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2007-03-28 10:41 AM

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Austin, Texas
Subject: Wireless Internet Card- Cingular

Anyone out there use a cingular (or other cell company) wireless card for their laptop?  I am thinking about getting one and came into a deal to take over someone's plan.  I'd pay $60 a month for unlimited use but I'm not sure if it is really worth it  as far as speed and other features.

I know pretty much nothing about this stuff.  Can you give me advice?



2007-03-28 12:17 PM
in reply to: #740065

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Expert
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Parker, Co
Subject: RE: Wireless Internet Card- Cingular
If you travel - get one. It prevents the $10 per day charge at the airport, the hotel, the coffee shop etc. It can also replace your home internet if you are in coverage area. Speed should not be a problem as long as you are not downloading DVD's or too much music!
2007-03-28 12:37 PM
in reply to: #740065

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Veteran
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100100252525
Austin, Texas
Subject: RE: Wireless Internet Card- Cingular
cool thanks- i'm leaning closer and closer to getting it.  i've been hijacking my neighbors internet but it isnt always a strong signal and only works in one room. 
2007-03-29 2:07 AM
in reply to: #740065

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Pro
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Los Angeles, CA
Subject: RE: Wireless Internet Card- Cingular
I've been with cingular since '98 and have been on many of their plans, this specific plan for one year a while ago. I think it's worth it only if you travel and need to lug your laptop with you. If not, I think it's not worth the price or coverage. Not worth the price because you can get DSL or cable for like $30. and coverage is spotty. Not every city or area you are in will get the coverage. If you ever look at cingular's coverage map, it's not all one color, but spots and dots.

I only basically needed the laptop card for corporate email. I ended up getting a PDA phone with querty keyboard and one of their unlimited data plans (media net, not a specific PDA plan) for $19 a month. My PDA phone also has wireless capabilities so that was a plus.

You can also get a smart phone which gives you unlimited data plan for $19 a month, plus, the smart phones allow you to tether the phone to a laptop and surf the web there.

The speeds on the smart phone and unlimited medianet was ok. They average a little over 200kbs.

So, since I got the PDA phone, I don't need the convenience of the laptop data card. I just have regular cable internet at home which costs $29.99 and then use my PDA phone when I travel.

Anyways, sorry to go off topic, but yea, it's only worth it if you travel and if the coverage is available in your area.

Edited by auto208562 2007-03-29 2:11 AM
2007-03-29 8:00 AM
in reply to: #740065

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Master
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Southwest Chicago 'burbs
Subject: RE: Wireless Internet Card- Cingular

I've been using Verizon's version of this for a couple of years now. 

The convenience can't be beat, as long as you're in a good coverage area.

Verizon has two kinds of coverage -- Broadband Access (zippy fast) and National Access (poke me in the eye with a hot stick slow) -- and it just depends on where you are as to what coverage you get.  If I'm in an area where all I get is National Access, the speed is about the same as or slower than dial-up and can be maddenly sluggish -- and I'll use it only in a dire emergency.

So, echoing what other's have already said ... if you travel, it's great.  If you will be using it mainly at home, DSL or Cable would be a much better option if that's a possibility.   If DSL or Cable isn't an option, just make sure you've got adequate coverage.

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