internet access on the road

[cArNiVaLwOrKeR]

I'm in a campsite in the middle of nowhere michigan and I'm on via my Verizon Treo 650. I have a very weak signal here (1 bar) and am testing out at 52k right now. I've seen as high as 128k with a good signal. This is on their 1x data network and in the vast majority of places I have a 1x data connection (even in the middle of the U. P. ). Outside of their data network I can use my Treo 650 as a dial up modem and can connect at 19k. It's slow but it can get the job done. When on the 1x data network it's very usable. For browsing the TDR site I change to the PDA/Dial-up skin and it's very fast - I wish more sites would offer a stripped down version for slow connections. My data plan costs me $45/month for unlimited usage on top of my cell bill. Technically you aren't supposed to use a laptop with it but lots of people do and as long as you don't abuse it it doesn't seem to be a problem. Most of the time I browse right from my phone.

I now have the Sprint wireless access card and that is better 1200kbs down and 130kbps up.

 

[JHardwick]

Flying J has internet access but its hap hazzard and costly... .

I'm on my second of three months and find it as fast as my cable connection at home. I may try Sprint next so I'm not tied to a truck stop, but I've been really happy with WiFi @ the Hook (Flying J).



I'm on it now

 

[Steve St.Laurent]

That sounds like EvDO. I've replaced my Treo 650 with a 700 and it has EvDO support where it exists. In Michigan right now that's only down in the Detroit area - elsewhere it's 1x data. The 1x data network has been expanded greatly now - it's in nearly the entire state of Michigan now. I haven't been outside the 1x data network in the last couple months.

 

[robertyoke]

most coffee shops have service. starbucks you will have to purchase to get the access code. but some are free just pull up out front and you are good to go.

-robert

 

[LandShark]

I've been using a Cingular AirCard for about a year now on several trips around the US. It seems to work well anywhere you can get a cell signal. Even while driving. Unlimited use is about $70/month including taxes.



I had a XPS rib blow out last month on a trip and while I changed to the spare my wife was on the internet to locate the nearest Costco to buy a new tire!

 

[Bob Cochran]

I have Verizon broadband access card which was recommended by my brother and over the road trucker. So far he likes it and I have to so far. Is there dead spots and slower rates, YES. Just like any cell phone but so far so good.