Laptop's and service coverage
#1
Rookie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: nyc
Posts: 9
I've noticed over the last few days, reading and learning about driving, that there are many driver's who use the internet.
A few?? a) can you use a laptop on the road thru qcom's service-I know nothing about the qcom system b) do truck stop's have access ports or wi-fi enabled site's? I'm new to the board, and have started filling out applications for student training. I like what i've seen with TMC, -is it really possible to make even close to 60k the first year- also, i've filled out an application on line at this clAdr.com site, and have been flooded(good4me) calls. so now comes down to choosing a place. CRE seems out ,based on comments here, if anybody feels like responding to this, could you name your top 3schools, your preference. thanks , in advance
#2
Senior Board Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Florida
Posts: 1,882
a) Can you use a laptop on the road thru qcom's service-I know nothing about the qcom system - Some companies have e-mail thru their Qualcomm as a benefit, but the driver is charged by the character for use. Expensive! Last I knew, there's no interface for a laptop to the truck comms.
b) Do truck stop's have access ports or wi-fi enabled site's? Yes, as do some company terminals/yards, Schneider is an example. BOL
#3
When you say qcomm, I assume you are talking about qualcomm? If you want internet access while on the road, I would suggest getting a laptop with WiFi or an air card if you can afford it. Most of us pay about $60/month for unlimited access. The air cards work anywhere there is a cell tower. With WiFi you only have access at the truck stop where you purchase the service, such as Flying J, TA, or Pilot. I believe most of them run about $20-25/month. Some truck stops have internet access inside the facility. You basically pay by the minute. The last time I checked I believe it costs about $12-15/hr. Pretty expensive compared to WiFi or an air card. The internet access you find in the truck stops is very sloooowww.
#4
Rookie
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 30
You can get a Kyocera KPC650 Air Card for free from this site.
http://www.letstalk.com/product/product.htm?prId=29047 Verizon has it for $179.99 http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/s...edPhoneId=1600 Also if you have a cell phone with Verizon the internet is $59.99 a month not the $79.99 it shows on the website.
#6
Senior Board Member
Join Date: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,095
I use Cingular's air card. They were late to the game but they are rolling out in many cities this year their high speed wireless network. I'm am sitting in the boonies right now in Va and I just tested the speed. 195.2 kbps which is about 4 times faster than dial up but when I'm in a big city it is much faster. Also as GMAN pointed out, with the truck stop service you only get it at the truck stop.
I pay I think $59 a month but with taxes it comes to about $70 but it's unlimited. Very happy with it so far.
#7
I have Sprints version. It is ok but there are alot of times when I can make a cell phone call but my laptop will not connect.
I do some on line game playing with my youngest son when I am on the road and have had pretty good luck with the major TS's providing I went inside and pluged into the wall instead of Wireless in the truck.
__________________
Tom
#8
If you can't afford to buy the air card right now, make sure you get a laptop that is wired for WiFi. Most are these days. You can pay for the Truck stop internet until you can get the air card. It is much better than paying by the minute at their kiosk internet service. You can buy a notebook for a little as about $500.
#9
Senior Board Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 716
Originally Posted by Sealord
a) Can you use a laptop on the road thru qcom's service-I know nothing about the qcom system - Some companies have e-mail thru their Qualcomm as a benefit, but the driver is charged by the character for use. Expensive! Last I knew, there's no interface for a laptop to the truck comms.
b) Do truck stop's have access ports or wi-fi enabled site's? Yes, as do some company terminals/yards, Schneider is an example. BOL
__________________
Everything I need to know about driving a truck I learned from watching "DUEL" |

