Computers & Networking

[joehobowl]

I have a Dell laptop computer Model: S1555-018B and I was wondering if I need a wireless

card so I can get internet where there is no wi-fi.

[RealGeorgeW Emerging Expert]

You would need an Air Card through a cellular provider to be able to access the internet where there is no WiFi.

[snum1fan]

If you go to Alltel soon before they finish switching over to verizon ( couple of months I think) They offer unlimited internet for 69.99 a month.  I have had ATT, Verizon, and now Alltel.  The 5GB may seem like enough, but I went over every month and I was just surfing the internet.  No downloading songs or anything.  Alltel has been the only company that does it unlimited, but they were just bought out by verizon.  They will be completeing the switchover in the next couple of months.  Anyone with an Alltel contract will continue to have their contract honered by verizon untill it is up.  Alltel does 2 year contracts.  So if you are going to get one I would suggest getting one at Alltel.  Soon!  One carrier may be a little faster than the other, but My experiance has been that they are all about the same speed.  My local ATT store does not but Both my local Verizon and Alltel have laptops set up in thier stores with aircards in them that you can go check out for yourself.

[Nokia]

Cricket also offers unlimited, but like Alltel, they are only regional.

[snum1fan]

Is Alltel regional?  They're Plan Broscures show Alltel (not roaming coverage over most of the U.S.A.  I have used my Alltel Aircard In Sacramento, CA; Houston, TX; and my road trip from Florida to Ottawa, Canada.  If they are regional (which would supprise me) I can attest to using my aircard in those places in the country. Go to  

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.engadgetmobile.com/media/2006/04/alltel_nfc.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2006/04/27/alltel-americas-largest-network-nah/&h=276&w=425&sz=52&tbnid=-42STVo5PpoMYM:&tbnh=82&tbnw=126&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dalltel%2Bcoverage%2Bmap&usg=__RpS_i67oW9ssGJjUtU5M47PlmtE=&ei=EQtLSseKKYWqtgf11JmcDQ&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=6&ct=image 

Shows Engadget.com showing Alltels 2006 claim to be americas largest netword with the coverage on the map of US.  I am pretty sure Alltel is not regional

[Nokia]

I'm positive they are.

Most regionals have roaming agreements with the Big Three. Otherwise they couldn't survive, because no one wants local phone service.

[teckyone]

Well, it also depends on what you want to do and where you are at and how much money you have. If you're cheep like me. and u are not trying to hook up to free wi-fi hot spots or there are non available, you can buy resonable 2hr (pay-per) (phone) cards, no device needed. It's just a plastic pre-paid phone card with a scratch off Internet address to connect to. computer Must have wireless lan capability. Most McDonalds have these for sale to use thier hot spot for $3.00/2hrs or $25 per mo. Nentendo DS users can game for free. Starbucks and many hotels have them, so if they are nearby your house you should be in range. Also, if you live in the 21st Century, u probably have a cellphone, so Radio Shake has a cheep device where you can hook up your compatable cellphone to your laptop, then you don't have to pay anyone, you just use your current cellphone service as your (wireless) provider. Does this also answer your question or am I off base?

[Nokia]

He was asking for internet access anywhere, so the first part of your response wouldn't apply. As for tethering (phone as modem), I have been told by all three big carriers that they are able to detect tethering, and will force you to sign up for a tethering plan.

[teckyone]

I din't have to. I had Sprint. I used it for 3 years when I would go to visit my granny in the deep deep country, no prob. He may run into roaming charges if he is traveling in his car, but he would still incounter that if he was just calling out of his area in his car. I never was asked to get a tethering plan. This particular device is only at Radio shark and can be use for only certain cell phones. They have a list.

[Nokia]

All plans include nat'l roaming.

You don't need any special device to tether. Just a PC cable for the phone.