Thanks to 3G data cards, internet surfing and file sharing is more convenient than ever before. Unlike Wi-Fi internet, 3G data cards allow you to go online from virtually anywhere. No need to stay in your house, office or school to benefit from Wi-Fi, and no need to confine yourself to your service provider’s Hotspot which can be expensive.

You just plug in your data card into your laptop or PC and you are connected, no matter where you are.

There are two types of 3G data cards. The first is a PC card that you can place in your computer’s PCMCIA slot. The second type of data card is a USB dongle that looks just like a flash disk that you can connect into your USB port. You will also need a SIM card that you will load into your data card to access the mobile network. The type of card that you get will just depend on the mobile company’s manufacturer that supplies the vendor that you will get your broadband service from.

One of the biggest advantages of getting a 3G data card is being able to go online wherever you would like. Whether you’re a traveling student, an executive who needs to stay connected or a home business owner, a data card will travel with you anywhere. Another advantage is being able to plug your data card into any computer that you need to use. For example, you can plug in the USB mobile modem into your work computer, and then use it on the train on the way home on your laptop, and then slide into your home PC. It is functional and can make your life a whole lot easier.

3G data cards use the same mobile phone networks that give you your cell phone coverage. If you want to connect from anywhere in your city or town, make sure to ask around which mobile phone company has the best coverage in your area. Having the best service will allow you to fully enjoy your wireless broadband internet and will let you not just send messages and other basic things, but do more complex activities like playing games, and downloading videos. Ask whether the internet supplier has an extensive 3G network or if you’ll be using GPRS most of the time, because this will mean a big drop in the internet speed.

Another thing you should look into are all the different plans that your local companies are offering. When choosing a plan, think about the following things. Assess your anticipated usage of the internet because this will affect the price of the type of card that you get. Obviously if you are heavy user, expect to pay more for your data card. Next, look at monthly cost of the plan. Some companies may offer the options of a prepaid plan or a pay as you go service. Choose the price that fits your budget. Another important thing to consider is the amount of data that is included in the plan offered. Of course, the more you are willing to pay in your monthly plan, the more data you will get. Finally ask about how much the additional charges are for going over your data allowance are. Sometimes these prices are very high. So if you are afraid that you will easily go over your data limit, it is actually cheaper to get a monthly plan that is higher priced, because going over your limit may turn out to be even more expensive.

So assess your internet needs carefully before committing to a certain plan on 3G data cards. If you have any doubts, you can always go online and read reviews to make a more informed choice.