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One of the most popular activities one can do while in a research study is surfing the internet. Whether playing games, checking vacation packages or making friends on myspace, there's much to do that can pass the time. Unless of course the clinic does not have internet access or the access is less than desirable.
What can one do? Sprint Wireless Broadband.
I have had this service for over a year now and at first I was skeptical about paying $60 a month for internet access. But what your really paying for is anywhere, anytime internet access. That's right. Sprint's EVDO network, also known as 3G or wireless broadband, allows you to get on the internet anywhere you can pickup a cell phone signal. In almost all major cities and metropolitan areas, you can get high speed broadband with speeds between 300k to 700k. Increasing markets are upgrading to the new Rev A standard with higher speeds for the same price. In outlying areas, rural and along most major thoroughfares, you can get 1XRTT or dial up service. While much slower than broadband, it will allow you to access you mail and do light web surfing. I once rode the Amtrak train from Chicago to Austin and had internet access 90% of the trip. I once took my laptop out on a canoe in Austin and was checking my email. The convenience the Sprint card offers is invaluable.
Getting connected is easy. If your laptop has a PCMCIA slot or an empty USB port, then you should be good to go. Windows XP and Vista users should experience little or no problems installing and running. Older OS's can support it but will not run quite as well. I would highly recommend buying a USB modem like the Ovation. It allows you to hook up to any computer including desktops which can allow the Sprint modem to be your only internet access. Most newer laptops no longer come with a PCMCIA slot as the PC Express slot has become the new industry standard.
Using it is easy. Once my computer is booted up, I just click on the Sprint icon and away I go. I can play games, watch streaming videos, download files at fairly fast speeds. Depending on your signal strength, you may not have fluid streaming video and music. Many people marvel at my card when I go to clinics that have crappy internet or no internet at all. It is truly a life saver.
A recent speed test using my Sprint card
With a 2 year contract, you can usually get a free or deeply discounted modem. Cash prices range from $175 to $299 There are two service plans. $59.99 for customers with a Sprint or Nextel voice plan and $79.99 for customers without.
Get more info at Sprint's website: http://www.nextel.com/en/solutions/mobile_broadband/index.shtml
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