Air Cards?

[Danny46]

Looking to get an air card, ideally I'd like no contract and decent coverage. I use ATT for my phone but am not adverse to using another service for the air card. Any good/bad experiences out there? Any to stay away from?

[Veight7]

I had sprint back in the day. Back when 3g was the new thing. Used it on my laptop while I was driving OTR trucks worked 99% of the time I'm sure they have gotten better since.

[Aceman85turbo]

The only way an air card is worthwhile is with an unlimited data plan and an amplifier, I have been on grandfathered verizon for over 3 years now with not many positive things to say.

[ceyko]

What KIND of phone is your primary phone? As far as I know all iPhones and Android phones have the ability to basically do the same thing.

Was there a particular reason you wanted a card as opposed to using a phone? Asking, just to validate. Past that, generally speaking a card is a card. Analyze coverage areas and pick your carrier and 3g vs 4g

[hunt4m3x]

If you do get one, get a Mifi, so you aren't restricted to one device plus you can hang it by the window for better service. If you have a smartphone, just root it and use an app to do tether.

[Danny46]

Thanks guys, I have an iphone currently and I wanted to keep it separate because in my mind if I have two devices running off the same internet i.e. using the phone and the laptop at the same time, the internet will be slow. Another reason would be so that I could have two different services in case I hit a no reception area.

Aceman, what do you mean an amplifier?

I mainly want this for when I go storm chasing, makes it easier to use a radar on laptop, submit reports, etc than a phone. Also helps to have multiple devices operating. It would come in handy for other things as well like school and photography, but storm chasing would be the main reason

[ceyko]

Since you have an ATT phone, I'd recommend a Verizon device then if that's what you want to do. The reason being is in my travels (generally 500 mile radius of DFW) anytime my Verizon phone has reception problems - the ATT/iPhone folks are good to go and vice-versa.

Just keep them both turn-up (both broadcasting to be connected to) and swap between them when having issues. Although, in those crazy storms you're dealing with there are a lot of anomalies that could potentially cause complete loss of service - however I'm sure you realize that one.

[Aceman85turbo]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cyfre-Direct-Connect-Dual-Band-Cellular-Phone-EVDO-Amplifier-Booster-Kit-/260857336449?pt=PDA_Accessories&hash=item3cbc4f1281

without an amplifier 3g is completely useless outside of dallas.

[Redd]

I have one through att.... I liked it for travels.

[Danny46]

Ceyko, yeah thats kind of what I had in mind. Yeah the storms coupled with high volumes of driving in outlying areas makes for bad reception lol.

Aceman, thanks. Will definitely be looking into getting that!