending on your wi-fi device.
Once you snap your sim card it automatically configures Globe access point for postpaid, which saves a lot of hassle. After that you turn the wireless router on and you connect your wi-fi device to it and configure the rest of the settings like SSID, security mode, etc. via the web interface which is the same for all devices - 192.168.0.1. Take note that when you connect the Superstick via USB and install all the necessary drivers and software, a Globe Tattoo icon will be included in your program list which also opens the said web interface. Select Quick Settings on the menu for an easy straightforward setup.
Connecting to internet is like a breeze. The router connects to Globe's network for around 15 seconds and then you're good to go. You can check all the details of your connection on the web interface like the type of signal that you're getting, RSSI, cell ID or whatever.
Performance is probably the aspect that I'm not very impressed with the ZTE MF60. It seems that the device is not designed for long use unless you snap it on your laptop as USB. The average battery life is roughly 5 hours, and the device drains faster depending on your internet activity and the number of devices connected to it. If you're downloading a lot, the device will easily dry out in under 3 hours. When the device is under 50% battery charge, the signal and internet experience is degraded drastically so there are times that I plug it in to its charger just to keep my downloads and browsing smooth. The bad thing is, if you keep using it while charging, the charging stops at a certain point and the device never gets fully charged. You have to stop using it and turn it off (or let it go to sleep mode) if you want to fully charge it. A lot of other users are reporting this as well and there are reports that it doesn't charge at times unless you take off the battery first and snap it back.
Overheating is also an issue with this device. Especially if you're downloading a lot, the device gets hot pretty easily. And when the device gets really hot, it malfunctions and kind of hangs. When you disconnect and reconnect it, you'll get a "connection failed" error. You have to cool it down a little for you to continue using it. Fortunately, this doesn't happen a lot when it is plugged in to charger or USB. However, I'm a little dubious about the life of the device if I continue to use it like this. I'm locked in to Globe Superstick plan for 24 months and I don't feel like the device is gonna live that long.
I haven't used a CRC9 antenna with it yet, but I'm thinking that it might help alleviate the overheating problem. If I have the money, I really want to buy the Huawei E586 and compare it with this device. I'm not very satisfied with ZTE MF60's performance so far, but if you're not a heavy internet user like me then this device definitely does what it's supposed to do.
The next part of this review will discuss Globe's network performance with the Superstick, the speeds that I'm getting in different places, and the HSPA+ signal.
Let me know what you think in the comments!
If you want to read the part 2 of this article, check the link below:
Want to use the Globe Superstick for PS3 online gaming? Check out my article here:
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30 comments:
Thanks for the review, can't wait for your review of globe's performance under hspa+ sites.
Thanks. Will definitely post that up sometime next week. ^__^
how do you connect this to ipad2 wifi only? thanks!
I'm not sure what you mean by connect, you can connect to superstick through wifi the moment you turn it on with default SSID to TATTOO_Exxx name. If you mean accessing the superstick dashboard and configuring it then connect your iPad2 through wifi, open your web browser and input http://192.168.0.1 in the URL.
can you plug this device on a 3G wireless router such as this? >> http://www.aztech.com/prod_3g_hw550.html
thanks...
btw, is this device a wireless router by itself??? if yes, then ignore my previous comment.. newbie here :)
thanks..
This is a wireless router by itself. No need to connect to another wireless router, though plugging it into a USB port of your laptop is better so the device won't run out of battery charge.
Tanong ko lang, does any of you experience sudden shutoff nang modem... and the way to turn ON is to remove Batt and power cable, then press ON? please advice kung na encounter nyo na. If ever ako lang para mabalik ko sa Globe. Thanks
I've experienced this about twice now, the only instance I remember is when 6 devices was connected to my Superstick (5 through wifi, 1 through USB) and all devices were actively surfing the web.
how long do you usually charge the battery?
It takes around 4 hours.
can i use my iphone and ipad charger so i can charge it tru a power outlet?
i noticed that it runs out of batt in as short as 3hrs. what portable battery pack can i buy?
You can use your iPhone charger for it.
As for the battery usage, depending on your usage yes you can drain it within 3 hours time. If you're downloading it'd be better if you insert your Superstick on your laptop's USB so you don't have to plug it on a power supply. If that is not possible (due to signal problems perhaps?) try a Mipow Power Tube or one of the Milii battery charger products for additional juice. So far I haven't found a replacement battery pack for it.
my tattoo disconnect becouse i acsidental restore it. how to bring back again
my tattoo is acsidental on the main power and WPS
i have pocket wifi superstick pina cut off ko na ang postpaid plan 1299 ko so buy ako ng sim card na globe..pero nakadisplay sa screen nya disconnected...pano kaya ma reremove cya...sana matulungan nyo ko. tnx a lot.
Go to Settings > 3G Settings > APN Setting and on Profile Selection, select Globe Tattoo Prepaid then click Set Default. You can subscribe to Supersurf or Powersurf to use you Superstick for prepaid.
thanks your comment helps a lot
may problem po ako na pag connect ko ng ibang device like webcam sa usb ko, nag didisconnect yung tattoo stick ko? sana po matulungan nyo ko..
how can I set upa password sa globe tattoo 4G superstick?
"may problem po ako na pag connect ko ng ibang device like webcam sa usb ko, nag didisconnect yung tattoo stick ko? sana po matulungan nyo ko.."
This could be tied with other hardware problems. I'm not sure as I haven't encountered something like this.
I've been using MF60 for a year now and the overheating/shut off issue became really frustrating in recent weeks. Surely this device has technical issues in handling prolonged use.
pano po ito mga sir?
gusto ko kasing gamitin sa ps3 ko wifi without pluging it to any devices to connect my ps3 in WIFI connection, newbie lang po,.. ito naba yung device na makakapag provide ng need ko?
dko magets yung plan plan plan bakit magkaiba sila, ask kolang loadable po ba itong superstick? or may i mamaintain kalang na balance para makapag free surfing or sa plan naka include ang monthly?
You're into online gaming? Get a DSL connection. Forget about Globe Superstick. You'll just get frustrated.
i found these posts on tattoos designs very entertaining ,good
Is there any firmware that allows the mf60 to turn on when plug to a power source without its battery? I just think the overheating is caused by the battery getting too hot.
The Globe tattoos designs Superstick Review: is best.
"I haven't used a CRC9 antenna with it yet, but I'm thinking that it might help alleviate the overheating problem."
I'd say...been using this for 1.5year with external antenna on it because of poor reception of Globe 3G on my are.. It's a TS9 connector not CRC9. It does not alleviate heat with external antenna connected on it.
This is currently my on-and-on problem when it overheats. Almost every other 3G modems would really suffer on this scenario from time to time.
My usage:
- 24/7 online, plugged onto a USB charger.
- Bridge to my Wifi router(repeater mode) http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VEARzEaan98/UWOGojpXK5I/AAAAAAAAB9g/rpzzBhxjcBI/s1600/homelab.gif
My own assumption:
- overheat may occur during heavy downloads, continuos downstream and upstream modem activity.
- Although this problem is a bit annoying when sometimes you have to pull the battery, plugged-in and power-on to be able to work again after hang during overheating.
- MF60 is more stable compare to E357 USB modem(plugged into a MR3020 USB wifi router). E357 easily hangs when connected to or shared via 3G wifi router.
Nice review bro! :)
same here..my 3g wireless modem tattoo are not charging now..and if it is low battery then the signal are very poor..what can i do..always battery low even i plug it ...
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