| p>Think of wireless broadband, (WiFi for example) like | | | | downside to this is some carriers throw an extra fee |
| a cordless phone. It's good for around the house. | | | | on for this and it may not run as fast as a dedicated |
| Mobile broadband, however is like your cell phone. | | | | data aircard. |
| Good just about any and everywhere. So, if mobile | | | | Broadband Cards |
| broadband is like your cell phone, then there must be | | | | Mobile broadband cards are little devices you can plug |
| multiple providers and different kinds of mobile | | | | into your laptop (which part it plugs into depends on the |
| broadband right? | | | | type of broadband card). One benefit is that it works |
| You bet there are. | | | | like a mobile DSL connection for about $60 a month. |
| As a matter of fact, they're the same people that | | | | Cheaper plans are available with some carriers but it's |
| provide your cell service. In the United States, there are | | | | not usually worth the time of day due to really low |
| 2 main ways to get mobile broadband: | | | | usage caps (40-50 MB/month = less than a music |
| 1. Evolution Data Optimized (EV-DO) provided by | | | | album). |
| Verizon, Sprint & Alltel | | | | There is one downside. |
| 2. High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) provided by | | | | Most carriers cap usage at 5 Gigabytes per month. |
| AT&T | | | | For most people that'll kill the option of using this as |
| Without getting too much into techno-talk, they both | | | | their only connection. Fortunately, Alltel still provides an |
| get you on the internet at 3G speeds (that just means | | | | unlimited plan. The catch 22 is they've been purchased |
| it feels like a DSL connection). Now, there is a 3rd way | | | | by Verizon who does cap use at 5 GB per month. |
| to get online but it's not too popular yet. | | | | Depending on how you plan to use it, 5 GB may be |
| Enter WiMAX. | | | | enough for you. This might be a secondary connection |
| It's currently available in a few cities. While it'll be cool to | | | | or you simply don't drain the internet of all life at each |
| have a WiFi hotspot the size of a city...it still only works | | | | use. To figure out how much you do use, check out |
| in the city. If you do any sort of travelling then it's no | | | | lesson 1 of the free E-Course "Wireless Broadband |
| good. Until it's nationwide, it defeats the purpose of | | | | Exposed". You'll find it at the end of this article. It'll keep |
| mobile broadband. | | | | you from mortgaging your house to pay off the |
| What about Satellite Broadband? | | | | $19,370 AT&T charged a kid. |
| While satellite broadband is wireless, like WiFi, it's not | | | | Mobile Broadband Providers |
| mobile. Both are wireless but only one is mobile (i.e. can | | | | To get the service, you're either going to need to get a |
| be used while moving). | | | | cell phone or broadband card through one of the |
| So How Do You Connect Anyway? | | | | major mobile broadband providers. If you plan to use it |
| You've got two options (well, 2 and a half if you count | | | | as a dedicated internet connection on the go, I |
| tethering): | | | | recommend the broadband card option. There are just |
| 1. Cell Phones | | | | some things that you need laptop for that a phone |
| 2. Mobile Broadband Cards | | | | won't handle. |
| Cell Phones | | | | For the manicured details like "How Much is 5GB |
| At first, this might have been "PDAs and | | | | anyway?" & "How To Pick the Right Card" that |
| Smartphones" but most new phones connect to 3G | | | | most people wish they had, take the free Wireless |
| networks for content like songs, video clips or | | | | Broadband Exposed E-Course. It's like your pre-marital |
| ringtones. If you're taking this route, then you need no | | | | counselor and prenuptial agreement all in one. It'll save |
| additional equipment. You may even decide to 'tether' | | | | you from any future heartache and checkbook |
| your phone to your laptop to connect on the go. The | | | | punches that might come your way. |