I've had a Verizon aircard for a few years, one that fits into a PCMCIA slot in my computer, and I love the flexibility of having broadband access wherever there's cell phone reception, instead of having to depend on a wireless network.

Recently I bought a netbook, which I really like, but haven't used as much as I could because it has built-in wireless but not a PCMCIA slot for my Aircard. In the Vinoy lobby there isn't any free wireless, so the netbook isn't much use there. Ah, well, everything has disadvantages.

Last week Tami wanted to borrow my Aircard to use on our new laptop, because she was making a Facebook presentation that required an active connection.  Fine.  Well - not so fine. After checking with both Dell and Verizon to find out why it wouldn't work (good instructor, Tami checked ahead of time) and discovered that it needed a shorter PCMCIA card. 

In the process of ordering that, I discovered that there is a Verizon USB Aircard, in fact it's a Novatel USB760 card, the latest EVDO technology modem, which Verizon would send me for free - if I added another 2 years to my contract.  I like the service, so said OK. You can buy it online for $49.99.

The neat thing about it is that I now use this on ALL my mobile laptops - my old small Dell, the new netbook with 8.5 hour battery, the new Dell laptop with all the goodies, and any other machines laying around. It's smaller to carry, and I like that it fits in a USB slot toward the back on my computers, since I found the PCMCIA slot near the front annoying.

Sometimes we have to be forced out of complacency to get the newest and best.