So my streak of T-Mobile luck continued this morning with a one-on-one with some super super nice T-Mobile PR folks who allowed me some hands-on time with the Dell Mini 10 and webConnect Rocket.  Let me just say, the webConnect Rocket is fast, very fast.  The Dell Mini 10 is no slouch in the speed department either but the webConnect Rocket is the real story. It’s been one thing for me to read the reviews from JKontherun or Mobileburn but it’s a totally different thing to have it in your hand.

I ran a number of speed tests with the T-Mobile folk and the speeds were definitely consistent. The webConnect Rocket kept hitting around 6-7 mbps down and 1-2 mbps up.  Loading Amazon.com took less than 5 seconds to fully render the page.  Using Numion stopwatch, Amazon, which obviously contains a great deal of images as well as text, felt smooth while browsing and there was no lag in the page load.  To be honest, it felt exactly like browsing at home.  If you didn’t tell me I was using a webConnect card, I wouldn’t have noticed.  I think there is a clear winner here for T-Mobile with HSPA+ services.  Rendering pages and browsing around the web felt smooth and, again, it felt just like from the comfort of your own home.  I didn’t really have an opportunity to download a significantly large file and didn’t really try but one thing worth noting was that I was told the network will recognize when you are attempting to download a large file size and attempt to maximize your download time.  In other words, it sounds like it might boost your connection a little if you are downloading say, a 200mb file.

The Dell Mini 10 was also plenty speedy.  I expect a noticeable difference in terms of overall download time but day-to-day usage would hardly be noticeable.  Browsing was quick and smooth and, using the same stopwatch test for Amazon, the site fully loaded in just under 11 seconds.  It was twice the time, but it didn’t feel longer and I wasn’t sitting there waiting by any means.  Netbooks tend to be a dime a dozen these days but the Dell felt good and typing was comfortable and relaxed.  My first speed test hit 4.82 mbps up and .73 down and yet it didn’t feel slower than the webConnect rocket. Whatever T-Mobile has done in Vegas to amp these speeds up, prepare to be super happy when they come to your area,.  It’s that good.  Yes, I’m a fan and, yes, I’m pulling for Tmo to succeed but good is good and these speeds are under the dictionary for “good.”  Even sitting in a hallway in the convention center which isn’t likely to be a position of excellent cell service, speeds remained consistent and browsing Amazon, New York Times and Cnet was quick and easy.  All in all, I’m very impressed with both the webConnect Rocket and the Dell Mini 10 and, given some hands on time, you will be too.

When it comes to higher speeds, T-Mobile wants to ensure a seamless experience for its customers.  It’s no longer a 3G vs. 4G debate.  It’s about showing customers the value of what they are receiving from their beloved magenta. T-Mobile wants to redefine value as opposed to AT&T who wants to make sure their customers attend trade shows like CTIA and get their text messages an hour or two late.  With speeds that rival broadband speeds in your home, T-Mobile hopes that customers will move further into the smartphone/broadband realm and enjoy rich content from wherever they are.  All in all, I’m damn impressed.