Archived from groups: comp.sys.laptops (
More info?)
I use theMerlin G-100 T-Mobile card, and also have a cellphone. With
T-Mobile I always get a 56K connect, and transfer rates have so far
never been lower than about 40 Kbps, but usually closer to 50, and it
has gone up over 70 for short periods. My cellphone cellphone
connects at 14,400 baud (it's Sprint, not GPRS but CDMA), and it's
transfer rates are usually 10 Kbps or less).
Advantage of T-Mobile is obvious, you don't need a separate ISP for
access through a dial up number (unless your phone is GPRS capable).
I have yet to find a place where the T-Mobile would not connect but
have not tried except in urban areas. Even if you go to places like
Charleston which do not have T-Mobile cell service, the card still
works just fine there. I got my card from E-Bay for about $80 total,
they stick a low price but add $12 shipping for a tiny package.
T-Mobile has a $35 setup fee, and with all the hidden costs the
monthly bill you get from T-Mobile is closer to $33 than $30.
Now I'm trying to locate one for use in Europe.
On 27 Sep 2004 02:58:42 GMT, usenetMYSHOES@bizaveMYSHOES.com (Andrew)
wrote:
>Alan Bell <alanbno2spam@blk.com> wrote:
>: I am thinking of getting a cell modem card so that I can access the Internet
>: from my laptop when I am not in a hotspot area. Apparently T-Mobile is the
>: cheapest by far. But since you don't get something for nothing, what am I
>: missing? Any other considerations relevant to a cell modem card? If this
>: isn't the right newsgroup for this, please refer me.
>
>Well...if you're used to WiFi, the speed of your cell connection is
>going to disappoint you, I think. I use Verizon with my phone to put
>my laptop on the internet and it's not fast (lately, latency is
>terrible). I can't imagine T-Mobile is any better...
>
>You might do what I did and get a new phone with a cell modem in it,
>instead of getting the separate PC Card. Not sure what kind of plans
>T-Mobile offers, but I can use just my voice minutes with Verizon to
>be on the net (i.e. unlimited evenings/weekends) for no extra cost.
>Perhaps they have a plan where you could do the same, in a pinch.
>
>Andrew