Can Mobile Broadband Work For My Mobile Business?

by Bill B
(Arizona & Minnesota)

I am interested in a service to install on my laptop and home computer to use with my mobile auto repair van in Minnesota and Arizona. The computers are all Dell's and one does not have a card in it yet. I have 3 computers (2 PCs and 1 laptop). However, I only have two have wireless cards.

I'm also on dial up because I don't have my own wireless plan. To top it off, my wireless card doesn't get a consistent signal.

When the seasons change, I can't work on cars in the winter outside in MN. How can I decide what service to use for my type of set up?

I will also need to set up a credit card machine on the step van. I am not sure how I am going to power up this van but right now it appears i might be using a electric type of storage device to convert from 12 volt to 110 volt.

Can you help me with this? Your site looks nice and you appear to be pretty savvy on this.

Thank You,

Bill

Editor's Response:

Hey Bill,

From what I understand you're looking for a mobile broadband service that can work with your laptop on the go as well as your PC at home. While most mobile broadband providers can get the job done for you, the easiest setup based on what you told me will be with Sprint or Verizon.

You'll want to get the Sprint MiFi or Verizon MiFi (reviews). What the MiFi will do is create a mobile hotspot via a wireless connection (WiFi). That way, you won't need to install software on multiple computers. You'll just connect wirelessly in the way that you're already familiar with.

Now if the PC at home without a wireless card is the one you wish to use, the MiFi can also be connected via its USB cable to provide a wired connection (this is also handy if you don't wish to broadcast your wireless network for whatever reason).

Once you're connected to the network, it should also be a cinch for you to hook up the credit card machine to your laptop and start raking in some cash for your hard work.

Hope this helps. Drop me another line if you've got any follow-up questions.

Oh yea, almost forgot this. Both the Sprint & Verizon MiFi are available for free through our affiliate partner. It benefits the site if you get it through that link.

To Your Success,

Marc