(Source: McClatchy/Tribune)
When you're working on the go, it's important to stay connected and the last thing you want to worry about or have time for is searching out a hot spot, which is why a solution like a portable cellular modem might be a worthy investment. These devices, such as the T-Mobile WebConnect USB, Verizon Wireless USB760, AT&T USBConnect Mercury, and Sierra Wireless 598U for Sprint, simply plug right into your laptop and let you get online either via a cellular or Wi-Fi connection.
Compare reviews: http://reviews.cnet.com/4321-6448_7-6662483.html
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T-Mobile WebConnect USB Laptop Stick
_ CNET rating: 3 stars out of 5 (Good)
_ The good: The T-Mobile WebConnect USB Laptop Stick offers tri-band 3G connectivity. You can also send/receive text messages from your PC and it also offers up to 8GB of storage via the microSD expansion slot.
_ The bad: The service plan is too expensive. It's not Mac compatible.
_ The cost: $49.99 to $249.99
_ The bottom line: The T-Mobile WebConnect USB Laptop Stick works just fine as a cellular modem, but the service plan is priced too high.
_ Full review: http://reviews.cnet.com/modems/t-mobile-webconnect-usb/4505-3004_7-33596239.html
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Verizon Wireless USB760 modem
_ CNET rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good)
_ The good: The Verizon Wireless USB760 modem offers EV-DO Rev. A data speeds through Verizon's network. It also works with Mac and Linux systems and offers up to 8GB of storage.
_ The bad: No built-in GPS.
_ The cost: $19.99
_ The bottom line: The Verizon Wireless USB760 modem offers great connection speeds and coverage, and it doubles as a storage device. However, its rigid, nonswivel design makes it difficult to use in tight situations.
_ Full review: http://reviews.cnet.com/modems/verizon-wireless-usb760-modem/4505-3004_7-33411169.html
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AT&T USBConnect Mercury - wireless cellular modem
_ CNET rating: 3 stars out of 5 (Good)
_ The good: The AT&T USBConnect Mercury is easy to use, and offers expandable memory. You can also get the cellular modem for free after rebates.
_ The bad: The SIM card and microSD expansion slots are in an inconvenient location. The modem doesn't offer GPS capabilities. AT&T's 3G coverage was spotty and the carrier charges higher overage fees than the competitors.
_ The cost: $99.99
_ The bottom line: While the AT&T USBConnect Mercury is simple to use and can be had for free, it simply doesn't offer the reliable coverage and faster speeds of the competition.
_ Full review: http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phone-and-smart/at-t-usbconnect-mercury/4505-6448_7-33675549.html
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Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 (Sprint)
_ CNET rating: 3.5 stars out of 5 (Very good)
_ The good: The Sprint Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 mobile router is an excellent mobile Internet solution for a single user or a group of up to five people. It's tiny and offers instant Wi-Fi Internet access and GPS point-of-interest function anywhere there's print coverage.
_ The bad: The Sprint Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 mobile has a few shortcomings, including support for only five clients at a time, the lack of support for the Wireless-N standard, and a limited and expensive data plan.
_ The cost: $99.99
_ The bottom line: If you can afford the service plan and stay within the required data limits, the Sprint Novatel Wireless MiFi 2200 mobile router is a great way to access the Internet on the go.
_ Full review: http://reviews.cnet.com/modems/novatel-wireless-mifi-2200/4505-3004_7-33675616.html
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The following CNET staff contributed to this story: Senior Associate Editor Bonnie Cha, Associate Editor II Dong Ngo and Senior Features Editor Laura K. Cucullu. For more reviews of personal technology products, please visit www.cnet.com.
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(c) 2009, CNET Networks, Inc., a CBS Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
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