On the go, but still on the Web, as well

[RVrs R US]

Published August 13, 2005 by the Orlando Sentinel:

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">There's a sense of freedom that comes from having the top down, the stereo blasting -- and a broadband wireless Internet connection on a laptop in the passenger's seat.

That's right, it's now possible to cut the wires and still fetch e-mail, do a Google search, watch videoclips, download a new song or transmit high-resolution digital pictures from a portable computer.

This enabling technology goes by the mystifying designation of EV-DO (Evolution Data Only). Sorry, I don't know why the namers of new digital stuff always choose gibberish. Maybe their mommies never taught them any better.

For the sake of simplicity, think of EV-DO as a traveling extension of a wireless home network or a really big Wi-Fi hotspot, like you'd find in a trendy coffee shop or bookstore.

Test gear consisted of the Kyocera Passport KPC 650 along with a Dell Latitude D410 laptop. The Passport KPC 650, which fits into a standard PC Card slot on the side of the computer, is sold by Verizon ($69.99 plus a two-year contract at $79.99 a month for unlimited data access to the Web. It's like buying a cell phone with a service contract).

The wireless PC Card device, which works with laptops running Windows Me, 2000 or XP, weighs 2 ounces, uses a tiny antenna and typically surfs the Web at speeds about half as fast as a cable modem or DSL connection.

Typically doesn't mean always. At home, 30 miles from downtown Orlando, downloads were brisk. However, the device bogged down in the heart of the city. Some sites still snapped onto the screen, while others lagged, with no discernible pattern.

Along with the variations in speed, there's also the issue of price: $80 a month is hardly inexpensive. For salespeople, it could be a bargain, but individuals who just want to play with the latest technology will think twice.

The overall experience, however, is still positive. Being able to go online from anywhere without being tethered to a phone line or Ethernet cable is liberating. Look for the technology to spread quickly among other wireless providers, and for the cost of service to decline in the next year or so.

Chris Cobbs can be reached at 407-420-5447 or ccobbs@orlandosentinel.com. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Very interesting! With nationwide cell phone companies coming on strong like Cingular/ATT Wireless and Sprint/Nextel my bet is competition will drive the cost down to $40 +/- per month to compete with DSL pricing.

I can see it now: RVrs parking under a cell phone tower instead of Walmart's parking lot.

Dave

[RVrs R US]

Published August 13, 2005 by the Orlando Sentinel:

Quote:

There's a sense of freedom that comes from having the top down, the stereo blasting -- and a broadband wireless Internet connection on a laptop in the passenger's seat. That's right, it's now possible to cut the wires and still fetch e-mail, do a Google search, watch videoclips, download a new song or transmit high-resolution digital pictures from a portable computer. This enabling technology goes by the mystifying designation of EV-DO (Evolution Data Only). Sorry, I don't know why the namers of new digital stuff always choose gibberish. Maybe their mommies never taught them any better. For the sake of simplicity, think of EV-DO as a traveling extension of a wireless home network or a really big Wi-Fi hotspot, like you'd find in a trendy coffee shop or bookstore. Test gear consisted of the Kyocera Passport KPC 650 along with a Dell Latitude D410 laptop. The Passport KPC 650, which fits into a standard PC Card slot on the side of the computer, is sold by Verizon ($69.99 plus a two-year contract at $79.99 a month for unlimited data access to the Web. It's like buying a cell phone with a service contract). The wireless PC Card device, which works with laptops running Windows Me, 2000 or XP, weighs 2 ounces, uses a tiny antenna and typically surfs the Web at speeds about half as fast as a cable modem or DSL connection. Typically doesn't mean always. At home, 30 miles from downtown Orlando, downloads were brisk. However, the device bogged down in the heart of the city. Some sites still snapped onto the screen, while others lagged, with no discernible pattern. Along with the variations in speed, there's also the issue of price: $80 a month is hardly inexpensive. For salespeople, it could be a bargain, but individuals who just want to play with the latest technology will think twice. The overall experience, however, is still positive. Being able to go online from anywhere without being tethered to a phone line or Ethernet cable is liberating. Look for the technology to spread quickly among other wireless providers, and for the cost of service to decline in the next year or so. Chris Cobbs can be reached at 407-420-5447 or ccobbs@orlandosentinel.com.

Very interesting! With nationwide cell phone companies coming on strong like Cingular/ATT Wireless and Sprint/Nextel my bet is competition will drive the cost down to $40 +/- per month to compete with DSL pricing.

I can see it now: RVrs parking under a cell phone tower instead of Walmart's parking lot.

Dave