Update: I did go to Claro. Got an Internet Stick. They did not have the ZTE 190 as on the website. I even brought a print out with picture and pricing from the Claro site.
They also wanted a little more more money - but when I showed the print out - a call was made and the answer came cam back, "ok, 3000 pesos".
I did ask about the taxes - because 2250 plus taxes should have been 2880. I know the difference is only 120 pesos. They just said: I don't know, it's for taxes.
I let the "extra" 120 pesos slide - and went home with the interent stick (or dongle, whatever people want to call it). It worked long enough for me to see the initial Claro messages. I mention this because it showed payments of 2880 - hmmm, funny, where did that 120 pesos go???
But, then it did not work - next, went to the Claro Service office - they switched me out to a different Internet Stick - and it has been working just fine for the the last few days.
The speed is fast enough for what I need to do.

How fast is it? What model is the stick? Did you sign for a plan?

I did not check the speed - sorry. Just been using it for work (emails, some skype calls, etc) and have had the DR1 site open in the background.
The Claro Service center gave me a Huawei E153 Mobile Broadband stick.
I did the Prepago 60 day deal - not the monthly plan.

Sounds just like my experience. What's on the website does not guarantee you will find that item in a Claro Store.

Same here, the Claro Stick will get your basic web surfing done but not for online videos.

You won't get more than 1Mg. down speed with this. Like the last post says, it is OK for basic stuff, but nothing to rave about.

Sometimes the skype video is fuzzy, but the voice has been fine. And the other internet surfing has been fine. Not downloading or watching online videos, so it is actually covering my needs adequately (as of now).
The only drawback was having to go back the second day for a different internet stick.

Internet Dongle
 

I would like to get a Dongle that will provide me with three weeks of good internet connection in the Santo Domingo area. I want a Dongle because I need to be able to move around - and there are not enough wifi spots for me to go to - so I am willing to pay for a internet dongle.
I want to do a pre-pay - and have enough usage available for those three weeks for some websites, emails and daily skype calls. Is that possible?
Any advice or recommendations are appreciated.
Do you recommend Orange or Claro?
How much should I expect to pay?

I assume you mean internet stick. I have an Orange stick, I believe it was about 1000 pesos and it costs 100 pesos per day, unlimited usage ( plus taxes) Only used it in PP but I was very happy with it 1.5 up 1.5 down

Here is a thread on the Claro USB Stick

Claro "Stick"

Thanks

This plan will get you started and you can add more GB as needed.

http://i45.tinypic.com/b47x8j.jpg

That totals $2880.00 RD after taxes.

ITBIS is $360.00, CDT is $45.00 and ISC is $225.00

I need to get the same thing when I come this winter since I am trying a different condo and don't have internet included. I used the online Claro store to make sure I get what I want and no more or less. I just hope the signal is good where I'm going to be, when I'm going to be there! Always a gamble...

i use a claro stick (Plan, not prepaid) for the road since years, never had a coverage problem, not in the whole punta cana area nor higuey nor boca chica nor in santo domingo. comes in pretty handy without the need to depend on searching for wifi spots in areas you are not familiar with.

Mike

Thanks Mike!

I'll be all over the East Coast again this year I'm sure. We are continuing our search for property to build on so it'll be really great to access the internet no matter where we are.

Andrea

I've seen on their homepage that they offer different sticks... Which is the brand what works that good for you, Mike?

didn't know there are different ones, I changed mine ionly once, when it got damaged, replacement been for free.
on it's backdise it says
HSUBA USB Stick
Model MF110
ZTE Corporation
CE0980
a Claro 3G Internet Stick
it is not prepaid, as the prepaid ones we used been crap on connectivity and speed, it is a Plan, costs RD$2.040.-per month.

hope that helps

Mike

It does http://www.dr1.com/forums/images/smilies/happy.gif

caribmike,

I know I want the ZTE MF 190 out of the available sticks on the website right now. It seems to have the best reviews based on a web search and on the Claro site itself, as it has 5 stars as compared to 2 and 1 for the other 2 sticks.

I got onto what seems to be the manufacturers site, or at least the distributor for them, and it looks like the 190 is a newer 3G version of what Mike has. I included the info from the site here:

Detailed Product Description

1.UMTS/HSDPA/WCDMA 2100MHz
2.GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900MHz
3.Support HSDPA up to 7.2Mbps, HSUPA up to 2Mbps

ZTE MF190 3G USB Modem

Detailed Product Description

1.ZTE MF110 USB modem
2.HSDPA/HSUPA/UMTS 850/1900/2100 MHz
3.EDGE/GPRS/GSM (850/900/1800/1900MHz)
4.Speed 7.2Mbps

ZTE MF110 USB Modem

So if Mike is happy with his, we should be happy with the ZTE MF 190!

I won't be there till the winter, but if you would PM me or post what you end up with and how you like it, that would be really appreciated! I was planning on redoing my research closer to my departure date and revising if needed depending on what is offered both for hardware and packages then, but your opinion would be great.

Thanks, Andrea

Yes, def. the ZTE. I won't get it right away though. But when I get it and using it I will let you know.

Great, Thanks!