Need help choosing a wireless internet card and service questions..

I found out that Alltel now has broadband wireless available in my area and I have two wireless card models to choose from-
the first is:
KPC680 ExpressCard (express card slot interface) price $209 w/1 yr contract
and the second is:
Franklin CDU-550AL (USB interface) price $159 w/1 yr contract

I am leaning toward the Franklin USB because its more versatile (I could use it in my desktop or someone else's computer). Is there an advantage to the express card other than the unit not sticking out as far? Also has anyone had any experience with using broadband internet? They claim to have download speeds of up to 2-2.5 Mpbs and they said that as long as you have a usable signal you can achieve those download speeds. Sounds great if its true. I hate to sign into a year contract and then find out that its not what I was looking for or the performance isn't up to par. The upside is that I can try it for 14 days w/o any commitment and anything is better than sitting around waiting on my crappy dial up service. Any input would be great...

Thanks

Matt

 

Not quite true. You will have a usable signal ALMOST anywhere you go. You will NOT, however, have a usable EVDO signal, and there are many factors that can interfere. For example, if your house has wiring that drops your cellular reception by a few bars, you're likely to see a speed drop on the mobile broadband connection. Same with driving through a tunnel or an area with high levels of EM interference.

Most mobile broadband companies now have a lookup map that allows you to check the promised signal at your address, which will give you an idea of what you should be able to expect, but keep in mind that bad wiring in a house can make you have to run an antenna for best results.


Incidentally, I would go with the Franklin, too. They make some good devices, and the USB's versatility is more than worth having it sticking out a little further.