Mobile Computing: Staying Connected While On The Go?

Answer 1

There are few things more frustrating than being out and about and unable to check one's email or update Facebook or Twitter. In small towns and rural areas, the only wireless hotspot may be McDonald's. In larger cities and urban areas, the local cable company may provide free wireless hotspots in highly populated areas. Chain bookstores, public libraries, coffee shops, and cafes often offer free Wi-Fi access. Barring searching for free Wi-Fi, there are a few other guaranteed ways to stay connected while on the go.

1. Wireless broadband access. Companies such as Verizon offer wireless broadband plans for laptop computers. The plans range from $40-60 per month for a two year contract. Wireless access is achieved through a USB card which is plugged into a laptop's USB port. The computer can then ostensibly access the internet from any location. However, there are drawbacks to wireless broadband access. The lower-priced plan is, of course, limited on data usage, and only good for two or three days worth of usage, such as on a weekend road trip. Going over the limit incurs additional costs. Wireless broadband is actually dial-up internet, and the broadband card may not be able to reach the satellite in very rural and mountainous locations. This service is also very slow.
2. Smart phones. iPods, Blackberries and Androids are the simplest way to stay online while out and about. A phone is the smallest, easiest to transport wireless device, and can be used fairly unobtrusively anywhere. Apps keep users connected to social networking sites and search engines, and email and texts can be sent right from the phone. A standard cell phone also has texting capability, but needs an additional texting plan to keep costs down.
3. Tablet computers. Tablets, such as the iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab, fall in between laptops and smartphones. They are larger than smartphones and better for watching movies and searching the internet, easier to transport than laptops, and usually have front- and rear-facing cameras. They do not function as phones so an additional cell phone is needed. Tablets require a data usage plan like a smartphone. Additional keyboards are needed for extended typing.

Answer 2

There are few things more frustrating than being out and about and unable to check one's email or update Facebook or Twitter. In small towns and rural areas, the only wireless hotspot may be McDonald's. In larger cities and urban areas, the local cable company may provide free wireless hotspots in highly populated areas. Chain bookstores, public libraries, coffee shops, and cafes often offer free Wi-Fi access. Barring searching for free Wi-Fi, there are a few other guaranteed ways to stay connected while on the go.

1. Wireless broadband access. Companies such as Verizon offer wireless broadband plans for laptop computers. The plans range from $40-60 per month for a two year contract. Wireless access is achieved through a USB card which is plugged into a laptop's USB port. The computer can then ostensibly access the internet from any location. However, there are drawbacks to wireless broadband access. The lower-priced plan is, of course, limited on data usage, and only good for two or three days worth of usage, such as on a weekend road trip. Going over the limit incurs additional costs. Wireless broadband is actually dial-up internet, and the broadband card may not be able to reach the satellite in very rural and mountainous locations. This service is also very slow.
2. Smart phones. iPods, Blackberries and Androids are the simplest way to stay online while out and about. A phone is the smallest, easiest to transport wireless device, and can be used fairly unobtrusively anywhere. Apps keep users connected to social networking sites and search engines, and email and texts can be sent right from the phone. A standard cell phone also has texting capability, but needs an additional texting plan to keep costs down.
3. Tablet computers. Tablets, such as the iPad or Samsung Galaxy Tab, fall in between laptops and smartphones. They are larger than smartphones and better for watching movies and searching the internet, easier to transport than laptops, and usually have front- and rear-facing cameras. They do not function as phones so an additional cell phone is needed. Tablets require a data usage plan like a smartphone. Additional keyboards are needed for extended typing.