Need help with laptop connection card

[pldelaney]

I need to get help on what is the best card to get for internet access by my laptop. I do not want to go with dialup. There are four cards on Sprint's site. Which is the best? Also, how do I know how much usage I will use. I will be in a hotel for a long period, and there is no broadband connection. Thanks. :rolleyes:

[urbancontra]

I need to get help on what is the best card to get for internet access by my laptop. I do not want to go with dialup. There are four cards on Sprint's site. Which is the best? Also, how do I know how much usage I will use. I will be in a hotel for a long period, and there is no broadband connection. Thanks. :rolleyes:

The best card (if you want to call it as such) IMO would be the Sierra Wireless 550. The reason being is it doubles as a phone (using a headset). It has a detachable antenna, and is low profile.

The can be found all over ebay for CHEEEAAAAAP. Don't be a fool and pay 150 ++ for them. I bought one used and had NO problem activating or using it.

I even work for sprint and turned down the free one they offered me because I like this one better.

[urbancontra]

Sorry forgot to mention:

You can watch how much data you are using when you are online via the connection program. I'm not sure what the going rates are for the plans ( i don't pay anything and i get unlimited + unlimited call minutes on the card), but as long as you don't start downloading huge files and whatnot you'll be fine.
If it's gonna be for web browsing, email, and instant messaging, I'd say about 20 to 30 mb's a month would be plenty.

[3G Cables]

Sorry forgot to mention:

You can watch how much data you are using when you are online via the connection program. I'm not sure what the going rates are for the plans ( i don't pay anything and i get unlimited + unlimited call minutes on the card), but as long as you don't start downloading huge files and whatnot you'll be fine.
If it's gonna be for web browsing, email, and instant messaging, I'd say about 20 to 30 mb's a month would be plenty.

If it doubles as a phone, how can you dial out? Since it is a data only card what minute plan do you sign up for? That makes no sense. It may double as a card for you since you get free usage but not for others. I also worked as a tech for Sprint and get the free data card (Merlin). Data plans are different than voice plans so I think a customer would have to sign up for a minute plan as well to use that as a phone as well. Please explain that situation.

[urbancontra]

If it doubles as a phone, how can you dial out? Since it is a data only card what minute plan do you sign up for? That makes no sense. It may double as a card for you since you get free usage but not for others. I also worked as a tech for Sprint and get the free data card (Merlin). Data plans are different than voice plans so I think a customer would have to sign up for a minute plan as well to use that as a phone as well. Please explain that situation.

The sierra wireless 550 is Primarily a data card, but functions as a phone as well. There is a 2.5mm headset jack next to the pigtail that you plug your headset into.
In order to make or recieve phone calls however, your laptop must be powered on and not connected to vision. To dial out you simply use the onscreen keypad on your computer screen or can use the keyboard to type the phone numbers or messages, ect.
It will show your phone minutes as well if your talking.

As far as what a customer would do (or even a store employee) to get a minute AND data card plan I'm not sure. I'm positive they offer it, as this was what the sierra wireless card was made for. Perhaps you add a tiered payment depending on how many minutes you want added on?....I'll find out, though.

I wouldn't even worry about the phone thing anyways because it's hardly practical. Unless you live in front of your laptop, it's more of a pain. I only really use my data card for phone calls when either my phone is dead or i forgot it.

[3G Cables]

The sierra wireless 550 is Primarily a data card, but functions as a phone as well. There is a 2.5mm headset jack next to the pigtail that you plug your headset into.
In order to make or recieve phone calls however, your laptop must be powered on and not connected to vision. To dial out you simply use the onscreen keypad on your computer screen or can use the keyboard to type the phone numbers or messages, ect.
It will show your phone minutes as well if your talking.

As far as what a customer would do (or even a store employee) to get a minute AND data card plan I'm not sure. I'm positive they offer it, as this was what the sierra wireless card was made for. Perhaps you add a tiered payment depending on how many minutes you want added on?....I'll find out, though.

I wouldn't even worry about the phone thing anyways because it's hardly practical. Unless you live in front of your laptop, it's more of a pain. I only really use my data card for phone calls when either my phone is dead or i forgot it.

I am almost positive you have to add a minute plan to it also. Those cards (and each cell phone) have a unique hardware ID so that card must have to have two of them or they simply have a way to put a minute plan and data plan on one device but that seems a bit strange.

It becomes practical when EV-DV becomes available then you can talk and browse at high speeds at the SAME time. That will be very cool.