Laptop usage on the road???

[T1bubba]

Go wireless!

I just wanted to be able to check email and do some very basic surfing without having to carry a laptop around, so I got a Handspring Treo 300 Palm Phone. It's a little bigger than a normal cell phone but still easily fits in my pocket. It connects at normal 56K dial-up speeds, but since I use mobile-designed sites whenever possible the speed works fine. It also has a thumb-keyboard which is faster and more accurate than graffiti.

I get unlimited wireless data for $10/month more than my normal Sprint wireless plan, and it's worked everywhere I've tried it so far. Another nice feature is you can sync Avantgo before getting on a flight, then surf the Avantgo channels during flight (from memory).

It's no replacement for a laptop and I wouldn't want to type more than a couple paragraphs on it, but for what I need it works great (plus amazon.com had some great rebates on it).

 

[azpilot]

Re: satisfied (if not wildly happy) aol user

For prpjt,

Don't know about uninstalling AOL & how much trash it leaves behind, but a reasonably smart tech rep can fix your internet settings from the Control Panel. Reformat is unnecessary overkill (tho probably a more effective deterrent).

I hate to say it but I have seen it ruin multiple computers and no you couldn't just go into the control panel and reset things. AOL messes with your system registry which makes it extremely difficult to find things and remove them. Sometimes you can get lucky by just re-installing your operating system. I have had to reformat the drive on multiple machines before. Unless you want to use AOL's proprietary online service and chat rooms I see no reason to sign up for its service. If you want to surf the Internet then sign up with an access provider like MSN, AT&T or Earthlink. My preferred dial up provider is AT&T.

- AZPilot

 

[Chas]

Aol is a virus!

Aol has all the signs of a virus. It takes over your computer . Just say NO to AOL !!!

 

[flaps30]

Sprint PCS

Sprint PCS sells an aircard for your PC, the speed is good, but the data is compressed and some pics and video are so, so. You can add an additional line to your exisiting service and not tie up your cell. Your ISP becomes Sprint and comes with the plan. I pay 90 bucks, have two lines, one for cell one for aircard, unlimited internet minutes using aircard, 2000 anytime minutes. You can use it anywhere, no phone lines, ect. I was concerned the speed would suck, but better than dial up, slower than a Cable modem.