USB Wireless Networking Card

I am going to be traveling with my laptop (for the first time) during the
next few months. I do not want to be fully depending on an unsecured port to
access the internet. Therefore, I would like to purchase a USB Wireless
Internet Card (I believe it is called).

Not familiar with it, what would be the best type to purchase and easy to
install.

Thanks.

 

Hi,

I think that you're looking for something like a mobile wireless or
mobile broadband plan, from, for example, Sprint or Verizon, or maybe
AT&T, etc.? I don't use any of those, but you typically signup for a
month fee, and the carrier sells (or you get it free sometimes) the
appropriate (USB or maybe PC Card or ExpressCard) adapter.

For example, I just checked the Sprint website, and you can get one of 2
USB adapters free ($0.00) if you sign up with them (for a 2 year
plan!!). On Verizon, the cheapest one looks like $19.99, and you can
get a 250MB/month of 5GB/month plan, etc.

Probably, what you'll want to look at most carefully is the monthly
service cost, and also if they limit you to a certain amount of data
(e.g., 5GB/month or whatever), depending on your anticipated usage.

I think that sometimes you can get deals from places like CostCo or
Bestbuy, etc., so you probably want to shop around...

Jim

 

There are 2 very different types of USB wireless devices.

The most common is a wireless adapter that connects to a nearby wireless
access point such as your own router or a public hotspot such as
Starbuck's, etc. This is not what you want.

The other type is a device that combines both a wireless adapter and a
modem to connect directly into a cellular telephone system that provides
broadband Internet access. The 3 carriers that I'm familiar with in the
US are Verizon, Sprint, and AT&T.

If you are getting this specifically for a trip, you should consider
whether you have to sign a long-term contract and what the coverage will
be in the area in which you plan to travel.

Coverage:

Verizon:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/mobilebroadband/?page=coverage

Sprint: http://www.sprint.com/business/products/products/evdoEnterZip.jsp

AT&T: http://www.wireless.att.com/coverageviewer/popUp_3g.jsp

 

Thank You

Hi,

 

Thank you. I appreciate the info