5 replies to this topic

[nickfixit]

I live in a rural area, and have really crappy dial-up service (19k-21k speeds). is there a way to use a the adapter used on laptops to get internet service everywhere, I assume over the cell network?

If so, what kinds of speeds would you get, and what are the typical costs.

Nick

[callpocket]

Can't testify as to the cost because I haven't use the service myself, but some friends of mine are using a Verison plug in modem of some sort for their wireless laptop and have gotten a lot better speed using that service than the dial up that is available in their area. You might want to check on that service and see if there is a tower in your area.

[kochrk]

It's an Aircard in short and fits into your pcmcia slot.  You have to get a service like Sprint or Verizon and they can hook you up.  I don't use them but I have a few customers that do.

Here's a link that might help:

http://mobileoffice....s/g/aircard.htm

Rudy

[BrianMSheldon]

The mobile broadband adapters are fairly fast, although not as fast as a standard broadband service.  They are just fine for limited internet use, especially when lacking other broadband access options. The biggest problem I see with them is when you exceed your authorized download/upload allotment they really stick it to you on additional costs.

[fuggo]

True, you can get reamed if you surpass the d/l limits, but I have an aircard from ATT with a 5gb limit and I dont even come close.

Granted I dont do alot of downloading/streaming video and such, but I use it almost daily.

They now make wireless routers that accept certain pcmcia aircards.  I have the linksys wrt54g3g, and it works pretty well.  You install your aircard into it and use it just like you would a cable/dls router.  it will share your connection with any connected pc.  This frees you to put the router in the spot giving you the best reception to the 3g network.

There's a new bad boy out:
http://www.engadget....ks-am-i-pretty/

Which I believe doesnt even require an aircard, you just slap your sim card in and away you go.  I dont know much more about it than what I've read tho.

The nice thing about the router dealing with the 3g connection is that you no longer have to run the "dialer" software locally.  Also you can have as many machines sharing the connection simultaneously.

Occasionally mine doesnt dial on demand, but a quick trip to the admin page will kick the connection into gear. 

[DJGray]

A better (still costly) solution is to purchase internet access through rural satellite dish networks.