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Mobile Broadband Cards - Realistic or Rediculous?
Mobile Broadband cards seem to be advertised everywhere these days - in stores, newsprint, on TV, all touting the promise of speed and the convenience of internet where ever you go.
However, with the amount of data offered in the carrier's data plan, does it make it a solution for everyone? Depends on your surfing habits. No matter what percentage the carriers think use under their bandwidth limits, every surfer is different. No matter what you decide, this article may help you make an informed decision about mobile broadband before you go out and purchase that next notebook or laptop.
Mobile Broadband Modems and Embedded Devices (3G networks)
Mobile Broadband access is available in three flavors - modem and embedded. Modems are external and are available with USB and Express slot connections, embedded devices may accomodate a single carrier, like the recently announced Verizon HP Mini (1151NR) or devices embedded with Qualcomm's GOBI chip, like the Hewlett Packard DV4-1365dx, and stand alone devices. All are activated through one of these three cell phone providers: AT&T Wireless, Sprint Nextel, and Verizon Wireless, and all three offer a 5GB monthly allowance for $60.00, but there are some differences from one to the next.
AT&T Wireless
$60 a month for 5GB of transfer, plus the ability to use AT&T's HotSpot service, and a $39.99 package that gives you 50MB of transfer. Pluses: AT&T gives you a way to get unlimited data transfer as long as you are in one of their HotSpots, available at most Starbucks, McDonalds, and Barnes and Nobles. Minuses: AT&T doesn't have the 3G footprint that the other two providers have, so if you travel, you might run into slower speeds more frequently. Still a solid service if you really need internet. Also, fastest uploads and download speeds when in an area of 3G coverage.
Sprint Nextel
$59.99 a month for 5GB of transfer, plus the ability to use the devices (USB only) GPS chip to map locations and points of interest. Good 3G (high speed) coverage.
Verizon Wireless
$59.99 a month for 5GB of transfer, and $39.99 a month for 250MB of transfer.
What do I get with 5GB of data transfer?
5GB is a fair amount of data transfer, depending upon what you do. If you're into YouTube videos, or watching TV on your laptop, watch your usage. Each of these have the ability to track usage through the installed software. If you're not watching or downloading too much video, these have the ability to easily become a primary source for your internet. To give an idea of how much 5GB of transfer gives you: it's 1.7 million emails with 3,000 characters, 1200 music downloads at 4 minutes per song, or five hours per day game play with your average online game.
4G (Fourth Generation) Coverage
4G coverage, offering higher speeds and in more areas is just around the corner, thanks to a joint venture between Craig McCaw's Clearwire and Sprint Nextel. Currently underway in Baltimore, MD and Portland, OR, there are no transfer limits on this service that reportely offers cable-like speeds over the air. A comparison between 3g and 4g can be found here.
What about tethering my phone?
Another alternative you can explore is tethering your phone. Tethering can tie your phone to your laptop via cable or bluetooth, and can run between $15 to $60 additional on your phone line. Pluses: You can add and remove this feature at any time, rather than signing a two year contract like above. Minuses: If you're using Sprint Nextel or Verizon Wireless, you can't be on the phone at the same time you're surfing the web.
Used properly, mobile broadband is a great way to get the real web on a real web appliance, currently and experience that can't be matched with today's phone selection. If it makes you more productive, or makes your life better, then by all means, get attached with a mobile broadband device, or tether your phone. It's the only experience that can offer you access to your email, web, and other online applications nearly anywhere, unlike WiFi.
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