Dale and I operate an Internet based business (EasyCall Communications), but we also like to travel.  The dilemma has always been how to get on-line to get email, update web pages or look up rates for customers who call while we’re away from our home office.  WiFi enabled laptops was a solution when we could get to a hot-spot, but the likelihood of a customer calling while we were near a hot-spot was slim.

For a couple years we’ve been considering a laptop card that would give us Internet where ever we had cellular coverage, but it was a bit of a daunting task to decide which device would serve us best.  We are currently AT&T cellphone customers, so we opted for AT&T as our network, and after much study and review, we finally decided on the Option Quicksilver USB Modem.

The Quicksilver supports high-speed data connectivity anywhere within the AT&T coverage area.  It is compatible with both AT&T 3G high speed broadband connect and nationwide EDGE data networks.  We are Mac users, so it was important that any card we chose be Mac compatible.  The Quicksilver works with Windows 2000 Pro, Personal and XP Home/Pro, Vista, and Mac OS.

The Quicksilver is one of the smallest HSPA-capable devises available.  It weighs only 1.2 ounces, and uses the new Icera Livanto chipset, which handles GSM/GPRS/EDGE/3G data.  Speeds will vary depending on networks.  It gives 70 to 135 kpbs downloads on an EDGE network and 700 kpbs to 1.7 Mbps downloads on HSPA.

Besides being small and lightweight, another feature we like is that it has a four position click mechanism for its swiveling cap design – there is no protective cap to lose.  It is plug and play with the automatic installation of the AT&T Communication Manager software.  Currently the Quicksilver ships with only the Windows software, so Mac users will need to download the software from the AT&T website.  One problem you might encounter if you’re a Mac user like us, is that the instructions say to leave the “APN” field blank on the Mac software.  Doing that you’ll be unable to connect.  You should put – isp.cingular – as the APN with no user-name or password and that will solve the issue.

Perhaps the best part about getting the Quicksilver is that you can get it for FREE with a two year data contract from AT&T.  The data plan will cost you $60 per month, but the freedom to be productive while away from your office is priceless.

We’re just not the stay at home kind of people.  We’re semi-retired and as such, we want the freedom to travel, go camping, and spend time with our family.  But running an Internet based business often complicates our plans.  If you’re finding yourself in a similar position, consider getting a wireless laptop card for your your computer and gain the freedom to log-on anywhere you have cellular service.  To review all available laptop wireless modems, visit EasyCall Cellular and choose ‘Air Card’ from the ‘Phone Type’ menu on the right.