This was originally posted on the LBYM board here http://boards.fool.com/Message.asp?mid=27145792 , but I just noticed there's a board here on wireless stuff. If anybody is skimming through here, I would like to get your feedback.

Also, I am in New York City and it looksl ike AT&T wireless services are essentially almost everywhere here.

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For about 8-12 weeks (until I can finally decide on a suitable laptop to buy), I have a PC laptop loaner from a friend. The only thing he suggested was to get my own wireless internet access and card, which is necessary because in some of the areas where I work and travel, wifi access is very awkward, or difficult.

I am very close to ordering the AT&T Laptop Connect. I have never had a laptop, nor am I familiar with wireless internet issues, but I'm trying to figure it out. Here in NYC, it sounds like all the areas we would work with the laptop is wholly serviced by AT&T and it seems to have a good service and availability reputation, as far as I can tell. (Other services like T-Mobile are available, but can be much more erratic or slower.)

My understanding, please correct me if I'm wrong!, is that once I finally order and receive my own laptop, the wireless card can be switched to my new machine and other than possibly downloading appropriate software, there is nothing else i need to worry about. Is this true?

With an employee discount, the monthly cost with a two-year contract is $48/month for the higher-access plan, which is a 20% reduction from the usual $60/month. For now, I am struggling between what is the real difference and relevance between two different cards: "Option GT Ultra (refurb)" and the "Option GT Ultra Express (Refurb)." Note that these are "Refurb" which mean they are free with the contract (otherwise they would be $99 each).

Other than the type of connection (the regular Ultra has the regular PC Type II slot, the Express has a USB), is there any difference between the two?

If you have any other suggestions or tips about ordering either wifi service, wifi cards, or even laptops in general (PC preferred, but also considering Mac), please let me know.