Wireless??

[jskinz]

I'm thinking of getting the wireless card for my laptop and was wondering if any cards are better than the other? (Card is probably not the correct term)
What I have been told is that Cingular, verizon etc...all offer about the same package but is there any one that is better?? Any other info would be appreciated.

Thanks.

[rzrbak]

I use verizon..... No problems so far...cross yer fingers

[Bowtech32]

I use verizon..... No problems so far...cross yer fingers

X2, I have the USB version. My buddy (he works for Dell) said te best one to get is the chip that goes inside your PC. I know if you have a Dell you can get it from Dell and then just go to verizon and activate it....

[Tmag]

I used an ATT card at Bownanza last year and was able to post updates from our cook tent. I imagine it has to do with tower placement more than anything.

Can the Dell chip be programmed through any provider?

[Blue Tick]

From what I have heard and seen. Sprint has the strongest data network in terms of wireless cards.

[huntmaster]

my ATT card works everywhere I've been.

[Tommyh]

The biggest issue with wireless air cards isnt speed or connectivity, its the coverage area, just like a cell phone. as long sa the cell provider you plan on getting covers the area where you will be using it, you will be alright. for areas with naturally spotty coverage, ATT seems to have the largest and most reliable network that my company has seen.

[dc1986]

Like Tommy said,check the coverage area.If you hunt west or northwest of Austin I would look at AT&T.

[wildaggie]

Check the cell coverage where you plan to use this wireless aircard. I have at&t. In town at work, it's great (3G network), but at home, it's as bad or worse than dial-up used to be. I can talk on my cell at home, but signal strength isn't great. Aircard will work there, too, but it's very slow.

[Bowtech32]

I used an ATT card at Bownanza last year and was able to post updates from our cook tent. I imagine it has to do with tower placement more than anything.

Can the Dell chip be programmed through any provider?

I beleive you order the one you want, I know you can get the big 3 (sprint, verizon and AT&T) Like a cell phone you get the sprint chip or the verizon chip ect...Once you get it go to a verizon store "or whatever you got" and get a plan and they will activate it.

[CaptainDave]

I have Verizon and have been happy. ATT is not bad either.

Whichever you go with, I would recommend the USB type card. The USB cards can be used on multiple computers, as all you need is a USB port. The slot style cards will only work in certain laptop brands, models, etc.

Like others have said, coverage area is a big deal. My rule of thumb is that if your cell phone doesn't work well in a specific area, neither will the wireless card. So if you get good cell phone coverage from a specific provider in the area you will be in the most...get the wireless from that provider as well.

[Atfulldraw]

negative on the Sprint.....they finally just canceled my contract because their service sucked so bad.

ATT works the best that I've found -- even in fringe areas, at least you can get a connection.

[WIKI]

I use the ATT card and it works great.

[birkdog]

I have a Verizon USB aircard that I will sell if you are interested. I tried to PM you, but it was disabled.

[jskinz]

I have a Verizon USB aircard that I will sell if you are interested. I tried to PM you, but it was disabled.

Thanks, but I am leaning towards AT&T. I have them for my cell phone and it works at the house and the lease. Thanks again though.