# Tell me about wireless cards for laptops (or tethering) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 19, 2011, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-wireless-cards-for-laptops-or-tethering/582446 "2011-05-19T14:13:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jaded\_Goddess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8c91f0/32.png) [@Jaded\_Goddess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaded_Goddess)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2011, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-wireless-cards-for-laptops-or-tethering/582446/1 "2011-05-19T14:13:34Z")
I’m going on vacation next week; same music festival I go to every year. We camp onsite. This year I need internet access to be able to check into my online class and submit homework during that week. I called Verizon my mobile phone provider but they only wanted to sell me a 2 year plan which I do not want. Can someone tell me what options I have? I do have a smart phone, an LG Ally (runs on the Android platform). Is tethering an option? Is an air card a better bet since I will be uploading documents? I could go into town to McDondalds each day for internet access, but I’d rather not. Educate me!! ---
**Author:** ![kanicbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2011, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-wireless-cards-for-laptops-or-tethering/582446/2 "2011-05-19T14:53:50Z")
Some, including Verizon sells a per use USB card, you play for what you use on a per day basis. You may have to go to the store to find it. Tethering should be a option on your phone, a service you turn on and off with the carrier. I believe Verizon has a ‘try it for 30’ days on their contracts. If they still have it you can sign up for a contract, use it then return it. ---
**Author:** ![inkling](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/f17d59/32.png) [@inkling](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/inkling)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2011, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-wireless-cards-for-laptops-or-tethering/582446/3 "2011-05-20T01:24:37Z")
Since you have an Android device already, you could root it and load the Cyanogen or Syndicate ROM appropriate for your device. This should allow you to install a free tethering app, or it may even come preinstalled. Or if you want to go non-techy, ask Verizon if they have an Android app for tethering and can you buy only a single month of their service. ---
**Author:** ![Reply](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/reply/32/15952_2.png) [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2011, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-wireless-cards-for-laptops-or-tethering/582446/4 "2011-05-20T03:06:06Z")
Just buy [EasyTether](https://market.android.com/details?id=com.mstream.easytether_polyclef&feature=search_result) from the app store for $10 or the similar [PDANet](https://market.android.com/details?id=com.pdanet&feature=search_result) and you get unlimited tethering with no monthly fee, rooting, contract, or aircard needed – just a USB cord. Just don’t use it too much (bandwidth-wise) and you’ll be fine. But dude, you’re on vacation… disconnect and enjoy! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Jaded\_Goddess](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/8c91f0/32.png) [@Jaded\_Goddess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaded_Goddess)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2011, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-wireless-cards-for-laptops-or-tethering/582446/5 "2011-05-20T04:10:06Z")
Thanks for the suggestions. I ended up with EasyTether and so far it’s working great! I wish I could disconnect and usually do on vacation, but I have to check in with an online class or two. Not what I had planned to do on vacation, but I really want to do well in these classes.