RE: computers
RvRover - it's basically a standard T-Mobile internet access plan
as my phone is three years old, Motorola KRZR, when i got the plan, i had to buy a $39 "data access" kit - wasn't described on their website very well, in fact it wasn't clear what it actually was - but it is or was basically a cable to go from my laptop's USB port to the motorola phone's port which is a mini-usb port, plus the software CD
now i'm told all the new phones, as of last year have the software pre-installed on them, so all you need is the cable which is a radio shack or computer supply item - maybe a $6 cable
the $20 a month plan may have been slightly cheap because i have the 3000 minute per month plan, but i don't think so
i found out about the kit + plan by calling in, and was inquiring about "trying" the aircard for 30 days - the T-mobile sales rep informed me i could go that way, but cost was $149 for the aircard and $49 a month for the plan and the only benefit over what i got was that with the aircard i'd have a separate phone line (or sim card) for the aircard. I simply clip the phone's holster to the upper right hand corner of the laptop's screen
with the cell connected thru the laptop, like i said, if a call comes in, it displays the caller id on the phone while it rings - if i choose not to answer, it goes straight to voice mail. If i answer, the web connection goes on hold, so i can't surf and talk at same time. and as it's unlimited service, time on the web does not count against my 3000 minute plan.
total time to connect to the web when i first connect the phone is maybe 1 minute to 1.5 minutes open the program, select "connect", wait while it dials, and i'm good to go
but one other plus - the cell phone recharges off the laptop connection as it's drawing 5v from the USB port
now, even at home, i browse the web from the couch while watching the boob tube so the phone charges - even if i don't go on the web, it will recharge the phone as long as the computer is turned on, so it saves me from carrying a phone charger when i hit the road for conventions or meets with customers
speed is somewhere between DSL service and dialup service - i'm on it as i type this, and best way to give a reference, when i clikked on the link to open this thread it took 2 seconds, maybe 2.5 at tops
all the carriers offer it, but would prefer you buy an aircard with a dedicated cellphone line
call your carrier and ask their sales rep - and push them a bit as they will want to sell you the air card