Users of Laptop Connect Cards

15 years ago

I would like to hear from users of laptop connect cards about their experience with this technology. I am tempted to get one of these. My crude understanding of these cards -sorry if I am off base- is that you plug them on a laptop and no longer have to be in a hot spot to connect to the Internet. Do they use the same cellphone communication methods? In other words, if you can get cell service where you are then can you connect to the Internet from there as well?

It seems like a nice upgrade from the old way of driving to a hot spot like Starbucks. Not sure of any problems though (for example, will the connection speed will be a problem? that is, will be it slow? are they sold to always download at the same speed? or do they have cards for various download speeds?). Not sure if there is an even newer technology about to come online either.

Any savvy users out there?

TIA,

Luis

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Comments (6)

bpgreen
15 years ago
I bought a Verizon USB card a year or so ago. I got it on sale, with a rebate, so it was pretty inexpensive. I wanted USB because some laptops use PCMCIA and some use Expresscard and I didn't want to lock into one option.

I've tested it at speed test sites and generally get around 400-800 kbps down and 200-500 kbps up. It's not as fast as cable or dsl, but I travel a lot and it's great in airports, small towns, hotels that charge by the day, etc.

I pay about $60 a month for unlimited access.

One caveat is that using Skype or other VOIP is considered a violation of the TOS. I used Skype with it while stranded in a snowstorm in Wyoming, then found out that I wasn't supposed to do that.

It's slower than DSL or cable, but MUCH faster than dialup. I've connected in some pretty remote areas at pretty high speed.
luis_pr
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks for the info, bpgreen. Did you compare Verizon versus ATT when selecting brands? Is there another vendor?

I thought I also saw a similar cost for ATT last night ($60 month). The card of course, was extra ($100 if I remember correctly)

Question... What is TOS? Is that a contract of some type? I use Yahoo Messenger to communicate with other relatives but I do not consider that a VOIP. Or is it?
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genes
15 years ago
Terms of Service
PKponder TX Z7B
15 years ago
Sprint offers the service also, there may be others that I am unaware of. There will need to be a cell tower within range of the card to establish a connection and mine (AT&T) goes down in windy conditions. I use a USB connect card with my desktop and laptop since I live in a rural area with dialup being the only other option for my heavily wooded yard.
msm84
15 years ago
I also have the Verizon USB connection and its terrific! Dialup is the only choice in my area for internet connections except for satellite which is way more costly. Besides I travel alot and the USB connection allows me to go anywhere there is a signal for Verizon. Each USB device has its own phone number just like a cell phone and includes "Nation Wide Coverage" which means no long distance charges if you are using it out of your area. The broadband speed is sooooo much faster then dialup and only at peak hours do I ever have less then full bars. Which by the way has never really slowed down my connection speed having less bars.

At home I can go from the desktop to the laptop with ease and freedom and being able to have an internet connection while traveling in the motorhome is such a convenience!
bpgreen
15 years ago
I didn't compare services because I already had Verizon for my cell phone and just added this on as part of a package deal. The connection speed was good and they had coverage in some places that I knew I'd be traveling that are somewhat remote.

Yahoo messenger has the ability to do voice (I think) but as long as you stick to typing messages, you're within the TOS. Actually, the same is true for Skype. Skype is usually used for voice, but can be used for typed chats as well.

Users of Laptop Connect Cards

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