Posted by Cari on 9/13/10 10:41am
Msg #352448

Internet Card vs. USB

Is anyone using a Sprint (or other) card or a USB for mobile Internet connections?

I'm using Clears (not intentional advertising) USB while on the go, and just recently purchased their modem for my laptop that I use while in the office....I'm totally wireless now.

And honestly, though reluctant about the big change from wires and cables to nothing but air. But I am pleasantly surprised so far, and also in how effortless it was to set up the modem or the usb on my laptop.

So I was wondering if anyone has gone wireless? And is there a major diff from using the card vs usb?

TIA! =)

Reply by Glenn Strickler on 9/13/10 1:20pm
Msg #352467

I have begun to research both myself as my wife is retiring soon and we are going to hit the road full time for a while.

I have no experience with either, but I believe that whether you use the card that inserts into the port or the USB connection, it's just a method to connect to your computer. The USB seems to be more popular with the explosion of "netbooks" that only have the USB port as apposed to the full ports that a full size laptop. The company that you use for service is more important.

In talking to people, its seems to be a mixed bag with service depending on the area. I would be most interested in the answers you get to your question.

Reply by Marian_in_CA on 9/13/10 1:33pm
Msg #352470

I use wi-fi connections where I can, as there are a LOT of free ones out there, and others that require payment of some kind. There's one hotel that lets me use their business center all I want as long as I buy something from their gift shop or restaurant. I usually grab a bottle of water or a have some lunch while I'm there, and they're fine with it.

For those times when I can't find wi-fi, I tether my Blackberry and utilize my data connection. While technically against the TOS, I have talked to them and they told me that as long as I don't abuse it and they don't notice any outrageous data transfers, like trying to stream HD video for 2-3 hours, then they aren't going to bother me about it because they can't tell if I'm using it on a laptop or using my blackberry's browser or apps. I don't need to use it terribly often, a couple times a week I guess... but it DOES come in very handy for esignings, because I'm not one of those notaries that likes to use a borrower's wi-fi or computer. to me, it's not professional. But, that's just me.

Reply by MistarellaFL on 9/13/10 4:17pm
Msg #352489

Like you, I mostly use free wifi connections, and esign brws have always had internet service.
But, I did hear something from "someone" about the usb/cards, and being a pay as you go service vs. contract service.
I'm looking fwd to seeing more responses and hopefully some recommendations.
I sometimes tether my BB, but I find it kind of a PITA to be w/o a phone connection for sometimes lengthy periods of time.

Reply by Grammyzoom on 9/13/10 4:46pm
Msg #352494

For almost 3 years I used an air card for both my home and my laptop for esignings. It easily transfers from one computer to another.

Recently we added additional computers to the household and it became easier to just get hi speed cable to connect all of the computers. The esignings have become more infrequent and I made the decision to give up the air card ($60 a month) for a while because it was no longer paying for itself.

Of course the day after I had it disconnected we were offered an esigning!

The air cards work great, never had a problem with it.