Wanna Go Wireless?

The ability to access the Internet via wireless means has become one of the top selling assets for cell phones. Consider yourself being out and about, while your real estate business information is locked up tight in the memory of a personal computer. You know you have your latest client’s information in your e-mail, but unfortunately you are far away from the office, and you cannot retrieve it from anywhere else. Will you lose that multi-million dollar deal? Will you entrust your client’s information to someone else? Would it not be wonderful if you could access your e-mail account from the front seat of your parked car in the mini-mart’s parking lot? Actually, what you need is wireless access and there are five essentials you need to make it happen:

First and foremost, you will need a cell phone. Believe it or not, cell phones are the most useful gadgets to get on the Internet. While it is true that many cell phones themselves offer little web browsers, it is also true that they offer Internet access at data transfer rates of about 14.4 Kbps at best or maybe even less -- sometimes even only in the range of 9.6 Kbps. Computer users will remember that even dial-up Internet service usually operates at about 56 Kbps. Nonetheless, these little gadgets also have other tricks up their sleeves. When investing in a cell phone, be sure to choose a provider that offers data services!

Second, you will need a laptop or other notebook computer that runs an operating system that will support your cell phone’s data services software.

Third, be sure that your hardware is compatible. For example, will you be using a PC Card as a modem? Check the model number (usually imprinted on the card itself) against the specifications of the cell phone service provider. Similarly, if you will use your phone as a modem, again check the model number (usually located underneath the phone’s battery). If your cell phone service provider does not recognize your choice of modem, it will not be supported by its software, and thus will be useless to you. Additionally, this hardware cross check will enable you to ascertain what other possible hardware needs you might be facing, i.e. will you be connecting via a USB port or via a serial port?

Fourth, know your data service provider’s fine print. Not all data service plans are created equal, and the fine print will spell out the terms, conditions, and costs. For example, some plans will permit unlimited access while others will not. Many will only work in certain areas, similar to the cell phone coverage, and if you foresee traveling outside these areas you may need to sign up with an alternate provider. Other providers may contract with alternate providers to allow for seamless use, but your will be presented with two bills. Additionally, security issues are quite often on the forefront of warnings in the fine print, and many data service plans readily admit that they lack encryption, authentication or other security features. At times, these features may be available at additional cost. You will also need to be sure to understand access limitations, such as non-connectivity for periods of 90 days or more, or connection limits of 150 uses per month. Again, all of this is spelled out in the service agreement.

Fifth, and last, secure your alternate power supply! No matter how useful your data services plan is, if your cell phone or your laptop computer shut down because they run out of power, you will be as bad of as you were before. Fortunately, you may purchase a car charger (CD adapter/charger) for you cell phone, which will allow you to charge it as you drive. You will also need to buy a car charger (DC adapter/charger) for your laptop, but since the batteries in these devices may run for long periods of time, you may need it less, especially if you only use the laptop periodically.

In closing, if you have an adapter/charger, a well-rounded data services plan, and compatible equipment and software...you will travel well!