| The Western Frontier of broadband technology is | | | | broadband access in the event of a wired ISP |
| all about how to get that same cellular service | | | | failure. As long as you have your CTR-500, your |
| that keeps your phone in range onto your laptop | | | | laptop can benefit from the same wireless |
| computer. Purchasing a broadband card, such as | | | | opportunities as your cell phone. The CTR 500 |
| that pocket-protector looking thing over there on | | | | can be used with Verizon, Sprint, Nextel, Cingular, |
| the left, can maximize your connectivity in a snap. | | | | Alltel, or AT&T wireless service. The |
| Voila. | | | | equipment sells for $200; the wireless "cell" |
| The newest technology to come out for | | | | service is around $50/month. |
| connectivity is easy to use, portable, secure and | | | | Most service providers offer versions of a |
| reliable. Simply connect an activated USB or | | | | broadband card. I've also noticed services such as |
| ExpressCard modem* and turn the unit on. In | | | | Verizon's, "My-Fi." On the surface this looks like |
| seconds, a secure WiFi network and the ability to | | | | another broadband router. Delve a little deeper |
| connect up to 16 WiFi-enabled devices will be | | | | and you realize this is a box which houses a |
| yours. | | | | mobile broadband card (built-in) and allows multiple |
| It is a great substitute for the pocket protector: | | | | users. The "gotcha" is that you cannot use the |
| it's small enough for your shirt pocket, and much | | | | current wi-fi card you have. You'd have to buy |
| more useful. It has an external antenna port | | | | this box and renew your subscription for another |
| (WiPipe(TM) technology) to position for optimal | | | | 2 years PLUS you have to plug this into at least |
| signal strength. Built-in auto-failover keeps | | | | one computer to get power to the box. |
| everyone on-line switching from wired to wireless | | | | |