2009 AT&T AirCard & Broadband Card Reviews

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

For the most recent info, check out the 2010 AT&T AirCard & Broadband Card Review

If you've taken the free Mobile Broadband Buyer's Guide, you already know that an AT&T AirCard or Broadband card can come in 3 forms: USB, ExpressCards and PC Cards. You'll also know the nitty gritty details on why PC Cards are being phased out.

No ExpressCards for Netbooks Netbooks typically don't have ExpressCard slots. That means you'll need a USB broadband card.Try this.

Walk into any AT&T store or look up any online retailer. You will hardly see any PC Cards available for purchase. It's like trying to find a VCR and everyone's selling DVDs. Sure they're out there but not really.

Now why is that?

It was actually a mobile-broadband-reviews.com reader that found this one out. Upon going to a retail store, they explained to him that you'll see mostly USB cards as they try to reach out to the netbook market.

Why USB for netbooks? Well, the whole concept of a netbook is a little portable laptop that does just enough (i.e. hop online or type a couple documents). As such, to conserve on space (and cost), they don't have ExpressCard slots. In my opinion I think that's a bummer. The form factor on ExpressCards usually beat USB as they don't stick out from the laptop as much.

Before we find a specific AT&T AirCard, let's run through some basic and mid-level questions about getting a AT&T Broadband Card.

A question that comes up enough to make a worthy mention is "will the type of broadband card I get affect my download speed or coverage?". In most situations, no.

Currently, all AT&T broadband cards below can handle the maximum speed available on their network. Even if you happen to be in an area that doesn't offer 3G speed, then you will most likely get EDGE or dialup speed.

If you do live in a rural area check our mobile broadband fringe area solutions.

Sprint Merlin Aircard>ExpressCards are the
next generation of PC Cards. Slimmer, smaller and compatible with Mac's, most providers offer these.</p><br>

</p><p><p height= 'Flip-up antennas are said to provide better coverage. The verdict's still out on this one.The only potential performance difference between AT&T ExpressCards and USB broadband cards is coverage (or reception to be more accurate). Some AT&T ExpressCards come with and expandable 'flip-up' antenna for 'better reception'. Do they actually work better? I have not personally tested it myself but it is a fact that external antennas do help reception.

While there are not any significant performance differences, USB broadband cards tend to one or more features than ExpressCards. Typically, newer cards come with a microSD expansion slot that can turn your broadband card into a flash/thumb drive (great for those who like combo devices).

Enough lecturing for now, let's find an AT&T AirCard or Broadband Card:

(Click on any card for the full review)

Quote Have experiences with or questions about the AT&T Broadband Devices? Share them here.

AT&T USB Broadband Cards

AT&T Broadband Card

Compatibility

GPS

Extra Storage

Current Price

Quicksilver USB Connect

2000/XP/Vista Mac OS X/Panther/Leopard/Tiger

microSD (up to 32 GB)

Check Price

Sierra Wireless Mercury USB AirCard

2000/XP/Vista /Mac OS X

microSD

Check Price

Retired models:

If you'd like to get AT&T, here's where you can get some good AT&T AirCard deals. We only recommend the best. Also, as I explain in my ethical bribe, it helps the site pay our costs so we can keep providing great content for you.

If you haven't already, definitely check out the review on AT&T mobile broadband speed as well as the AT&T coverage if you're serious about getting a broadband card. It's definite must on your checklist. For now, let's see what AT&T customer service is like.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

What's Your 3G or 4G Story?

Using a 3G or 4G device and have a story to share?

Use this format:

Mobile Broadband Carrier:

Mobile Broadband Device:

Location (City & State):

Date:

Why did you get it?

How it meet, exceed or crash your expectations?

Knowing what you do now, would you get something else?

Or is your story an unsolved mystery?

Ask a question about a mobile broadband carrier here as well

Give your review/question page a title (e.g. The MiFi's Great But...)

Writer's block? Hit the '?' help button for help [ ? ]

Upload 1-4 Pictures or Graphics (optional) [ ? ]

Add a Picture/Graphic Caption (optional)

Click here to upload more images (optional)

Author Information (optional)

To receive credit as the author, enter your information below.

Your Name	(first or full name)
Your Location	(ex. City, State, Country)

Submit Your Contribution

Check box to agree to these submission guidelines.

(You can preview and edit on the next page)

3G & 4G Device User Reviews & Questions

Take a look at other readers' carrier reviews. A few may even have questions you can answer while others answer questions you have right now. Help and be helped.

AT&T USB Lightning Gone Forever!! (User Review) Not rated yet
On March 12, 2010 I submitted a personal review on the new AT&T USB Lightning and my dissatisfaction with it. If you have read the review you may be ...

AT&T USB Lightning Connect Isn't My Answer! Not rated yet
I put up with AT&T's GT Ultra ExpressCard for two years. Dissatisfied to begin with. Then when 3G became available in my area it worked great, day ...

Negative AT&T Mobile Broadband Experience Not rated yet
Extremely negative.

This is the third equipment we have. The first one was not working even if you are in the middle of the city.

The second ...