[Daylightchasser]

Does anybody know if there are any phone plans out there that also include Internet access for laptops? I just ordered my laptop for Co-Pilot 11 Type purchased is a HP Pavilion DV9650US(GS744UA) NoteBook Intel Core 2 Duo with built in Web Cam.

At&t seems to have a good plan internet access but there seems to be no phone programs linked to the laptop access program.

Any feed back welcome.

[MadFox]

Originally Posted by Daylightchasser

Does anybody know if there are any phone plans out there that also include Internet access for laptops? I just ordered my laptop for Co-Pilot 11 Type purchased is a HP Pavilion DV9650US(GS744UA) NoteBook Intel Core 2 Duo with built in Web Cam.

At&t seems to have a good plan internet access but there seems to be no phone programs linked to the laptop access program.

Any feed back welcome.

Both Sprint and Verizon offer "air cards" (plug into your LapTop) for InterNet access. They both run about $60 a month. I'm using one right now on my LapTop. Let me know if you need more information.

[Malaki86]

Same suggestion. Get an aircard. They're worth every penny.

[Soladad]

Been using Sprint for 2 years with no problems. Was great to check weather and road conditions in the truck.

[MadFox]

Originally Posted by Soladad

Been using Sprint for 2 years with no problems...

I might also add if you plan on downloading a bunch of stuff - Sprint is the way to go. Verizon just put a 5GB cap and anything over 5GB will cost megabucks! Don't get me wrong 5GB is a lot but if you plan on streaming a lot of Utubes, music, etc. - try Sprint first.

[Rockatansky]

Thank you

[Jefferyz]

If your looking to save money like I am. T Mobile has a plan that ive used for over a year now. You use your phone as a modum to connect to your PC either with usb cable or wireless if both are bluetooth capable. mine are with razr an new hp. Only thing is it is going to be slower than sprint, or verizon etc. you get what you pay for. I just wanted to get internet worthy for the past. 30.00 dollars a month for T mobile. anywhere you can make a call out on your phone you can get internet. for heavy downloading and faster surfing I would go with the others. the average for everyone else is 59.99 but it should be broadband capable. the T Mobile does include Hotspots in the 30 dollar dealthat works fast when your in one. Good luck

[Soladad]

I tried using my cell phone as a modem with Alltel. Didn't work well at all. Slower than dial up on a land line. Sometime things would even time out. That is when I switch to Sprint and have never been sorry. My month cell phone is $180 that includes 2000 minutes plus my internet. Would not change it.

[Malaki86]

Another issue is that with the phone-as-modem option, while the phone is in use as a modem, you can't send/receive phone calls. With an aircard, you can have a constant connection. With my setup using the aircard and franson gpsgate, I have a live tracking feature setup so that people can see exactly where I'm at and what route I've used.

If you're only planning on using the internet for a "here and there" setup to jump on the 'net for a couple minutes a day, a phone-as-modem would work. Otherwise, go with the aircard. You won't be disappointed.

As for the different ones available: PCMIA, ExpressCard54 or USB, I'd get a USB modem. They can be used on ANY computer. I have a PCMIA card in mine, but now I'm pretty much stuck. There's not many new laptops available with that slot any more. Also, my laptop has issues with some PCMIA cards (my modem being one of them) and I can't do any updates for it. If I had the USB one, well, I could update it anywhere, including on my home pc.

My contract expires June 1st with this card. I'll have a new USB modem by June 2nd at the latest.

[MadFox]

And, another option...would you believe a large number of McDonald's offer access? Yuppa - your wireless connection will pick it up (while you are eating your Big Mac). It costs 2 bucks an hour (enough time to update your software, answer your e-mail, etc.) while idling in the parking lot.