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refurbished nextel cell phones

Where is a good place to find new or gently used (refurbished) cheap Nextel cell phones?

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If you’re tired of going to a book store or cafe and realizing that you have to pay for wireless access, then maybe it’s time you got your own. That’s right. You can buy a simple card that plugs into your USB port and never have to worry about a wireless connection again, no matter where you go. However, deciding which mobile air card is right for you and your laptop can be difficult with all the options available today.

Your first concern should be the strength of signal in your area. Just like cell phones, your internet connection depends heavily upon the signal. That’s because wireless technology for internet uses the same signal as cellular phones. With that said, different companies have different signal strengths. So, check each company’s coverage map and ask around to friends and neighbors to see what they think of their service.

There are generally two types of wireless networks available to receive signal from: 3G and WiMax. The first has been around since about 2001 and has since become the go-to signal for most major cell phone companies. The latter is a newer and updated version of 3G that currently runs at about three to four times its speed. To provide scope, 3G is considered broadband technology and operates at an average speed of about 20 times faster than dial-up.

So, other than speed, what’s the difference? Coverage is the most significant. The 3G network spans all across the United States. Of course, as with any cell phone service, there are dead spots and weaker areas of signal here and there. However, 3G’s coverage is much more extensive than that of WiMax. Since it is still fairly new and some of the kinks are being worked out, it is mostly only offered in major American cities for the time being.

Pricing and contracts are the next steps. The cost of 3G coverage with the major cell phone carriers will run you from about 30 to 70 dollars. AT&T, Verizon and Nextel are just a few of the companies that offer wireless cards. If you live in one of the cities with coverage, you can expect to pay around the same prices for a WiMax connection. Some companies offer the most basic plan for a little less – starting at around 25 dollars. Beware that companies may want you to sign a contract for two years for a lower price. Keep in mind that if you don’t want that kind of commitment, you can always ask for a one-year contract and just pay slightly more per month.

Once you’ve analyzed, contemplated, verified and asked around, go ahead and make the best purchase you’ve made in a long time. A wireless card gives you so much freedom. You can sit in the park and not have to worry about being within range of a nearby building’s wi-fi. You can even get some work done on your morning commute – as long as you aren’t the one driving. One thing’s for sure: you’ll be glad you found the right mobile air card for you.