Hello Fellow Travelers,

I've been encountering some real irritations trying to do business as usual while traveling. So I'd appreciate any tips you can share.

By the way I use a Mac, which normally is pretty cooperative anywhere.

Has anyone tried those usb internet access devices which connect via your cell signals?
I think the official name for them is "mobile broadband usb modems" -- they provide a wireless connection for your desktop and laptop.

I've noticed more and more people using them in airports.

If you use one, I'd love to hear how it works for you...
Is it slow, or not bad?
Do you have any warnings you can pass on to the rest of us (particularly of problems you've had with your cell phone service provider or glitches in general).

Can you send email out as usual without having to open up new email accounts for this purpose?

Thanks,
Francie

Francie Ward
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Idea CafeŽ Inc.
"The Fun Place for Serious Business"(sm)
http://www.ideacafe.com

I am not a mac user, but I did come across this resource that looks like it may make the process easier.
From what I understand using a mobile bradband usb modem that uses your cell phone can be a chore to set up, this software boasts that it automates the process by auto configuring settings.

Read more about the product here: http://www.novamedia.de/index_e.html

Hope this helps.

--

Dan La Bate
Creative Director & SEM - Engines of Creation.com
http://enginesofcreation.com


Phone: 518.842.3242
Fax: 866.643.4125
dan@enginesofcreation.com

I'd be interested to know the answer to your question, too, as my husband and I run a home-based business and have talked about getting a Mac laptop as well as purchasing one of those wireless connections as well. It would be great to know how easy and cost effective it is or isn't to determine if we should take the plunge, too.

Hi Francine and Members of IdeaCafe,

I wish I could help myself but I'm a software trainer. That being said I'm writing as my brother (owner of ComputerGeeksOnline.net) is a miracle worker when it comes to computers!!

His entire company is based on remote computer support. Put it this way. Last year, he was broadcasting live cam images from a beach in Miami on his FL cam website SunCam.tv

He's your source! His name is Ross Deprey and his site is: ComputerGeeksOnline.net Please tell him that his big sister sent you :)


Kimberly Deprey
UpOnOffice.com

>If you use one, I'd love to hear how it works for you...
>Is it slow, or not bad?
>Do you have any warnings you can pass on to the rest of us
>(particularly of problems you've had with your cell phone
>service provider or glitches in general).

Every solution is different and requires some Q&A before making a suggestion. I can give you my thoughts but my solution will not fit your needs.

You should find a qualified computer technician in your area that you trust. Look for someone who is MCSE and CCNA or CCNE certified who also has experienced supporting small businesses. S/he should be able to answer all of your questions, suggest a solution, help you implement it and test it. Please check references!

I recommend the PCMCIA (the flat card) Verizon Aircard. It's really fast. It produces near broadband speeds. They don't connect through your cell phone, so it isn't a hassle at all. You can talk on your phone and use the card at the same time. It's like $50/month for the plan, plus like $200 for the card it's self. Trust me... it's definitely worth it. Once you have it, you can pretty much lose the internet line at your house all together.

Just one bad thing I've noticed. Some hotels use what are called deadening wires to kill cell signal so you have to use the desk phone. This also kills the signal to the Aircard. Usually if you sit as close to the window as possible you can still get internet, but that's a pain.

No message

I use Verizon's mobile broadband USB (aka EVDO broadband), formerly Alltel. I know both Sprint and Verizon offer this service. Because I live in the country, cable internet is not an option and satellite is too expensive and limiting for my web work. So, after a ton of research, I learned of EVDO.

It basically is a small "card" that plugs into your USB port, you hit the connect button, and you're online. The signal is the same as that of cell phone signal. I have read that it is secure because data is transferred in particles - not in complete pieces of data (so to speak). I paid $50.00 for the card and about $60.00 each month for the service. The bandwidth is currently unlimited with my Verizon card - because I was originally with Alltel before Verizon purchased it. I'm not 100% sure if Verizon has a bandwidth limit; I'm pretty sure Sprint does.

Prior to purchasing my card with Verizon (alletl), I had to determine which company offered the service in my area as I wanted the best signal at my home. The links below have links to help figure out which company to go with. While traveling, though, I beleive there is seamless coverage regardless of the card you select.

So far - after a little over a year with the card - I am very satisfied. The speed is about 10x that of my old dial-up account. I have used my card with great results while traveling - either in a hotel room, at a restaraunt that doesn't have wifi, or while a passenger in a car. I rarely get disconnected, although some days the speed is slower than others. Hills, trees, etc. will effect the
speed.

Here is a link for more info:
http://www.evdoinfo.com/content/view/37/61/
http://www.evdoforums.com/


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