How do you get internet connectivity ANYWHERE?
 

I got a new job which will have me on the road constantly. Does anyone know how I can get a good, fast, stable and constant internet connection while I am on the road (I will be in one state 99% of the time)? I would like to use Google Maps to be able to find my way and print out maps, and check the news, surf when Im bored, etc. What are my options here?

(Dell laptop running Windows XP)

I use google maps on my blackberry all the time...can't easily print though. I'd say either a smart phone (which you could either use or possibly tether), or a cellular modem card and a data plan, which is offered by every single cell phone provider... Am I missing something?

Rural travel or mainly travelling in populated areas? I agree with either the smartphone, or cell modem card idea. Otherwise, get acquainted with nearby coffee shops where you will be travelling that offer free wi-fi. Or you can be a creep like me and drive through neighborhoods scoping out a home with a wide open wireless network.

I'd like to use my laptop screen, so would prefer to stay away from PDAs altogether. I'm not sure what a cellular modem card is, but thanks for the term I will google it. kurty[B] I do that too... I see it as sharin' the love. On the road though I'd need something for anytime/anyplace...as I am on call and never know where I'll have to be next.

Here are options from AT&T. Other carriers have other options--I picked AT&T to suggest because their 3G network is currently the fastest.

It'll be like a cell phone; you'll sign up for a multi-year contract which will offset the price of the card itself.

PC Cards - | Wireless from AT&T, formerly Cingular

Yeah, they're basically modems which connect through the 3G phone network to access the internet, like modern mobile phones do, to enable your computer to connect to the net anywhere where there is a 3G signal.

In the UK they're usually done as a contract like mobile phones are.

Work pays for me to have a Blackberry with unlimited data. I find that the BB application for Microsoft Live Maps is more user-friendly and has a better interface that Google Maps. Load time on both is about equal. If you have a laptop and want to have maps, there are a lot of mapping programs that will take realtime input from a Bluetooth GPS receiver and help you with routes, but that won't help with boredom like the Internet will.

Thanks everyone for the tips. I will research all options. Looks like the laptop modem cards all run around $60/month for internet access, the gps receiver is another interesting option.

check out verizon's wireless broadband plan too - same price, about 60 bucks... my company uses vz exclusively and all the people using it are very happy - including me!

Verizon Broadband

x2. My company uses Verizon as well. Can't attest to how well it works, though.

Just about every major carrier in the US offers some sort of mobile broadband card to use on your laptop that lets you use their broadband speeds as an internet service.

Alltel supports FREE tethering with their unlimited data packages in on their phones.

In other words, hook your phone to your PC via USB, and your PC now has Internet. Downloads at 85 kb/sec, uploads at 35 kb/sec.

Best part? That feature is absolutely free. As long as you pay for an unlimited data package on your phone itself, you can share the Internet on any machine. This is an option for you!

Another +1 for Verizon wireless broadband internet here. At my job we have 350 PCMCIA laptop cards that use verizon wireless internet and it works great. Anywhere there's verizon coverage the internet is working and at broadband speeds. It's about $50 a month.

don't forget to get a power inverter to keep your laptop charged.... also look at microsoft streets and trips... it will turn your laptop into a full featured GPS navigator. it definitively will pay for itself and will make your travel much much much more enjoyable and worry free.


Streets & Trips 2009 with GPS