Matrix Computerz

These days, wireless Internet access is everywhere. From coffee shops to truck stops, you won’t have to travel far to get online. But, these “hotspots” can be a bit pricey and chances are when you really need one, you won’t be anywhere near one. However, all is not lost. If you must have Internet access everywhere, all the time, perhaps you might try cellular service.

All major cellular providers offer Internet cards for your laptop. They slide in to a PCMCIA slot located on the side of your laptop just like a wireless card. The PCMCIA slot allows you to add additional hardware to your laptop. Called Add-on Cards, you’re “adding” additional features to your computer, such as wireless capabilities, additional USB functionality, or in this case Internet access. The list is long, so if you can think of it, there’s probably an Add-on card out there to get the job done.

Connecting to the Internet through your cellular provider is a great thing but there are a few pit-falls you should be aware of. Cellular providers boast broadband-like speeds that provide Internet access anywhere you have a cellular signal. The cards are definitely faster than dial-up but fall short of the speeds of DSL or cable.

Some networks are faster than others depending upon their infrastructure. There’s EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution), HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access), and EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized). Each of the above mentioned are proprietary technologies, meaning each carrier uses their own technology. So, depending on which company covers your area and where you happen to be within that coverage area dictates what type of speed you can expect.

EDGE offers speeds of 216Kbps for both download and upload. This falls short of the 256Kbps speeds of basic DSL service but is still faster than dial-up. EV-DO offers download speeds of 400Kbps to 700Kbps and upload speeds of 300Kbps to 400Kbps. This is better but still falls way short of the 7Mbps achieved by cable access. Finally, HSDPA boasts download speeds of 3.6Mbps and 384Kbps for upload, which compares nicely to broadband.

Laptop cards cost around $200 but you can receive generous discounts if you sign up for one of their one or two year plans. Additionally, if you stick with your current cellular provider, you can receive other incentives by bundling services.

You cannot pick and choose which technology you want. But you can choose which carrier you use. Like I said, it all depends on which provider covers your area and which technology they employ.

Verizon uses EV-DO technology with its BroadbandAccess service. They offer unlimited access for about $80 a month. If EV-DO isn’t available in your particular area, the network reverts to their NationalAccess service, which provides download speeds of 60 to 80Kbps with bursts of up to 144Kbps.

Sprint uses EV-DO also. For $60 a month, you’ll get unlimited Internet access from your laptop. As with all providers, speed is dictated by their coverage area and may revert to a slower network.

T-Mobile utilizes EDGE. For $50 a month, you’ll receive unlimited Internet access and access to thousands of their “hotspots” nation-wide.

Cingular also uses an EDGE network. But their cards can access their HSDPA network, where available. Their plans are a bit more complicated also. For example, you can choose a limited access plan or purchase a plan that gives you access to wireless “hotspots” across the country. Their unlimited plan will run you about $80 a month. If you’d like access to their “hotspots”, that will cost you and extra $20 for a total of $100. OUCH! If you already have a voice plan with them AND your plan costs $40 or more, unlimited Internet access will cost about $60 a month.

Wireless Internet access will provide you with greater mobility, indeed. But just as you experience dropped calls and poor service in some areas, you can expect the same from cellular Internet access.