Comments for How can I best connect to the internet while driving?

Comment from LBMurray on 2009-08-28

2009-08-28T12:55:06Z

SpacemanBill mentions the ''USB sticks'' easily available in Canada from various providers such as Rogers, Telus, Bell. These are excellent, so easy to use and work very well. I imagine that all major carriers in the US, UK, UE, Japan use the same technology. By the way, Leo's article is excellent.

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Comment from SpacemanBill on 2009-08-26

2009-08-26T15:50:50Z

I'm in Canada and several of the cellular providers that I know about (Rogers, Bell, Telus, etc)have "USB sitcks", going by various names. These are complete cellular modems in a "thumb drive" package that don't require an actual cell phone tethered to a modem plugged in to your computer. I believe that's what Leo, and possibly several others, are referring to but, because of the terminology, I can't be sure.

Where available, this is a lot less hardware intensive, a lot less hassle and you can still make and receive calls with your cell while online with your laptop.

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Comment from Sandy Smith on 2009-08-25

2009-08-26T01:23:26Z

Actually, I had mine built into my Dell laptop and then decided to go with a USB. That way I could put it in the router or hang it several feet away from the computer if I didn't want to use the router. The USB modem comes with several feet of cord enabling better reception. I thought I would share this because my mistake was a costly one - hoping to help someone aviod that...

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Comment from Sandy Smith on 2009-08-25

2009-08-26T01:15:44Z

To the poster who asked the cost... I pay $61.03 monthly for mine from Sprint. I use a Crandlepoint MBR1000 router which is an outstanding router. They also make more portable ones. You can also tether your Blackberry and/or iPhone and use it's connection. I dont' know the cost of that though...

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A comment on: How can I best connect to the internet while driving?

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Comment from Ron on 2009-08-25

2009-08-26T00:19:49Z

1) Lenovo tells me my "built-in" can work w/AT&T, Verizon etc
2) If you have a built-in that would only work with a specific carrier, that would not prevent you from using a USB modem.
3) Instead risking having of a USB sticking of the side of your computer, you're better of with a plug-in card (Express Card, PC Card etc)

The above is in reference to your statement "There are laptops that actually include cellular broadband hardware, so you wouldn't need an additional modem. I tend to shy away from them because just like cell phones themselves, they work with only one provider. If I want to change providers I simply get a new modem, not a new laptop. In addition, since I have several portable machines, my USB modem will actually work in any of them."

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Comment from Mike Bravo on 2009-08-25

2009-08-25T19:22:23Z

That is all fine and dandy but since I am not made of money, I would like to know what this rolling connection is going to cost me.

That's going to vary a great deal based on the carrier you choose, and the data plan you choose. I've found that pricing is comparable to other internet connections. As I write this I'm paying roughly $50/month for 5GB/month of data transfer.

26-Aug-2009

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Comment from ChrisRS on 2009-08-25

2009-08-25T18:16:44Z

Google MIFI. This is esentially a combined cellular modem and 5 user wifi router so you can share your connection. (My Cell phone does not use "minutes" when a wifi connection is available.) These are pretty new at least one carrier has a "daily" plan vs monthly. F.Y.I. your carrier does not need to be teh same as your cellular carrier.

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Comment from Cathal Donnelly on 2009-08-25

2009-08-25T15:43:26Z

A friend of mine uses Verizon Global Satellite Broadband Internet Access. She is currently in Greece and it works over there. So long as you have a clear view of the southern sky you will get a broadband connection. The device itself is battery powered but comes with a power adapter. Only 11x15" and weighs about 3.2Kg.

Cathal

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A comment on: How can I best connect to the internet while driving?

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