Easy EVDO by EVDOInfo.com

EVDO is a mobile broadband technology used by Sprint, Verizon, and Alltel that allows you to access the internet completely wirelessly - no need for a wired connection or WiFi hotspot! You can read more about what EVDO is and how it works in this article: What is EVDO? To cut right to the chase and find out how to get online with EVDO, read on!

Q. I want a broadband cellular connection that can provide wireless internet access to my computer wherever I am! What do I need and what does it cost?

To get online, you'll need a few things:

• A carrier (like Sprint/Verizon) to provide service ($59.99/mo with a 5GB allowance and overage charges thereafter)
• An EVDO device (AKA "aircard" or "modem") to receive the service (cost varies - with 2-year contract many devices are very affordable or even FREE!)
• A computer with the appropriate port to accept the EVDO device
  
• A high-gain antenna (optional item but recommended for mobile use)
• A 3G router (optional - necessary if you want to share the EVDO connection with multiple computers)

1. The carrier:

The first and most important thing to do is check which carrier has the best coverage in the area(s) you're hoping to use the service. For EVDO, both Sprint and Verizon have very wide 3G networks but neither has coverage "everywhere", so it is very important to research coverage! You can compare Sprint's and Verizon's coverage at any zip code here: 3Gstore.com/coverage.

In addition to the coverage maps provided by Verizon and Sprint, EVDOinfo operates a tool called EVDOMaps that allows actual EVDO users to upload their results from around the country. This is NOT the same as the official coverage maps but provides an excellent "real-world" snapshot of EVDO performance.

Both Sprint and Verizon have national roaming agreements and no roaming charges apply for use in the United States. However, both Sprint and Verizon DO impose international roaming charges for Canada and Mexico.

2. The EVDO device: 

EVDO devices come in several form factors including PCMCIA cards (PC Cards), ExpressCards, and USB modems. We have performed extensive tests and can confirm that there is NO performance difference between the different form factors - manufacturers simply offer different formats to accommodate the various laptops on the market today. When purchased with a 2-year contract, EVDO modems are very affordable or even free. The cost is much higher ($200-$300) if you purchase a device with no contract.

The device you select will depend on a few factors: which carrier you select, what type of input your computer has (PCMCIA, USB, Express Card), whether or not you want to use a router (not all cards work in all routers), and your own personal preference. To compare the currently available Sprint and Verizon EVDO modems, view this chart: EVDO Device Comparison Chart

If you only need occassional, backup, or temporary EVDO access, tethering your EVDO-enabled cell phone may be a more appropriate solution than a dedicated EVDO device. Read this article to get more information about how tethering works, what it costs, and the pro's and con's: Tethering: Get the Facts!

3. The antenna

Wireless carriers have greatly expanded their coverage over the past few years, but there are still many folks that have trouble getting a strong signal, whether it's because of trees, construction, mountains, interference, or simply distance from the tower. Luckily, in many cases you can improve your cellular signal by using an antenna or amplifier!

An antenna is optional and not required to use EVDO, but many people (especially travelers) find that an antenna greatly improves the performance from their EVDO service. There are many different types of antennas that are suited to different users, and 3Gstore (our retail "sister site") sells a wide variety of 3G antennas.

Here is a basic description on the antennas 3GStore stocks:

• Indoor/portable "Booster Antenna": If you use a laptop and travel at all, the Booster Antenna is a great optoin. At 6" tall, 3" wide and only 1/2" thick, it travels well in your laptop bag or briefcase and you can use it whenever and where ever you choose. The Booster Antenna does not need to be plugged in to any power outlet, it simply attaches to an RF jack on your EVDO device and provides better signal because of its high gain antenna. The Booster Antenna is also the best choice for an indoor antenna when a permanent installation is not desirable. The Booster Antenna comes with a 3ft long cable and includes a stand to allow for simple desk or tabletop use as well as suction cups to attach to a window if you prefer.
  
  
• Magnetic Mount: This antenna is mainly designed for vehicle use and is easily removable for security of the equipment. The 'MagMount' antenna features a high power magnet and will safely stay attached to your vehicle while driving down the road. It can be used indoors or anywhere you want, but must be magnetically attached to a metal/magnetic surface at least 12" square/round that will serve as a 'ground plane' to operate properly (if it is not grounded, it will not work). The MagMount antenna comes with a 10ft long cable.
  
  
• Omni External: The Omni is typically mounted outside a home, office or other building/structure, but it is also good for large vehicles like trucks, RVs, buses, taxis and limos. It can be moved, but at 32" tall, it is not intended to be a portable solution. The omni external antenna is best suited for weak signal is caused by elevation, trees or other environmental challenges. For vehicle installations, a new 21" 'spring-base' omni external is now available. The spring base helps to prevent damage caused by physical contact (trees, in particular). The regular 32" omni comes with 12ft of low loss RG58 cable that is physically attached, and the spring-base RV omni comes with 13.5ft of attached RG58 cable. 
  
  
• Shorty / RV: The Shorty RV antenna is a permanent 'through-roof' mount solution for vehicle use only. This antenna requires a hole drilled through the roof of your vehicle. It uses the same antenna component as the Omni external, but is only 18" tall, has a spring base, a 7" shank to go through the vehicles roof, and 13.5ft of attached RG58 low loss cable. 


• Marine Antenna: Rated at 9db gain, this is our most powerful omni antenna. With its fiberglass sheath, built in ground plane, and stainless steel hardware, it is designed to endure the harsh environmental conditions near rivers, lakes, and oceans. Connects to standard marine 1" x 14 male (external threaded) mount using F114 - Female to Female 1"x14 Ferrule. Our normal marine 'package' consists of a stainless steel mount and 20ft of low loss RG58 cable. 


• Yagi Directional Antenna: Directional antennas can be very effective, but you must know where the tower is and know that there is only one tower serving you - if not aimed properly, Yagi antennas will not be effective!

4. The 3G / EVDO Router

When installed on a computer, an EVDO device provides connectivity to only that computer. If you want to share that connection with mulitple computers, you can use a 3G router. 3G routers like the ones sold by 3Gstore work just like the average cable/dsl router you might have used in the past for a home/office DSL or cable-modem connection, but 3G routers have the unique ability to support cellular modems as their source of internet connectivity. With a router that supports your cellular device, you can plug your USB modem, ExpressCard, PCMCIA card, or even your cell phone into the 3G router and instantly create your own WiFi network! Some routers also provide ethernet ports for wired connections - including gaming consoles.

There are several different 3G routers available and each offers unique features. To view the available routers and compare the differences between them, read this article: Which 3G Router is Right for ME?

Why buy from 3Gstore?

The 'long version' is explained best here: "Why Buy From 3Gstore.com?"

Our EVDO device prices are typically going to be lower than walking into a Sprint or Verizon store (and if you purchase your service through 3Gstore you'll also be eligible for discounts on antennas and routers), but the biggest difference between buying from us and buying directly from Sprint or Verizon is that when you buy from us, you get our superior customer support both before and after your purchase.

Many customers describe their EVDO needs as being unique. They tell us the want to outfit a vehicle, or their house/office is in the middle of nowhere, or their company has unique network requirements. The EVDO Experts at EVDOinfo.com/3GStore.com have helped thousands of customers put together an EVDO solution that suits their exact needs -- and are ready to do the same for you! We can provide you with a complete EVDO solution, even if it requires external antennas, amplifiers, or EVDO routers. The MOST IMPORTANT factor is that after the sale, our EVDO Experts will also be there to support the solution we've sold you.

Most salespeople working in a carrier's store sell phones all day long, but many have never even used an EVDO device or used a phone as a modem. They certainly are not likely to have experience with as many EVDO devices as we have, nor are they likely to be familiar with what their competition offers. And don't even bother asking them about external antennas, amplifiers or EVDO routers!

The bottom line is that we understand EVDO. We use EVDO devices and accessories every single day. Our expertise and dedication is unrivaled by any other retail store - just see what our customers have to say!

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