WorldWide 3G Card for laptop?

[Hazaro]

My mom is traveling around Asia, Thailand and Taiwan mostly and she needs a way to stay connected to internet.

I think she needs a 3G wireless card right?

Even then I'm not sure which works in all countries, maybe someone can help me out here.

 

[RanDum72]

She needs a 3g card that can use the 2100 band, here in the U.S. its 850/1900.
If she needs only data access, check ATT's site. Sierra wireless has a bunch of 3G PCCards that can be used here and abroad. But make sure they are not locked so she can use it with another carrier in the country where she is going. And also make sure that carrier has a 3G network. She can roam but roaming data charges are expensive.

Another option is just get a GSM phone with quadband GSM and tri-band UMTS/HSPDA and use it as a modem attached to a laptop via USB.

 

[corkyg]

Yeah - this really belongs in "Gadgets, Gear and Phones."

I just got back from Europe, and where there is Wi-Fi, you can purchase pre-paid subscriptions for specific time periods. T-Mobile rules in Germany. In Portugal, I used a Swiss company. In Asia, similar options exist - probably cheaper.

I have managed to stay in contact through public hotspots such as Internet Cafes, etc. In such cases, pay cash - don't use a credit card. That can be risky.

 

[RanDum72]

In some asian countries, you go to a coffee shop, order coffee and something to go with it and you get free wifi. And coffee + pastries are cheap.

 

[Soulkeeper]

i have the ATT 3G sierra wireless card, it works all over the US and i'm very happy with it, not sure about asia tho
i think you have to pay a little extra for international coverage, just go to one of the ATT shops and ask them tons of questions, they are basically the same thing as what verisyn offers, only att doesn't charge by the MB like they do