AT&T wireless internet card (Sierra 881)

[AquaShrimp]

I recently got a wireless internet card for my laptop through AT&T.  It plugs into my usb slot, and is called a Sierra 881.  However, I'm having some trouble with it.  Sometimes it goes extremely slow, other times it won't even load web pages.  When it does work though, it goes pretty fast and downloads at about 125k/sec. 

Anyone have any ideas on why I'm getting such sketchy performance out of this card?  Its kind of disappointing really.

[2bighorn]

How's your signal?

[wrag]

I tried the wireless out and found it WANTING....

lest little thing blocked it.

until they find a fix for the problems with wireless flying in AH using it will be a problem.

[BaldEagl]

My brother has Verizon wireless and moves around sometimes living in remote areas working for a company doing road construction.  He uses an antenna booster but I know that there's a special sequence he needs to go through to get everything working properly and I don't remember what it is.

[Marshal]

I just talked to AT&T yesterday about getting a wireless card. They told me their are areas that have 2G service and then some areas with 3G service. The 2G service speed is just above dialup and the 3G service is comparable to DSL. If you are in the 2G area that could be why it seems slower than when you are in the 3G area. IMHO I do not think it is worth 60 dollars a month until they get the bugs worked out.

[Hoarach]

I myself dont have a wireless card but I have found out that my phone can act as a router for my laptop....

Havent figured it out quite yet but it is listed in the manual that it can be done.  My phone is a AT&T Tilt and connects through 3G service and there is no extra charge for this. 

[AquaShrimp]

I'm going to return my wireless card and attempt to get out of my contract.  The technology just isn't there yet.  I'm on the 3G network, and web pages still time out like crazy.  All of my drivers are updated.

[The Fugitive]

we talking wireless, or air card? I use a wireless USB on one of my sons laptop. Connects to my router with no trouble and works fine. I use a Cingular aircard at work in my laptop. Connection vary much the way the cell service does. Dead spots are around and now and then you hit one. Using it to fly on, I wouldn't use either.

The game depends on your computer (FE) updating constantly WITHOUT packet loss. wireless connection will never equal a hardwired connection.

[DustyR]

I had a Sierra/Sprint card & it worked really nice in the metro Pittsburgh, PA area speed about the same as DSL.  Where I live in West Virginia it rates Little higher than a 5X dial up.  Needless to say I terminated the contract, I still haven't received a final bill.  Basically if you're in a major metro area, it would not be a bad choice.  Before signing for any wireless service go to their web page & check the service map for your area.