Following up on the thread, I am still a bit torn for the device to use in our summer home in Croatia (where we intend to have a T-Mobile Croatia 3G connection).

One option is the unlocked Huwai E585 MIFI router which is about £60 pounds. The advantage is that it is light and I can take it everywhere including the beach / boat if I have a 3G signal and then use it with my iPhone or iPad. Disadvantage is that it has to be charged and can only connect up to 5 devices.

The second is the Zoom 3G travel router. which is also about £60. The advantages are that this can take multiple connections. Disadvantage is that it's not super portable and I cannot confirm the comptability with the T-Mobile USB dongle.

Both are around the same price I am leaning towards the Huwai modem - the ability to take the portable device and have access to data on the boat or small islands is tempting.