ReadyBroadband AirCards & Broadband Cards
ReadyBroadband | Prepaid Mobile Broadband Review
ReadyBroadband has seems to only offer USB broadband cards. If you've got an older laptop with PC card slots then you're out of luckReadyBroadband (Ready Mobile PCS) has 1 USB broadband card that looks like the USB is the Sprint Novatel Ovation U727.
While they state models will vary when you purchase, there's no other card that looks like this.
Why no PC Cards?
Like VHS cassette tapes, not too many people use them anymore as manufacturers have moved towards ExpressCards and increasingly USB cards.
The reason is simple, USB broadband cards are more compatible with a wide range of systems (Mac, PC, Linux etc). Also, to throw gasoline on the fire, many of these netbooks are becoming so popular are so small they don't even have CD drives, let alone PC Card slots.
So, to make as much money as they can from as many people as they can, companies make more of what works: USB Broadband Cards.
Enough industry lessons for now, let's get back to the review.
According to their website:
"You may return your Ready Broadband card up to 30 days from the date of purchase for a full refund of the equipment purchase price. You may not return the equipment if damaged by improper usage or modification that results in the equipment failure. Please call 1-800-593-2207 to process".
Also, expect your broadband card to ship within "two business days of purchase".
I couldn't find the particular shipping method they use (and so my *guesstimate* is 5-7 business days before you'll get your broadband card. If you've used the service, please drop me a tip at the bottom of this page.
Overall Impression
While they probably won't be a major player, ReadyBroadband provides a needed service. Just as people need prepaid cell phones from time to time, there are those of us who need prepaid mobile broadband from time to time.
If you need a quick fix from time to time and don't want to pay month to month for it, ReadyBroadband may just be for you.
Check out the 2009 Prepaid Mobile Broadband Comparison to see how they match up against the other prepaid mobile broadband carriers out there.
