My friends all say I was crazy to spend the money, but I bought an aircard,

[Critters2]

and I'm glad. Yeah, it's $60 a month--but I'm not exactly saving money to put the kids through college. It costs about what cable would cost, but the church pays for my cable. So it doesn't seem so bad. And I did get a 100% rebate on the purchase price. And I can get internet service ANYWHERE!! My friend that I was visiting doesn't have wi-fi, but we sat in front of the DNC TV coverage and just googled stuff up the yin-yang! I can go anywhere--anywhere there's cell phone coverage--and get online. Maybe I'm a spendthrift, but Bill Kurtis is right--aircards are teh awesome!

[JVS]

1. This sounds fascinating. Would you endorse any company in particular?

[Critters2]

2. I have AT&T, but I know Verizon sells them, too.

I guess I'd recommend checking on cell phone coverage in the areas you're likely to use it. It connects you to the internet via cell towers. Also, check on prices and possible sales/special deals. I got mine at Radio Shack, but you could get it directly from a cell phone/wireless company.

I think these are the wave of the future, because there are no "hot spots" or "dead zones" to worry about--except in so far as there are with wireless phones, which isn't much any more. The only caveat is that they are slower than dsl, but not as slow as dial-up.

I couldn't be happier!

[JVS]

3. Is it possible to use it as a telephone as well. My only phone is a cell, for about $40/month...

actually about $48 after the bastards put their fees and taxes on it. If I could replace it with an aircard and (I don't really know what I'm talking about here) and could run a phone through it, I'd be pretty well set.

[Critters2]

4. No, though that would seem like the next logical step in technology.

The device itself looks rather like a cell phone, but without a keypad. It plugs into a usb port in a computer. It's basically an antenna. It does seem wise to combine an air card with a cell phone in one device, but I don't know of any such thing yet. Here's what mine looks like:

[LeftyMom]

5. That's what I'm waiting for.

When I can get a reasonably priced combined plan, I'll switch.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

7. ahh ...yeah. me too

that will be teh awesome :thumbsup:

[Critters2]

9. I think it'll come. Give it time. nt

[Turbineguy]

17. I use Verizon

Slightly more coverage in the US. Not cheap though, about $70 per month including taxes.

It's slightly slower than DSL.

[lizziegrace]

6. I would get one too if I could

But Lelapin needs access too so until she's out on her own, I need a router that will allow multiple computers logged on at once.

[Critters2]

8. Yeah, there are definitely situations where wi-fi makes more sense.

I suspect these will come down in price and become more common. But for multiple users in one household, this would be prohibitively expensive.

Hey, how are you?

[lizziegrace]

10. I'm hoping for a price decrease too

I could have used it when I was traveling. My Garmin unit has decided to attempt suicide. I can't enter information in it as it will cause the unit to shut down. And it's not even a year old.

I'm okay. Worried about you. :hug: I hope you can find a way to capture some of that joy in life. God knows you need it. :hug:

[Critters2]

12. It's really good of you to be concerned about me, with all that's happening with you!

I'll be okay. I just have to make some changes in my life--little things like more sleep, exercise and better diet; and big things like probably moving. And working my program more committedly. Thanks for caring!! Don't know when I'll get up to my dad's again, but when I do, assuming you're still in MKE, I'll give you a call.

[lizziegrace]

15. I would LOVE to meet you

please let me know if you're up this way.

:hug:

Worries and problems shouldn't be compared. ;) Mine will work out in time. I hope yours will too.

[Critters2]

16. I'll let you know, My dad lives in West Bend, about 30 miles NW of the city.

My folks moved there while I was in grad school, so I don't know the city well, but I get up there a couple of times a year. It may not be before Thanksgiving or Christmas. Because I don't get full weekends off, my dad comes down here more than I go up there. But I'll let you know.

Here's hoping both our troubles work out soon! :toast:

[NJmaverick]

11. Are you away from land line internet enough to justify the cost?

if so, go for it. Otherwise you might want to consider something like the I-phone which gives you internet anywhere and is easier to use.

[Critters2]

13. I don't mind the expense, and I prefer a full-size screen.

And I spend time at retreat centers and places without wi-fi or land line. Yeah, it was a splurge, but I don't do much of that. It's my gift to myself.

[NJmaverick]

14. Well enjoy then. It's your money and if it makes you happy

that's all that really matters.