If you have a brand new laptop with MS Windows, it most probably has got Windows 8.1, the latest OS on it. And chances are strong that your 3g/2g mobile data card or dongle doesn’t work with it. Instead, it shows errors while installing (e.g. error installing driver) or it just doesn’t detect the device when you open the internet connection interface of the dongle.
You’re not alone; a lot of these data card dongles have the same issue, mainly because the Chinese manufacturers didn’t yet care much about upgrading firmware/driver to latest version of Windows; and also due to the reason that there might have been a lot of these old stock in market.
If you are searching to buy the best data card that works in Windows 8.1, read on. Else, you have very limited luck making the old hardware work. (Probably, you should switch back to Windows 7 though.)
3G 2G USB Data Card With WiFi
This one from Huawei can take any 2G or 3G SIM and can work as a wi-fi hotspot as well.
You will just need to plug it in to any USB power source; like this one (note: You may already have this as part of your mobile phone charger.):
You can find cheap replicas of this USB wall plug charger; however, most of them do not provide the required output as this one does: 5V and 1000mA. Most others provide upto 500mA only which is pretty useless for a WiFi dongle.
Click on the data card and you should see a cheaper version of the USB wall adapter for Rs 130/- approx. (See under the “frequently bought together” section)
3G 2G USB Data Card Without WiFi
If WiFi isn’t something you’re looking for; and all you wanted is something to use internet on yout computer, then this one would suit you best.
At this low price, it does a fantastic job supporting latest Windows 8.1 Operating System.
I’m surprised at how the local dealer tried to fool us in Bangalore. He was asking Rs. 2000/- for a crap data card and mentioned it would cost Rs 700/- more to have one with WiFi facility. Don’t fall for these offers you see in petty mobile shops.
November 9, 2014 at 9:15 pm
Can you confirm if the dongle comes with latest software or if i can download from huawei website? I am asking because i will use 2g while travelling and would prefer downloading softwares in advance using my existing broadband connection. Please reply soon. Thanks.
November 9, 2014 at 10:00 pm
Hi, the dongle would have a recent version of software in it. Once you connect it, it will open to install automatically. Else u can open it in mycomputer and install.manually. If you still need very latest version, download “mobile partner” software from Huawei website.
January 28, 2015 at 10:49 pm
can D – Link DWP- 156 14 .4 Mbps USB
Data Card will work? i want to buy dongle (data card) for
windows 8.1(not rt) in India please help me ^_^
January 28, 2015 at 11:53 pm
Sunny, if you’re asking about this one: D-Link DWP-157
, yes this works fine with Windows 8.1
The price will be Rs 1000/- approx. You can use the free gift card offer as well. A Rs. 100/- gift card will come to your email in a month.
November 14, 2015 at 4:36 pm
i m using hp e034tx window 8.1 please say i want a usb dongle 2g/3g 21mbps to buy please solution under 1000/-
January 16, 2016 at 11:51 am
I have ordered Huawei E303F wifi data card for my windows 8.1,its not working at all
I called the customer support they told me to download 2 files,one is of 55.4MB which is corrupted,another they told me of 5mb, which is showing every time downloading error.
Returning the product because its not usable for windows 8.1.
April 12, 2016 at 12:37 am
Hi there! This blog post couldn’t be written much better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He continually kept preaching about this. I am going to forward this information to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Thanks for sharing!