I use a Sierra Wireless 875U Aircard - sm
Posted By: Laura E. on 2009-04-02
In Reply to: Wireless aircard for laptop - sm - anon
I use it on my desktop and my laptop when traveling. The downside is for me it does not work everywhere, certainly not in the middle of Africa like the commercial touts it. It just does not work in really rural areas. I am lucky as I do live in a rural area but just on the cusp of the dead zone for around here so it works relatively well for me. I pay $67 a month for unlimited service. I had then check for me after using it for a few months if I could get a cheaper plan but my downloads/transfers whatever they call it far exceeded their limit. You might want to sign up for unlimited, then after a month or two of usage re-evaluate the bill. I did get mine from $89 to $67 as the price changed after I locked in for a 2 year plan and they let me switch to the lower price when I inquired about it.
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I use a AirCard 875U but costs almost as much - sm
as satellite would. I pay $67 a month for it but is is faster than dial-up, but not as fast as DSL. I live in a rural area and rumor has it we are getting DSL in 2 or so more years, we will see, it is available 4 miles from me, but is not quite reaching out to the farther out areas right now, need to live within a mile of our major highway through the county. Dial up will probably still work for you, just take a lot longer. Hope you figure something out.
I just bit the bullet and ordered a Sierra Wireless - sm,
AirCard 875U via AT&T. This way I can use it on both my desktop and my laptop is it connects via the USB port, not a slot. Paid 0.01 for it (normally about $300-$350) on Amazon as a new customer; the plan is $80 a month though for unlimited access. The fees for the aircard for the laptop were cheaper at $60 a month, but I'd rather have it on my desktop. Figure I have nothing to lose to try it; can cancel in 3 days of activation and it is free, within a month and all I pay is the $36 activation fee. Sprint has one too, called a 595U, but they did not have coverage here, but AT&T did, so they got my business. I should have it early next week, very excited about using it and cannot wait. Just hope it works! (will have to beat the kids away from my computer though which is the only drawback for me)
WIRELESS AIRCARD - sm
Thanks to all responders. Gives me a lot to think about and check into. I believe in being prepared, so thanks again.
Wireless aircard for laptop - sm
Anyone ever use a wireless aircard for their laptop while transcribing away from home? I am in the process of acquiring a laptop and checking into this form of obtaining Internet access for use this summer. I'm totally confused after speaking to the wireless aircard company. Apparently it is a monthly fee, but not for "per minute" use. I was told that the fee would cover "5 GB or 5 KB" not sure what she said - apparently equivalent to downloading 3 movies or 1,000 songs. Does anyone have experience with this and would you tell me if this is feasible for using to work away from home? It would not be everyday, the occasional long weekend, and while I know it depends on how much work I do, what I would like to know is this amount sufficient for my needs? Any help, comments, advice, etc. would be greatly appreciated. (I will also be getting wireless hooked up at home too, but not sure if this works away from home...need words of wisdom on this also). So, anyone out there willing to enlighten me? TIA
I'd seen an ad on the job board several months ago for a company called Sierra....
not sure of the full name, but something like Sierra Legal Transcription, perhaps. Maybe you could still locate it on the archives on the job board.
two cats-Spike-male-Sierra-female--my babies.nm
nm
aircard
I too have a USB aircard which I got through Sprint. A Novatel and it works great, even with VPN connectivity. I have unlimited access which is roughly $60 a month and I got the card free through another carrier who was "offering a promotion." I believe that Cingular and Verizon also offer the cards as well, but please take into consideration that your speed will depend on how close you are to a tower, and also if it is EVDIO card and tower -- just a fancy tech term for enhanced service.
Good luck and hope this helps.
AirCard
I love the idea of the air card! AT&T has one and they currently have a rebate deal wherein the card is free! But the service is $60 a month and you have to sign a contract for the next 2 years! There is a company in Seattle that has a similar service, sort of like a huge area wide wi-fi that you can access from anywhere within Seattle and they have terrific plans, like monthly or daily plans with no contracts. Unfortunately, they are only in Seattle.
I would love to hear what other people are doing! javascript:editor_insertHTML('text','');
Who is your aircard through and
how much is it per month?
Aircard....
Hi, I use ATT wireless aircard for when we go out of town, vacation, evening ball practice, etc. I love the flexibility it gives me. It is 60.00 a month for the service. As far as the limit, I have never gone over, so I don't think you would have a problem with that. It seems a little pricey, but considering I make around 110.00 for 6 hours of work or so, a weekend of working, week-long vacation, etc, pays for it, plus, I can write it off on my taxes. Hope this helps.
Aircard
Millenicom is unlimited, no contract. They lease Verizon towers. It's the same price $60 a month. Do a search.
Aircard
Alltel has unlimited minutes. I live outside the city limits, so it is all I use on my PC. Last time I tested my aircard it was 945 kbps. Tried Verizon first but it was very slow in my area and used up all my minutes in 3 weeks.
I have unlimited for my aircard -sm
I asked about a cheaper plan but I exceed anything they offer and need the unlimited. I am on my aircard probably 12+ hours a day though. I am not downloading files constantly but I do stay online so I can google, look up addresses, etc. I average 100-120 minutes of work a day.
Aircard questions also
I have been wanting to ask questions about an Aircard also. I was at BestBuy and was thinking of purchasing a laptop and one of the computer geeks helping me said I could cancel my cable internet and just use the phone service for the aircard if i was looking to cut cost,but by the sounds of the other post it sounds like this could be expensive to use daily. Would this be very expensive to use everyday? It just does not sound feasible to me to cancel it all together.
Aircard questions
I bought a laptop about 4 years ago and purchased an aircard through Sprint due to the fact that I was staying in a very rural area and satellite was not an option. An air card works on the same concept as a cell phone. Your upload and download speeds will depend on how far you are from a cell tower. I had lag time occasionally with my air card through Sprint which was $60 a month for unlimited usage.
Also, another thing to consider, is the platform that you are using. I am currently working for a company that uses Meditech and was using my roommates connection through her wireless router and it was TERRIBLY slow. I was also told that Meditech would not work with an air card, so there are several things to be considered.
I talked with a representative through Verizon recently, and he told me that the GB usage would be more than enough do be able to do medical transcription.
Also, please take into consideration that an air card, like a cell phone is a 2 year contract, so if you would only use it occasionally, might really not be financially feasible.
Sorry this was so long but hope it clarified a few things.
wireless
I have 4 systems throughout the house on wireless from my cable company since my cable line only comes in at one corner of the house and it's way to costly to run it elsewhere.
Wireless has been working fine for me.
wireless
I hated my wireless keyboard and mouse. It was not dependable. Stopped working for no reason now and then.
Wireless
Does anybody live way out in the country like me where there is no cable, no DSL, and dial-up is a lousy 24? We just got wirelness with an antenna for the home computer. Wondering if any companies allow this for MT work. Does anybody out there work with wireless from a remote location?
wireless
I work off a wireless network because my husband and I both have computers. You have to have a very good wireless network because the transcription companies can not guarantee that it will work. The first wireless we had was an older Dell and would lose the connection very easily. We now have a very good Belkin with 3 antennas and I have no trouble. It is very frustrating to be typing along and lose the connection. In fact, with the first wireless network it would lose the connection before the program could even be loaded.
Wireless
I want to be able to move around when my granddaughter is here. My office is in a corner of the house out of site. I would rather keep the wired connection but son-in-law thinks I should go wireless. Haven't decided yet. We live out in the boonies so not sure others could access mine or not. Thanks
How to go wireless?
I am so sick of all the wires! I have a cable modem, router, mouse, and keyboard all with wires, a laptop in my house with a cable modem plugged in by Ethernet, The wires drive me batty!
So what can I do to eliminate some? If I want to use the laptop in an area of the house not near the modem, how can I use the wireless net on it if we aren't in a wi-fi zone? Would a wireless router work?
wireless
i went wireless, use a router downstairs and installed (myself) an adapter to upstairs computer.......After a few weeks of frustration, turned out the adapter wasn't installed good enough so i just had to push a little harder and all the prongs connected. Now my daughter is on wireless. I believe Linksys (what I have) reaches 500 feet.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
Cindi
how are you wireless with everything?
I'm a new MT and obviously have little experience. I am currently working for a hospital in acute care. This is the only job I've had. They supplied the computer, dictaphone, etc. for me to work from home. I cannot add anything to this computer, even a wireless mouse! (have one on our home computer and love it!) I just wondered what type of set up you have, or company you work for that allows you this freedom that you don't have to have the dictaphone, etc? Please give further info so this newby understands! Don't you have to have a dictaphone or similar equipment?
wireless
You can go to the website of the manufacturer and they will help. I have Linksys. Be sure to write your # down if you do choose to use a secret code. I was told that even if you don't, Windows XP etc., and your Spyware will prevent hackers. I hope so. I think we are well protected. "Wireless" doesn't mean less wires, I have wires all over the place but it's nice to use my laptop actually on my lap!
wireless
You can go wireless on your own, but you will need to go to your ISP website and get their instructions on they do it. They have help available if you need it and they will walk you through every step - do not be afraid. If you can transcribe the dictation done by the American doctor, you can set up a router.
HOWEVER, most companies will not let you use wireless. You get knocked off your network a lot with wireless, just because in any given neighborhood, you are likely to have several different ISPs and they bump each other off the airwaves, so to speak. Most MTSOs want to use an ethernet connection.
But, ask the company you are working for what their policy/preference is.
If you have DSL, isn't that on every phone in your house? Does the back bedroom have a phone?
Good luck to you on your new job.
can I go wireless-sm
I am starting with a company that is providing a computer. I have a PC with DSL in the corner of my dining room. I would like to put their computer in a back bedroom. Can I go wireless? What do I need to do? What should I be asking them about their computer, if anything? Where can I buy the router box (which I assume I will need?) Do I need a computer tech to do this or can I do it? Not terribly literate about all this. Thanks!
Wireless...
I have a router for my broadband internet so understand the principle. A router cannot make your connection faster, as far as I know...all it does is allow you to access your internet connection on another computer somewhere else in its range. I use a router so I can use my laptop for internet anywhere I want in the house and its great. But if you are looking at it in hopes of making your connection faster, I would speak with a customer rep for the product before assuming it will do that. Hope that helps!
Wireless
Thanks so much for the information. I appreciate the help.
I use USB or wireless
Gyration has no lag for wireless, and you can get a compact Dell USB for like $14.95 online. I alternate the two. I hate my laptop keyboard and never use it.
don't like wireless
I had all kinds of trouble with MS wireless keyboard both with KVM and without. Just couldn't get it to work right without throwing in spaces, etc. I gave up on it.
Does anyone know why OSi does not allow wireless?
Just wondering as this may be a problem for me.
Wireless
In some cases it works well. I kept getting disconnects and couldn't use it.
I have wireless
and used to work in eScription at my previous job and it worked great for me.
wireless
Most motels have a wireless connection.....you can go wireless in your car by using an aircard through your cell phone service. I use an AT&T aircard. Only thing with that is that it will disconnect you when the wireless phone tower changes over to another one.
wireless anywhere
Please keep in mind that while hotels offers wireless as do airports, restaurants, etc., etc, these are NOT secure network. Thus, if you are working there, you are sending your reports via a nonsecure network. Not HIPAA compliant.
Centennial Wireless.
Does anyone work on wireless?
Is this a good option?? I am not able to get cable, DSL, and satellite is too slow. Is wireless a good option for transcription when there don't seem to be any jobs for dial-up anymore? Thanks.
I have wireless for 3 systems but I believe you
will have to have DSL coming in on a router. From my understanding (and goodness knows I could be wrong) I don't think you can have "wireless" internet without a router from another source. The router is attached to your phone line for DSL and sends out the signal for other wireless adaptors to pickup.
I use wireless and it is fine. (sm)
I don't think it is quite as fast as DSL, but it is definitely adequate.
As the poster below said, you have to be clear of trees to get a signal.
wireless.. do you have a router
I have wireless in my house too, but I work off of the main computer where the router or hub is connected to the cable. I have tried working on the other computers in the house connected to wireless and it is tramendously slower, obviously because takes time for the signal. I would try to connect your work computer directly to the router. DQS downloads superfast normally. I have found a delay in sound and keyboard with wireless.
Wireless transcription
I just went wireless moving from a large city to a country setting. I work for 2 companies and one company's platform does not support a wireless connection due to "time out issues." Therefore, I have to use AOL dial-up to be able to download the work and ask that they send like 10 files at a time. After that, I disconnect from the internet dial up connection and work in "offline mode."
The other company that I work for I have no problems with using wireless. Just a bit slower than DSL or cable. The one problem that I have run into using my laptop is conflicts with footpedals.
Feel free to email me if you wish.
wireless card
thanks for the info. When I call today, I will mention what you said. Maybe I will just go to one of the local Super stores and see if they can set me up with a inout deal, if not i really am going to move if it does not work-eeks
I tried a wireless mouse
It was too loosy goosy. The cursor was all over the place. I returned mine.
I use wireless because it's the only broadband I can get...sm
I have a router on my main computer, which also speeds up the connection. Downloads .wav files in a flash. The router also allows The Boy to play his Xbox live in the basement.
Wireless is a great way to go
I use a Lynksys router, which you can get at Office Max, Office Depot, etc. However, you can use a wireless card in your own computer if you don't want to worry about a cord going directly from the router to your computer. We have 2 computers in our home on wireless and they pick up great!! That way, you can put the other computer wherever you need to and not have to worry about cords, etc.
Everything you would need to do it at home. Wireless
might not work for you in the hospital because there might not be a hot spot. They might have a central place where you could hook up. Might just be dial-up though. I'm assuming you already get digital files and use a pedal for that. Don't forgot doctor's list or whatever info you use on a daily basis.
Wireless connection
Excuse if this posts twice----- I have two computers but only want my work PC wireless. Can this be done? Thanks.
Wireless & Cable...
I know this is probably a stupid question, but what the heck. I have cable internet with only one cable outlet, which is in my living room. I currently have my computer in the living room but would like to put it in the back bedroom, which has no cable outlet. If I go wireless can I just put the computer in that room? Is NetGear any good? Simple to set up? TIA! 
Wireless router
When you use a laptop or desktop computer for that matter, and a "wireless" router is involved, you still have to hook up an ethernet cable from your computer to the router in order to be able to get a signal.
On a laptop computer, there is a slot for a wireless PC card, which you can get through Sprint and Verizon and possiby other cellular carriers. The card works in much the same way and has the same type of signal as a cell phone does and since I am out in the country for the time being, that is what I use.
Hope this helps.
USB wireless cards are available.
You can get a wireless card that plugs in directly to a USB port. Just go to any tech store. We have both Dell and Lynksis versions on various machines here. There is usually an installation cd with the device.
Wireless USB adaptor
Okay, I think I understand what you and closet are saying. The wireless USB adaptor has the card built in or has the slot that allows you to plug in the wireless broadband card? Next problem, is there a nationwide wireless broadband service provider that covers every state or are they divided up into regions like Sprint, Verizon, etc.? Thank you "me" and thank you also closettechie.
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