Recently, the New Jersey Appellate Division ruled that during jury selection, an attorney may utilize his laptop through a wireless connection to Google the names of potential jurors. During jury selection, plaintiff’s counsel was using his laptop to Google the names of potential jurors. As jury selection progressed, the Judge asked the plaintiff’s counsel if he was utilizing his laptop to Google the names of potential jurors. Counsel advised the court that he was indeed doing so. The trial Judge ordered counsel to discontinue Googling the names of the potential jurors as the Judge felt it gave counsel an unfair advantage over defense counsel who did not have a laptop present.

On appeal, one of the issues addressed by the Appellate Division was whether or not the trial Judge had the discretion to order counsel to stop using his computer to Google the names of potential jurors. The Appellate Division noted that New Jersey state courts provide free wireless internet access for anyone with a laptop. As such, it did not accept the trial Judge’s finding that plaintiff’s counsel had an unfair advantage over defense counsel in utilizing that free public wireless internet access. The Appellate Division wrote that as plaintiff’s counsel “had the foresight to bring his laptop computer to work, and defense counsel did not, simply cannot serve as a basis for judicial intervention in the name of fairness or maintaining a level playing field. The playing field was in fact already level because internet access was open to both counsel, even if only one of them chose to utilize it.”

This unpublished decision holds that during jury selection, attorneys may utilize free public wireless internet access during that process without first giving notice to the court. Accordingly, it is important for counsel to have a laptop and the ability to utilize same (we at Reardon Anderson do).

By: Erik Anderson, Esq

In connecting the computers to a wireless network, there are many choices of the wireless network adapters you can install including the USB Wireless Adapters, PCI wireless network adapters, or card bus adapters (for your notebooks). Well, when you come to decide – which type of adapter would be your choice? My recommendation is USB, why?

There are many reasons why you should choose USB wireless adapters for the wireless connection. If you manage more than one computer in home or in office that need to connect to the wireless network environment, choosing USB adapter would give you many benefits.

Easy to Install

The first benefit you can get by deploying the USB wireless adapters is easy installation. Installing the USB adapter is relatively much easier than PCI adapter. With PCI adapter, you have to open the computer case to install it; inserting the adapter into one of the available PCI slots of the computer. For some people who do mind with the hassle of opening the computer case, USB adapter would be the perfect choice. Besides, only computer engineer may open the computer case for maintenance reason. With USB adapter, you can easily install and insert the adapter into the desktop computer or laptop with USB enabled without opening the computer case.

Helps Troubleshooting

With USB wireless adapters, you can easily remove the adapter off the computer and installing to other computer or laptop for troubleshooting reason. In networking environment, there will come the time you need to troubleshoot the network connection problem in one computer. The easiest way to determine if the adapter is faulty is by swapping it with the one that is proven to work on the other computer – again without the need of opening the computer case. Swapping the computer components for troubleshooting reason is the easiest way to justify that the component is still functional or not. Unlike USB adapter, PCI adapter can only work with the desktop computers with PCI slots enabled. Similarly, with the card bus adapter you can only install it into the notebooks or the laptops. USB wireless adapters are versatile; you can install them both into the desktop computers and the notebooks. Thus, helps you troubleshoot the network connection problem.

Compatible with Next-Gen USB 3.0

Digital technology changes very fast. In 2007, Intel demonstrated SuperSpeed USB (aka USB 3.0) at the Intel Developer Forum. USB 3.0 is the next generation of Universal Serial Bus to dramatically simplify the connection between host computer and peripheral devices. Up to this year 2010, USB 2.0 has been firmly entrenched as the de-facto interface standard in the PC world. In the next several years, the next generation of the computers will be embedded with this new generation USB 3.0. One of the promises feature of USB 3.0, besides its higher transfer rates up to 4.8 Gbps, it is backward compatible with USB 2.0 wireless adapters you currently invest now.

Which USB Wireless Adapters

In considering purchasing the USB wireless USB adapters, you should select the latest version available at the market today. Choose the adapter which supports the next generation of the wireless technology standards: wireless -n (draft 2.0 802.11n). Wireless -n is the future of the wireless technology available in the market you can taste today. You don’t need to worry with the compatibility issues with the legacy wireless b/g devices, mostly the wireless -n devices are backward compatible with 802.11b/g devices (with Wi-Fi Certified label).

If your wireless environment supports dual-band both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, it would be much better if your USB adapters support dual-band as well. Is the USB wireless adapter the best choice in all cases? Off course not, in a situation where the computers are placed in public area and can be accessed by public users, the deployment of the USB wireless adapters is prone to stealing. USB adapter is easy to unplug without being noticed. Therefore, the wireless PCI adapters would be the best choice.

By: Ki Grinsing

A wireless network is a communication facility that uses radio as their carrier or physical layer. The basic network consists of multiple stations communicating in a frequency range of 2.4GHz and 4.9GHz. Wireless networking is the state-of-art technology and an alternative to such networks which is hard wired by physical copper or fiber optic cables. Such a network has its advantages and disadvantages, compared to a wired network. The major advantage in having a wireless network is its mobility and elimination of cabling. Potential disadvantage is interferences due to weather, other wireless devices, or obstructions, like walls. It is gaining much demand in both home and business applications.

The two-way radio communication works on High Frequency (HF), Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) bands. The HF band ranges from 3 to 30 MHz, with VHF at 30 MHz to 300MHz band, while UHF belongs to a bandwidth of 300 MHz and 3.0 GHz.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a wireless connectivity limited to local area networking. It utilises the same functions as that of a wired system, such as the Local Area Network (LAN). WLAN uses the spread spectrum technology on radio waves for communication between devices within a limited area. This facilitates the user to move around within the broad coverage area, and still remain connected.

Mobile communication implies communication through radio network. The most obvious example is establishing a wireless connectivity between a mobile network and the mobile handset or mobile terminals. The connection between the base stations to the core network of a mobile phone operator, in surprisingly high numbers, is realised through radio links. More-over, Wireless Local area Networks (WLAN) is gaining a major growth in the market today, with radio networking in office, at home and for public access. The base of Fixed Wireless Broadband is formed by the combination of radio link and WLAN technologies, being a move from proprietary into standard solutions. A further example could be set, when realising that the vendors have come up with a variety of solutions, where a single Internet connection can be utilised by more computers. This all have one thing in common – the computers need to be networked.

We presently see the advent of seamless wireless data and voice communication. The key capability of the next generation wireless communication would be Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which forms a part of WLAN. The Quality-of-Service (QoS) is one of the planning issues in VoIP over WLAN. These issues are mainly, call control, network capacity, provisioning, architecture and others. For optimisation of this networking, the issues need to be looked into on a WLAN-by-WLAN basis. To meet the requirements of three main market segments is a challenge by itself in deployment parameters of WLANs. These market segments are:

1. Residential, small office and home office applications.
2. Private networking on VoIP WLAN.
3. VoIP over WLAN interfacing the public telephone network.

Following are the benefits of WLAN technology:

 There are situations where, wired connectivity between stations becomes costly, inconvenient or impossible. For example, cable-lay becomes a very costly proposition in a large building, where the stations are situated.

 In order to connect two buildings, separated by some physical, legal or financial hindrance, you can either ask your telecommunication authority to supply you with necessary links, or you can use WLAN application for the connectivity.

 WLAN can be used as a temporary measure for communication, which is in place for a specific time only. For example, such a network is suitable for trade shows or a convention, where laying cables for an Ethernet network becomes superfluous.

 In certain buildings, governed by building codes, laying cable becomes illegal. WLAN finds a perfect application in that situation.

 The WLAN technology is very attractive to home owners with several computers. A network could be set up without drilling holes in the wall and laying the cables for connectivity.

 A mobile laptop owner can always remain connected to the network, whether he is in the hallway, lobbies, cafeterias, classrooms or in a meeting.

 An easy way to remain connected to the internet at public places.

Etc

If you are in the middle of a public place, like, the airport, coffee shop, library or hotel, the chances are that you are already connected by wireless network. Increasing number of cities are using WiFi or 802.11 networking technology to provide low cost internet service to the residents. A time is coming when wireless networking will enable you to access internet just about anywhere anytime, without the use of wires. The mobile operators have started to provide such a wireless internet service, through a wireless network card, which goes in your notebook. This renders you mobile to any place you go and even to places in the world with a roaming account.

Security in wireless network can be divided into two parts: Authentication and Encryption. While authentication mechanisms can be used to identify a client in the network and the other-way-round, encryption makes it sure that it is not possible to intercept and decode data being transmitted.

There are two major primary security issues in wireless networking:

1. Access – Provide adequate access grants to the selected people who can use the network, without which, anyone in the vicinity could gain access into your network.

2. Privacy – Making sure that your network is not visible to anyone else. If this is not taken care of, anyone in the vicinity can watch everything you do on the network.

The total network is secured by administrator password, which is required to log into the devices, networked. The routers and access points in the network, cannot be accessed without such secured passwords. As soon as a WLAN is set up the first thing you want to do is to change the default password to something of your own. Without such a password the only way to access the network is to reset the total hardware to its factory default settings.

WLAN continuously and automatically broadcasts the network name, or the Service set Identifier (SSID). SSID is the name given to your WLAN, and all devices in the WLAN network uses this name to communicate to each other. This process makes setting up of wireless clients in the network extremely easy by locating your WLAN, and on the other hand. this makes your network to be visible to anyone operating within the range of your transmission. Turning off the SSID broadcast would make your network invisible to others.

To enable a secured network, disable the option of remote administration. Most of WLAN routers can be remotely administered, via internet. This feature should only be used, if the network lets you define a specefic IP address or a range of addresses, which would be allowed to access the network administration. It is advisable to keep the remote administration option turned off.

It won’t be right to say that your network is completely secured. It is always possible for ‘snoopers’ to get into your traffic. Some network have been built and managed with more security built into it, but, for both LAN and WLAN, we often ask ourselves – how secured are we?

By: Prabir Sen

Traditionally, for a business to process credit cards, there had to be a credit card terminal, or point of sale system, physically at the place of business that the customer had to swipe their card through. This method is perfectly acceptable to any business which is a traditional brick-and-mortar setup. However, for businesses which travel to their customers, like plumbers, cable technicians, home repair, mobile auto detailers, and so on, there becomes a problem. It is best to collect the money at the time the service is rendered. For mobile businesses, without a terminal, the customer’s credit card number would have to be written down and charged later which leaves the door open for many problems. Two other types of businesses that need the ability to process credit cards, but cannot physically swipe the customers card are online stores and phone order companies. The aim of this article is to make the reader aware of the various payment acceptance methods of merchant credit card processing.

Retail credit card processing is the standard method of accepting merchant credit card payments. With this method the business has a card terminal, or point of sale system with integrated card reader, physically at their place of business. When a sale is made, the customer swipes their card and the terminal connects to the payment processor via dial up modem or dedicated internet access. This is the most straight forward solution for any standard brick-and-mortar business in which customers come to the store. Examples of stores like this are: convenience stores, auto repair shops, clothing stores, etc.

Wireless credit card processing is a credit card terminal that has the ability to connect wirelessly to a payment processor. Usually these types of terminals connect via an AT&T or Verizon service plan that is included with the monthly price of the terminal. This type of merchant processing is ideal for businesses who travel to their customers. Rather than having to carry cash, worry about theft, invalid card numbers, or bad checks, the customers card can be ran on the spot. If the card is invalid, or has insufficient funds, the terminal reports that immediately. Wireless merchant accounts make doing business on the go much easier.

Online merchant accounts are geared mostly toward online businesses. The types of accounts, in their simplest form, come with an online virtual terminal with their payment gateway. Two popular payment gateways that offer virtual terminals are Authorize.net and Linkpoint. The virtual terminal lets a business log in from any internet connection, via a web browser, and type in the customers information into the virtual terminal for processing. The virtual terminal replies immediately to whether the card was successfully processed or not. For online stores, and more advanced users, the payment gateways can be directly integrated via programming and API calls, to an online store. This type of merchant service also works well for mobile businesses because, with a laptop and wireless internet connection, the virtual terminal can be used from anywhere. However, using the virtual terminal, rates are usually higher than using a standard wireless credit card terminal.

MOTO (Mail Order, Telephone Order) credit card processing is for exactly that: businesses that handle mail orders or telephone orders. This type of processing is much less popular due to the popularity of website ordering. Merchant service providers usually view MOTO processing as a higher risk of chargeback or fraud because the customers card is not physically required, in any way, to process the transaction. Typically rates for MOTO accounts are higher than standard retail or online merchant accounts.

A new type of card processing emerging, due to the popularity of smart phones, is mobile card processing. This type of processing is very similar to wireless credit card processing in the sense that a business can travel to the customers and accept payments on the fly. The difference is, however, the processing program is downloaded as an app on a smart phone (Android, Blackberry, or iPhone). The app’s have many more features than a standard hand-held credit card terminal and give users the ability to view detailed reports, customer search queries, and more, from the palm of their hand. The most popular mobile credit card processing app is Payware Mobile for the iPhone. Payware Mobile is available through many merchant service providers.

I hope this article helped you discover that there are many options available to you in the method you accept credit card payments. Stay tuned for more articles explaining facets of merchant accounts and credit card processing. Thanks for reading.

By: Paul D Roberts

Wireless networking has been in the mainstream for the last few years, it’s appeal is the flexibility it offers in terms of no wires, being able to connect to the internet from literally anywhere in your house or garden.

Just how do we go about connecting to the internet wirelessly? A wireless network needs to have two components A Wireless Router/Modem to share the internet connection A suitable Wireless card in your laptop or desktop Just about every new laptop has a wireless card built in, (the actual type is the mini PCI)

But what if you have an older laptop that does not have a wireless network card built in? don’t despair there are a number of options available to make most laptops wireless. The best choice is the mini pci or internal wireless card, the biggest advantage about this type of card is that it is installed internally, no obtrusive aerial or anything else sticking out, check online or contact us to find out if you laptop will take one of these type of card.

Next we have the USB wifi card known as a dongle, it looks the same as a pen drive or memory stick, and out of all network cards is perhaps the easiest to install, just install the software plug in the USB wifi card and your ready to connect to your network, the downsides of this type of network card are, it sticks out and can be easy to knock, it also has to be removed when you want to travel with the laptop. Lastly we have the PCMCIA wireless network card, although PCMCIA ports are becoming somewhat redundant just about every laptop has one of two of these long horizontal ports and if your short of USB ports this could be just what your looking for, perhaps not as obtrusive as the USB type, it still needs to be removed when travelling with your laptop though. Due to the amount of wireless network cards on the market the prices have come down a lot over the past year and now decent wifi cards can be purchased for as little as ?15, by decent I mean either a 54g or 54mpbs type of card, rather than the much slower 802.11b type of cards.

Installing

When installing a wireless network card, ensure that you read the documentation prior to installing, most cards need to have the software installed before the card is connected or plugged in, otherwise the software drivers may fail to load properly, giving configuration issues. Now your ready to connect, you should see a popup on the bottom of the screen when a wireless network is in range of the card, click on the popup and you’ll be able enter your pass code (if you have one) to connect to your wireless network.

Notes

Only use wireless networks your familiar with, especially if you need to disclose credit card details for any reason. If you setup your own wireless network you must ensure that you implement some form of security, if your router is no protected, it could be a gateway onto any devices connected to you router wireless or not computer-adviser the free online technical resource

By: Mike Holloran

For your client computers to connect to your WLAN, each of them must have a wireless adapter or wireless NIC. These adapters are small transceivers (radio transmitter/receivers) that allow your PC to send and receive radio signals. There are three main types of Wi-Fi adapters available for your WLAN: USB wireless adapters, wireless NICs, and PCMCIA cards.

A USB wireless adapter connects to your computer through its USB port. It is simple to install and enables you to adjust the location of the adapter to improve signal reception. You install a wireless NIC in a PCI slot within the computer, just like an Ethernet card; a wireless NIC installed within a computer saves desktop space. For a laptop computer, the best choice is a PCMCIA card adapter that fits in the laptop’s PC card slot

Caution: Always turn off me Power to your computer when installing internal network adapters. You usually won’t need to turn off the computer to insert PCMCIA cards or USB devices, but you may have to reboot to finish the installation.

Any time you open the case of a computer you need to take special care. Always turn off the power and unplug the cord. Don’t force adapters into PCI slots, and be careful of dropping things like screws into the case. You also should wear an anti-static wrist strap to avoid damaging components with static electricity.

Wireless adapters have two modes of operation, infrastructure and ad hoc. Installation of adapters is usually very simple. Once you install or connect the adapter to the client PC, Windows (assuming you are using Windows) usually recognizes the new hardware and prompts you to insert a disk with the appropriate drivers.

Even if you aren’t using Windows, the configuration utility that comes with your adapter will lead you through the setup process and often automatically detects your access point and the channel that it is using. Manufacturers call the ability to automatically detect and select the channel frequency-agility.

Normally the software prompts you to select an SSID from a list of detected SSIDs. Assuming your AP is the only one in range, this will be a short list. You will then enter any other required information, such as encryption keys.

Note: Windows XP has a feature called Wireless Auto Configuration. This is a useful feature if your wireless adapter supports it Wireless Auto Configuration automatically configures your card to connect to a detected preferred network.

This means that you can have several saved configurations (home, work, coffee shop, and so on) and Windows XP automatically configures your card to connect when it detects those networks. It also can prevent your computer from accidentally connecting with another network (like your neighbor’s).

The software also may prompt you to select a data speed. This is the minimum speed required to connect to your WLAN. Usually your card performs this selection automatically, based on the signal strength that it detects. If your signal strength fluctuates you can set this speed manually to a signal level that your adapter can reliably detect. There also are good security reasons for setting a high minimum connection speed.

Adapter setup should be a relatively painless process. In the event that you do run into problems, review your documentation and visit the manufacturer’s Web site for updates and helpful troubleshooting tips.

By: Patrick J Smith

As you read this article, you may be attached to a computer that’s available only in, say, your living room or bedroom. Want to run a computer or laptop anywhere in the house? Consider a wireless router.

A wireless router is network device that allows you, through the use of wireless access points (WLAN), to connect various computers to the internet without a cable. Essentially, the wireless router allows freedom for a number of internet users.

There are clear advantages to the wireless router. The word “wireless” is what it’s all about. Think of a computer connected to a cable or phone line. You can sense that the machine is tethered to a wall or fixture. This means you’ll be spending a lot of time on a seat (perhaps an uncomfortable one) to access websites or do work.

With the advent of the wireless router, internet users can easily roam throughout the house or building and not remain connected to a phone jack or cable modem. This means if you’re working in the kitchen, you can move your laptop and find your favorite recipes. Or, if you like working outside, you’ll be able to go out to the deck without worrying about outdoor cables. If you’re in the mood for gourmet coffee, you can now head to the local caf? and surf while you’re waiting for the drink to brew. Now, even airports allow folks to wait and surf online without wires. The locations are almost endless. As long as a wireless router can be placed, you can be logged in and surfing the net.

Not being tethered to a wall might also have some benefits if you’re a self-employed businessman or an employee. Think about having a virtual office in almost any location. With stores and services that have wireless routers, you can easily set up shop at a convenient restaurant like Panera, or even McDonalds. Or, for cities and towns with wireless capabilities, access will free you from the confines of a small office or cubicle. More and more jobs are now providing employees with the chance to work from home.

Even for sales forces, an employee can go from location to location without the need to return to headquarters. Since a person can have a virtual office at the nearest Starbucks, sales reporting and other business updates can be handled through a PDA or laptop. This means less time spent at the office and more time spent on the sales effort.

Wireless routers can allow not just computer freedom, but even wifi phones. Wifi phones are phones that can use wireless technology to transmit voice like a cell phone. Instead of using cellular technology to make a call, wifi phones give the same freedom as a cell phone. In some cases, the calls are free since it’s using the internet to transmit the calls. Popular wifi phones through services like Skype are becoming wildly popular.

With the help of wireless routers, our lives can become easier and more convenient. We can go anywhere without the restrictions of wires to access the internet.

By: Michael Russell

To have Internet access at home, there are several connection types that you can use. First, there is the dial-up access where you will utilize your existing landline service to connect to the Internet. The main disadvantage of this type of connection is the slow speed.

Next, there is the mobile broadband connection which is suitable for those who often travel. With this, all you need is to subscribe to a mobile broadband service provider who will give you the equipment to use. For example, if you are given a USB dongle, that is what you will use to have Internet connection even when you are traveling.

Third, there is the more popular broadband Internet connection. This is a high-speed type of connecting to the Internet which allows you to be online on a 24/7 basis. Among the other types, this is probably the most preferred and reliable connection that you can have.

Finally, you can get connected to the Internet via wireless broadband networks. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of wireless broadband.

Wireless Broadband: The Basics

Wireless broadband service is actually similar to the traditional ADSL or Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line. It is one of the types of broadband available today which aims to provide high-speed Internet access to subscribers.

The distinctive characteristic of wireless broadband is, just as the name implies, you can connect to the Internet over a wireless connection.

To have a deeper understanding of what wireless broadband is all about, here is a quick list of its benefits:

- Wireless broadband offers the same high-speed connection as ADSL.
- There is no need for you to have a second phone line.
- You can stay connected to the Internet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- There is more mobility even while you are using your computer within your home – because you will not be restricted by wires.

Is Wireless Broadband Connection Safe to Use at Home?

One of the main concerns that subscribers have when it comes to wireless broadband connection is whether it is safe to have at home or not.

Here are some of the concerns that wireless broadband subscribers have concerning the safety of this type of connection:

- Can hackers actually ‘steal’ your information once they get into your wireless broadband connection?
- Can other people within the vicinity tap into your wireless broadband connection without your permission?
- Can other users ‘see’ the files on the computer that you are using if they are able to go through your wireless Internet connection?

To answer all of these safety concerns, there are a few things that you can do. First, make sure to enable wireless security on your network. Anyone who wants to access your wireless Internet connection needs a wireless network key.

Second, you should have a firewall installed to protect your computer files. Third, you need to make sure that your anti-virus program, your anti-spyware and all the other programs designed to protect your computer from harm are all updated.

As long as your wireless broadband connection is properly configured and you have the tools to protect your computer from harm – then this type of broadband is a literally ‘wireless’, high-speed, hassle-free and convenient way to connect to the Internet.

By: Caroline Telford

Going wireless seems to be the trend nowadays. From cellular phones to notepads, joining the fad of losing the cables and connections is the Internet.

Many companies and businesses are offering customers wireless Internet access in homes. If you are a subscriber to wireless Internet access, you probably know that this type of access gives you the chance to access the Internet without having to connect and use cables and wires. You don’t have to wait for your modem and your computer to connect to the Internet server and provider that you are calling.

Wireless Internet providers give customers access to the Internet without the wires, of course. Not only do they offer access, they also offer other services that are Internet related. Wireless access to the Internet guarantees users flexibility, for they can work anywhere and at anytime they want. They can do this without having to go through the hassle of trying to set up their computers and waiting for a connection to be established. Service fees vary, for there are different features that each wireless Internet provider offers.

By using Wireless Fidelity, or more commonly known as Wi-Fi, wireless Internet providers are able to provide users access to the World Wide Web. As long as your computer is turned on, access is continuous. This is unlike accessing the Net with the use of cables and connections that could take some time. Wireless Internet also assures quick transfer and exchange of data. Just ask your local Internet provider.

By: Kent Pinkerton

A basic fact of life these days is that most people cannot bear to be unconnected to the Internet world. While smartphones are great, they sometimes do not have all of the features that are necessary for certain business or personal needs. If you find that you are constantly wishing that you had your laptop or netbook with you, it is time to decide if tethering or a mobile broadband card will work best to suit your needs.

The competitive market for mobile broadband cards has increased significantly over the last few years. While it used to be something that only major phone carriers had, there are now cards available through a variety of sources and at different price ranges. If you choose to use a mobile Internet card, pricing and quality are the two major factors to consider.

When it comes to quality, Verizon, AT&T and Sprint are among the leaders. However, they are also among the most expensive. The price for cards from these companies is usually right around $60 a month. That is a pretty significant investment, but you are virtually guaranteed to be have a connection regardless of where you are located.

The advantage to using one of these carriers is that they will also feature free mobile Wi-Fi hotspots. With a paid subscription, you can usually tap into any area that has a true wireless connection available. Instead of using the 3g connection that most cards use, you have the benefit of having a faster Internet connection.

If speed and quality are necessary, but not a breaking point, there is also the option to make use of some of the less expensive air cards that do not have as wide a network. Companies like Clear and Cricket have limited coverage areas, but they are about $20 cheaper a month. This is a fairly good option for someone that knows they will not be traveling out of the coverage areas when they need to be connected online.

The next option would be to get a tethering plan on your mobile phone. This is offered by just about every cell phone company and functions in much the same way that an air card would. The user would have to hook up their phone via a USB port to their portable device and they are good to go. The benefit to this is that it can be much cheaper than adding air card service. Many of the smartphone plans already have data packages required and adding tethering service may only cost about $20 more a month. This service can sometimes be a bit slower than a regular air card, but the saving close to $500 a year is surely a reason to consider it.

People who own an iPhone, one of the better BlackBerry’s and Android phones would probably be best served by using a tethering service. There is a significant savings and only a moderate decrease in speed and quality. Those that are not doing a lot of downloading, can probably save money by using services such as Cricket or Clear. Everyone else is going to have to take it on the chin and subscribe to an air card service from a major provider that costs upwards of $60 a month.

By: Chris ONeal