Forget the Wires, Get a PC Card

So the theme thus far has been wireless networking and how it can benefit your business. I received some great feedback on the last two articles about Wi-Fi and Access Points (AP) so I will continue the wireless topic and discuss mobile computing using PC Cards.

All of the major wireless phone carriers have wireless PC connectivity services for mobile workers. Some older implementations actually require the user to connect their mobile phone to the laptop via a USB (universal serial bus) cable.

The phone is then used like a modem to connect to the Internet. The user now has the ability to get their email and browse web sites (usually at painfully slow speeds).

However, in most cases, this ties up the phone and makes it impossible to send or receive calls. So what do you do?

OK, here’s the acronym this week, PCMCIA. I know, woah! Personal Computer Memory Card International Association or PCMCIA (pronounce each letter individually) is a PC Card standard used primarily for notebook computers. It’s the slot on the side of the laptop that is usually filled with some sort of cover or protector.

The PCMCIA slot can be used for many things. Wi-Fi cards (for use with an Access Point), sound cards, and connectivity cards for external peripherals are a few of the available options. But to connect to the Internet for mobile use, you need a wireless PC Card.

Most of the major notebook manufacturers sell PC Cards as accessories. For instance, you can buy a Dell Latitude notebook bundled with a Verizon PC Card. T-Mobile, Cingular, Sprint, and others have similar offerings.

Generally, the PC Cards add $100 - $200 to the price of the notebook with monthly service around $30 - $50 per month. I find that to be a drop in the bucket when you consider the amount of increased productivity you can enjoy in the field. You may also find it to be a great alternative to using email on your phone (i.e. Blackberry).

Some of the PC Cards available can also be used for Wi-Fi. That means, with a single PC Card, you can use Wi-Fi (if a hotspot is available) for faster connection speeds. And if a hotspot isn’t available, the card can be connected to the cellular carriers’ network for Internet use.

There is one caveat to using a PC Card, don’t expect lightning fast speeds immediately. Generally, you will experience download speeds similar to dial-up service. This can be a problem if you rely on bandwidth intensive applications.

But, not to worry, the larger wireless companies have implemented broadband wireless services in select cities and are planning expansions in the near future. Their speeds are advertised similar to cable and DSL (digital subscriber line) which makes using a wireless PC Card even more attractive.

Check with your wireless carrier to get a demonstration of the latest PC Cards available and the time frames to implement broadband wireless services in the area. You may find an increase in productivity from your mobile workers.

Next week I will begin discussing handheld devices and some of the different technology terms on the market.