Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I am using my Sony Erickson card with my t-mobile service to write this review. So, how is it working out? Hmmm....
Okay, so the card cost me $200 (I did not get a free one - if I had perhaps I would like it more). In my job I need constant available internet access, so I broke down and invested in this. It works. You can get internet access anywhere you can get cellular signal. The antennae is all but useless (it keeps falling off due to poor design) but the card works about 80+% as well without the hassle of the antennae anyway, so it is a wash. Reception is very good, and even when you have 2 (out of 5) bars, you can keep working. One [red] bar is pretty much death. You might get Google or some other easy-to-load website, but that's about it.
What really annoys me is the connection speed. Occasionally I will get a blistering 24MBs (that is a good mid-point wi-fi average for a cell phone company). But I am spending $50 a month (on top of the $200 card) and my computer tells me that I usually get speeds slower than dial-up, except when I am at a hotspot. Hotspot speeds are what you would expect, generally 11MBS (very nice) to 54MBS (Whoah! Slow down there speedy!!), but the whole point of spending this much money is to get internet access anywhere. That means I am driving in my car and decide that I simply cannot live another day unless I pull over, flip open my laptop, and order another copy of the new Harry Potter **right now**. With this card you can do that, but you may be waiting a few minutes for the page to load. It is best to say that the speed is spotty. You never know how fast or slow it will be when you are on the "EDGE" or "GPRS" network.
Look: If you absolutely *must* be connected to the net at an on-call basis, yes this is a solid investment. If you don't have the antennae plugged into the card (it pops in and out "too" easily), then the card is not that much of a nuisance. I have started to leave my card plugged in all of the time and I hardly notice it. But... if you can live with free internet access from the library, or using the hotspots at ANY Starbucks (like there aren't a million of those) then I would pick up a $5-$10 wi-fi Belkin network card and spend the $20-$30 on a t-mobile hotspot account that allows you to get those super fast hotspot internet speeds I mentioned above any time you are either at Starbucks, the library, or an independent coffeehouse that has free wi-fi access.
Lastly: just so I am clear... If you DO buy this card and then spend the $50 a month with t-mobile, you DO still get total access at any Hot Spot as a priority, and you ONLY sign on to the somewhat clunkier GPRS wi-fi if there is no regular signal to be found nearby. So after the initial $200 blow to your wallet, it is really only an extra twenty bucks a month. The factors you need to consider are how much you would spend to get internet access at home versus just having this card and service so you can get internet access at home - AND - anywhere else by using ONLY this service. As an example: my total internet bill is $50 a month. I hope this helped.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Ericsson GC89 - Network / wireless cellular modem combo - plug-in module - CardBus - GSM, GPRS, HSCSD, EDGE - 247.4 Kbps - 802.11b, 802.11g
Enjoy the same communication and computing power that you have in the office while you're on the move. The seamless global connectivity of the quad-band GC89 keeps you connected to email, Web, and company networks, regardless of where business takes you. In addition to quad-band GSM coverage, the GC89 also features EDGE and GPRS data capabilities, and includes WiFi support--the perfect way to take advantage of T-Mobile HotSpots.
Stay Connected Whether you're waiting at an airport, relaxing at your hotel, or meeting a client, it doesn't really matter; the GC89 allows you to stay connected as if you were in your office or at home. Covering more geographical territory than any other cellular technology, the T-Mobile supported card supports EDGE technology and offers transfer speeds comparable to those of basic fixed-line services. Meanwhile, the built-in WiFi capabilities lets you enjoy high speed Internet access using wireless networks at hotspots around the country.
Before checkout, choose a T-Mobile Internet plan that's right for you. The T-Mobile Total Internet plan gives you unlimited Internet access and unlimited T-Mobile HotSpot usage across the US. Or, for a little more each month, the T-Mobile Total Internet with Corporate My Email plan gives you all the features of the former plan, and also allows you to stay connected to your corporate email and Web services while on the go.
It's easy to connect with what matters with unlimited Internet access and unlimited T-Mobile HotSpot access for your laptop. T-Mobile HotSpots are conveniently located nationwide at Starbucks coffeehouses, FedEx Kinko's Office and Print Centers, and numerous airports.
Card Design and Features The design of the GC89 incorporates a unique integrated antenna that frees you from the need to remove any part of your card from your notebook for transport.
Compatible with nearly all popular notebook PCs equipped with a type II PC card slot and the Microsoft Windows operating system, the GC89 data card can to be used with multiple laptops or other supported mobile devices, making it a great choice for personal or business use.
Vital Statistics The Sony Ericsson GC89 Laptop PC card operates on the 850/900/1800/1900 GPS/GPRS/EDGE frequencies and features Wireless LAN IEEE 802.11b/g (Wi-Fi) support. It is a 32-bit Cardbus, card type II PC data card and measures 4.0 x 2.1 x 0.4 inches and weighs 2.0 ounces. It is compatible with the Windows98/Me/2000/XP operating systems.
0 comments:
Post a Comment