Newbie Issues...Internet

[Don Bradner]

Satellite internet needs a big dish with precise pointing, and there are no
in-motion options. Options generally are tripod manual mount in the $800-$1500
range, or automatic mount in the $5000-and-up range. Service is between $59 and
$99 monthly for most accounts. I use a larger-than-average Datastorm automatic
mount, and I own and run http://www.datastormusers.com where you will find a wealth of
(free) information.

Satellite's significant pro is that it is available anywhere you can get a clear
shot to the satellite, and for most of us we simply make sure that is true,
whatever it takes. Its cons are cost, latency, and restrictions on allowed
throughput per 24-hour period.

Sprint and Verizon Air cards are very common. Service price similar to
satellite. Pros are speed, modest startup cost, lower latency, and no limitation
on throughput at this time (Sprint). Cons are not available everywhere -
probably at least several hundred thousand square miles of the west where that
is true, and monthly limitations on throughput (Verizon).

For those who's travel does not take them often into non-covered areas the cards
are extremely good. Among my group at DatastormUsers, many of whom are employed
full-timers, having both satellite and card is becoming common, as well as
taking advantage of free WiFi when it is better than your other connections.

Don Bradner
90 PT40 "Blue Thunder"
Posting today by satellite from Declo, Idaho, enroute to Salt Lake City

On 9/12/2007 at 3:28 PM Allen & Conny wrote:

>On another subject, I noticed your response came via satellite. We
>bought the coach specifically to explore the West next summer for
>three months. I would like to stay in contact with my office during
>the trip and I need to explore ways of doing so, either satellite or
>broadband cell.