Verizon Broadband AirCard

[CowboyKyle]

Who has one? Why or why not? USB vs ExpressSlot?

Thinking about getting one when i get back to the states as my primary ISP.




I searched, this was the only thread i found, and not what I'm looking for.

http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=676689

[chris408]

I used express slot style. It was ok, downloaded at around 90kb/s, and was really reliable. Little pricey for the speed but you cant beat going on road trips with a laptop in the car and watching youtube videos! Also you cant play games that require a good ping. Response time is too slow.

[Boheefus]

I have the USB one, I chose it because it has a Micro SD slot, making transferring pics from my phone to the PC a breeze. I have also had the PCMCIA card one, equally good, not SD slot though

[cannoncrawler]

go USB. if you have a laptop and a desktop you can use it on both. plus the memory card slot.

[CowboyKyle]

Good point about desktop vs laptop usage. I hadn't thought of that prior.

I also didnt know about the memory card slot either. My laptop has one tho. I assume your'e talking about these?

[Travis Waldher]

I have been running the USB720 for nearly 2 years now.

I chose USB because not every laptop I might use it on has an express slot. For example, my work laptop does, my older home laptop does not.

It came with a 3' cable or so, that has a dual hookup splitter end to get more power from the USB side when you need it. That cable also makes it nice for moving the antennae close to a window than your laptop is.

[CowboyKyle]

Anybody know the difference in the numerous different USB receivers?

i.e. USB727 vs USB720 vs USB715 vs UM150

[Brutpwr]

I have had a card since 2007 and just checked my records online since I got it since I never paid any attention to data usage. Looks like I've used as low as .3G data and as high as 2.7G of data per month lol! We have used it at my work on the network twice when the DSL when down out at the street for a few weeks and just the other day when the DSL burned out! I have an old Verizon plan and its listed as Unlimited usage but as I understand it the new plans are quite a bit stricter on data usage. I'm not sure if I have a ceiling on data usage at 5G or not. I seem to recall buying it and then seeing somewhere that there was a 5G ceiling but I'm not sure if my contract specified it or not--I'll have to check and/or keep an eye on usage as I would not want my card to get cancelled. Its a PCMIA style card and I've used it in desktops like at my shop where I don't have a phone to get internet access with a PCMIA card adapter installed in the back. It seems to work tons better than my girlfriends AT&T single USB card at her house in Boulder Creek although they both work a bit slow out there. I have heard the USB cards are slower and that the dual USB cards are a bit better but have limited experience as I only know two other people with cards and three other people with USB cards. I'd love to hear how the 3 watt boosters and/or retransmitters work with these data cards. I don't think my card has an antenna jack but I'll take a look tommorrow.

Jason

[axle59]

I have the Sprint one. USB style. I have verizon for my regular cell service but they put a cap on their wireless broadband and it gets spendy if you go over. For $60/mo Sprint gives you unlimited usage. I usually download at around 120k/sec but on it depends on where you are at. On a recent trip to Dallas I was downloading at 250k/sec. Here in Tillamook, OR at my parents house I only get about 80k/sec. Sure beats dial up though.


Axle

[zukibrothers]

i have one with us cellular. no broadband where i live, so this is the best i can get. not real fast though, but i can take it on roadtrips as was mentioned and that is cool. mine is card type, but has an adapter so it can be used as usb. i have found though, it is much more reliable in the card slot.

[Blind Driver]

You can add a express slot to your PC. So either. I'd be afraid of breaking off the USB as I am rought on my lappy.

[oldjeep]

I've got a dell with the cell reciever inside. Nice feature to look next time you get a new laptop.

[CowboyKyle]

I appreciate the info guys. Ya'll have seriously quelled my worries of it not being fast enough while not traveling.

[SanDiegoCJ]

Originally Posted by Travis Waldher

I have been running the USB720 for nearly 2 years now.

I chose USB because not every laptop I might use it on has an express slot. For example, my work laptop does, my older home laptop does not.

It came with a 3' cable or so, that has a dual hookup splitter end to get more power from the USB side when you need it. That cable also makes it nice for moving the antennae close to a window than your laptop is.

Yup, yup, and yup.

[KING OF CHAOS]

I use the Sprint aircard that slide into the slot on the side on my laptop in my truck an its great. most places i get 120-180k d/l but when the truck is moving then the d/l and u/l speeds slow way down. i have also found that i can use it places where i cant get a good signal on my cell phone. when im in an area where there is no cell service but i still have internet service the speed really sucks.if i remember correctly from the last time that happenend the speed was at or below 14k

[Travis Waldher]

Originally Posted by KING OF CHAOS

I use the Sprint aircard that slide into the slot on the side on my laptop in my truck an its great. most places i get 120-180k d/l but when the truck is moving then the d/l and u/l speeds slow way down. i have also found that i can use it places where i cant get a good signal on my cell phone. when im in an area where there is no cell service but i still have internet service the speed really sucks.if i remember correctly from the last time that happenend the speed was at or below 14k

Haven't had that issue with my USB720 and Verizon as long as there is decent cell coverage in the area.

Also, the card tends to have a better signal than my cell phone.

[Paul Gagnon]

I have the PCMCIA card. I think the USB would be good if you only used your laptop from a stationary position but if you physically move your computer around when it's on and connected the PCMCIA would be better.

[HardcorewannabeXJ]

Don't let anyone fool you, both Sprint and Verizon have 5gb a month caps on their usage. They may term it as, "Unlimited use up to 5gb per month" if you read the fine print or ask the sales person, it is NOT unlimited.

at 5 cents per megabyte overage fees, you get raped on the overage costs.

If you just check email, and occasionally surf pirate, you will probably be ok. If you download torrents or music, your gonna get fawked!

[85f150dsel]

Originally Posted by CowboyKyle

I appreciate the info guys. Ya'll have seriously quelled my worries of it not being fast enough while not traveling.

ATT 3G is supposed to reach 3Mb, I can get 1-1.5Mb with it. There is 4G or soemthing that is in prep as well.

They all tout their top speeds but if you get on an Edge type network they are about as good as dialup.

Definately go with USB though.

[Travis Waldher]

Originally Posted by 85f150dsel

ATT 3G is supposed to reach 3Mb, I can get 1-1.5Mb with it. There is 4G or soemthing that is in prep as well.

They all tout their top speeds but if you get on an Edge type network they are about as good as dialup.

Definately go with USB though.

I've found that either the speed is pretty good - or it's WORSE than 14.4kbps. not much in between.

[RuggedRadios]

I had a USB720 for a while when I was with verizon - worked great for mobile internet in my truck, or on a few cruises to Mexico/Alaska.

I bought an external 3db gain mag mount antenna for it that works great - I had to buy 5 of them minimum from the comapny I got from so I have a few extra, lemme know if interested.