Air Cards for Laptops to Connect on the go
Air cards for laptops are nothing but another name that has been given to the mobile broadband modems. Even though you can use these devices with desktop computers, these are most popular among laptop owners because it provides mobile internet access. This is a small computer accessory that you can plug-in to your laptop to get internet access wherever you go.
Recommended Products
 | AT&T Sierra USB AirCard - 4G HSPA+ “Solid performer” “I get around 21mbps down and 10-11mbps up” Click here for Price |
 | Verizon LG 4G USB AirCard “I hope everyone else that has this excellent product can enjoy it as I do! ” “This VL600 is easier to put in my pocket” Click here for Price |
 | Unlocked 3G Mobile Broadband Modem “The Zoom unit is solid. Nice simple design. ” “This is so far one of my best investment ever.” “Pleased with the internet speed better than i expected.” Click here for Price |
Advantages of Air Cards for Laptops
The main advantage is that it enables mobile internet access. But unlike Wi-Fi hotspots (which you can find on Starbucks, airports etc), these cards use cellular networks. Which means you'll be able to access internet as long as you're within the carrier's cell phone signal reach distance. Since many carriers now cover most of the cities, you're most likely be able to use these cards.
When you buy, think about getting a USB card rather than a PCMCIA card. Because you can use the USB card with your desktop computer or another new laptop without a PCMCIA port.
Tips to Consider before you Buy and Air Card
- Compare all carriers and their options. Their signal strength should be the most important factor in your decision. Some carriers may have a batter signal strength to your home or city. Since the signal is dependant on the cellular network, they won't perform great in isolated areas such as subways, underground car parks and basement offices.
- Check the port availability on your laptop. You maybe able to get 'ExpressCard' or 'PCMCIA' cards. (These are thin long cards that will slide into your laptop port) A better alternative is to get an USB air card. With these you're most likely won't have to get additional drivers. You can also plug-in the USB cards to your desktop in when you need it.
- Consider the speed. Mobile broadband is great for general browsing and corporate work. However it's not that great for heavy downloads because of the slower speed you get compared to a wired network. However most carriers now offer 3.5G (HSDPA), and with this the speed can go up to 14Mbps.
- Compare prices and any other hidden charges. Because of the heavy competition, you can get these mobile aircards from many carriers such as Sprint, Verizon, Virgin and T-Mobile at very reasonable prices. Check for any setup fees or contract fees. If you buy a pre-paid card, usually there will be a fee for the modem. This fee is often waived if you go for a long-term contract.
- Check any fees for unlocking the devices. Some carriers may lock the air card to their network. This can be an issue if you're planning to travel overseas and do not wish to use roaming. Enquire about network unlocking fees before you buy.
Cheap Air Card Prices
If you buy a standalone air card, it can range somewhere from $50 to $75. As mentioned above, if you go for a long-term contract with your carrier, they're most likely to offer the device for free.
PCMCIA air cards are much cheaper as they're now being replaced by USB modems. But these are now harder to find.
Alternative solutions for Mobile Internet
You can use some of the smart phones to do the same functionality offered by air cards. This is called tethering. Tethering enables your laptop to share the internet connection of your mobile phone when it's available. Some carriers may have additional charges to enable tethering, therefore it's better to check with your carrier before you use this feature.
Sierra Wireless were the first company in the world to come up with these air cards for laptops and following its introduction into the global market, many other companies such as Vodafone, Virgin, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T and so many of the others came up with their own versions of these prepaid air cards for laptops. T-Mobile air cards provide one of the cheapest prepaid connections and the networks coverage on these air cards by T-Mobile are quite good compared to others. Sprint air cards for laptops might not give you the fastest connections that you are looking for but it sure provides you with one of the most reliable ones with great network coverage as well as decent upload and downloads speeds of 1.8 MB per second and 3.1 MB per second respectively.
| | AT&T Sierra USB AirCard - 4G HSPA+ “Solid performer” “I get around 21mbps down and 10-11mbps up” Click here for Price |
| | Verizon LG 4G USB AirCard “I hope everyone else that has this excellent product can enjoy it as I do! ” “This VL600 is easier to put in my pocket” Click here for Price |
| | Unlocked 3G Mobile Broadband Modem “The Zoom unit is solid. Nice simple design. ” “This is so far one of my best investment ever.” “Pleased with the internet speed better than i expected.” Click here for Price |
