Alltel : PCMCIA data card or tether?

drewnick · EVDO Newbie Joined: 26 Sep 2007 Posts: 3

I am going to be doing a lot of traveling and am trying to figure out which would be better overall:

* PCMCIA data card @ $59.95/mo
OR
* Tethered second line: $45/mo

With the tethered second line, I'd have to carry a charger for the phone, but I'd also have the benefit of having an actual phone vs the data card.

Is speed/reception going to better or worse with either? Thanks!

i3ond · EVDO Fledgling Joined: 22 Sep 2007 Posts: 21

Normally, the phones get alittle slower speeds. But some phones have a better signal then the pc cards. I get about 500kbs Down and 90kbs Up. (Signal 3-5 Bars. Also depending on time of day like I can get 800-1000kbs at 1-6am)

I have a razor V3c. I bought my phone on ebay ($105) for alltel, so i have no contract. Which is nice . But if you get a v3c you can hook your phone up to your computer and use the internet and it will charge through the usb cable hooked to your computer. I have my phone downloading stuff all day and i haven't used the charger yet since i bought the phone. (since by having it plugged into the computer charges it)

drewnick · EVDO Newbie Joined: 26 Sep 2007 Posts: 3

I really like the idea of no contract - even though they told me they could do a 1yr contract.

Big Twin · Posted: Wed Sep 26, 2007 2:48 pm Post subject:

I was using my only phone, a Moto E815 and tethered it for about a month using the $25 data plan. I now have a PC5750 data card (no contract) along with the $59.95 data plan. It's difficult to measure because the connection speeds vary from time to time. I really didn't see much difference in speeds using an external antenna with both devices. the biggest problem with tethering is all the cords involved. Some phones can bluetoothed which solves the cord problem but at a price...reduced speeds. Smile

drewnick · EVDO Newbie Joined: 26 Sep 2007 Posts: 3

I've decided to try using my Alltel BB 8830 and will report back how it does.