Vodafone UK today supplied frequent travelers subscribed to its cellular service with a new USB adapter to bring most any computer or UMPC online. Nicknamed the Stick, the white and red device provides Internet access on the most recent incarnation of HSDPA which just went live on the carrier's network. In peak conditions, the modem can download as quickly as 7.2Mbps and upload at 1.44Mbps, or more than 20 times faster than the company's original third-generation network from just three years ago. The entire device is also shorter than many past modems and more easily fits in a bag.

The modem works cross-platform and supports Mac OS X as well as either Windows XP or Vista. It costs £49 ($96) with an 18-month plan at £25 ($49) per month for unlimited data. Access to the full HSDPA network is currently limited to core parts of London and several major UK airports but should be expanded to several key British cities in the near future.