The mobile broadband war wages ever onwards, and today 3 brought a new weapon into play - an alternative to the company's existing USB "lozenge" style mobile adaptor.
For those who don't like the bulky hockey-puck style adaptor, the company will also offer a smaller USB memory key style device, available, according to the company's release, in "soft touch" black or "shiny" white. Look for the shiny model to attract fingerprints like nobody's business, if it's the same plastic everyone else uses.
The Internet Key is HSDPA enabled for broadband access up to 7.2MBps, but you'll need to be surfing near the right kind of broadcast tower to get those speeds; everyone else in 3's broadband zone will get up to 1.5Mbps, with plans starting at $15 per month (plus $5 per month for the modem; we'll let you do the maths there for the real price) over 24 months for 1GB/month within Three's broadband network. Outside the network, expect to get your wallet shot full of holes, as you surf on Telstra's GPRS network at a hefty $1.65/MB.
If you're interested in the USB key but lack a laptop, Three's local Web site is advertising that those that take up the Key "for a limited time" will receive a voucher for up to 40% off a range of Lenovo laptops, desktops and accessories.