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S M E G M A
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As this seems to become more and more a tech forum.... I will ask this here: I have a choice between WIMAX or EV-DO as the data link technology for wireless broadband for my laptop.
Question is, which one is better? Or, if as I suspect, there is not a clear winner, what are the things to consider before going for one or the other?
I basically want to use my laptop and have broadband Internet access anywhere I go in the city where I am.
Somehow I get the idea that although WIMAX could be faster, coverage is less reliable than EV-DO. Though I really have no solid base for saying this.
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Thai Girls : Meet Sexy Thai Girls
Posted on: 11:07 am on May 11, 2008
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DaffyDuck
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Both are dependent on the presence of a supporting network - and thus any answer to your question depends on knowing which city you are in (no, don't answer that).
In terms of speed - WiMAX *promises* better performance, as it offer synchronous speed equality (i.e. claims of 25MBps up *and* down), while EV-DO will always officer asynchronous up and download speeds, more on par with DSL (i.e. on average 1.5MBps down, and 500-780Kbps upload).
EV-DO is generally more widespread, while WiMAX is starting out with centralized hubs and regions. WiMAX claims greater distances from the broadcast towers, but that's BS, as the actual bandwidth decreases dramatically as the distance increases marginally - you can only get maximal speed within a stone's throw from the transceivers.
In the long term, I believe EV-DO will be around a lot longer, mostly as next generation technologies will offer better speeds, but will be able to fall back to EV-DO. The same holds true for LTE and the GSM/GPRS/EDGE faction.
Again, most of this is directly dependent on what region you are in, and how either technologies are being rolled out. In the USA, Sprint is staking it's survival on WiMAX, which I assume Sprint is pretty much history before long.
Add to that, that Verizon has announced to be supporting LTE for 4G, instead of the CDMA/EV-DO solution, and you know the future in that market will be with LTE (and, in my opinion, so it will in the majority of the world).
My suggestion would be, skip the WiMAX, EV-DO option, and simply make sure you have a USB port to accommodate an appropriate card/stick. It's the better way to roll...
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Bangkok Women : Meet Sensual Bangkok Women
Posted on: 11:41 pm on May 11, 2008
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S M E G M A
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To skip WIMAX, ED-VO? That would mean not having wireless broadband for a while. And I do not want to wait.
One company offers EV-DO and another WIMAX. At this stage service from the company offering EV-DO seems to cover a greater area (they say anywhere there is mobile phone reception), whereas the one with WIMAX keeps adding stations to increase the area covered, and I am to expect that only selected spots may be blind for some time.
I will use a USB modem in either case.
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Thai Girls : Meet Sexy Thai Girls
Posted on: 11:53 pm on May 11, 2008
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Singlolo
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Smeg,
It comes down to a simple question, 'What technology is available wherever you intend to use Broadband Wireless Access'
On the mid/long run EV-DO is not a valid option as the standard body ruling CDMA has no evolution path for the technology and major CDMA carriers are shifting either to HSDPA or WiMAX.
If you want a sure bet, then HSDPA is where you should put your money given the existing deployments and the industry/operators commitment going forward,with LTE being the next step.
As for WiMAX it is hard to tell what will be the future although what is happening in the US is rather positive. Moreover, WiMAX is likely to be a driving force in the so called 'developing world'.
My advice given the add info you have given is to go ahead with the best existing service which seems to be EV-DO in your case. If and By the time the WiMAX service turns to be the best option, you will either have changed your laptop to a new one with integrated WiMAX or will have to spare $100 on a new USB Modem
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Bangkok Girls : Meet Sexy Bangkok Girls
Posted on: 5:32 am on May 12, 2008
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thailife
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and to add to everyone's thoughts I would say that it is really only a few years before things become clear on what will emerge as the standard (hopefully). I know WiMax is going to be rolling out with a new company in China in 28 major vities as some friends of mine are part of that deal and I have read the business plan. Most likely there will be competing systems for a period of time until one starts to gain further traction than the other.... but by then you will be on to your next lap top or phone anyways.......
I agree witht e comments about 'depending on where you use it" If you travel a lot, I would just use an air card until you get the coverage in all the placs you go..... or use both an aircard and one of the other ones in your phone.... at least you have somewhat high speed access where ever you go.
I can tell you IPStar has been ok for me to use upcountry. not always 100% reliable, but given the situation, not a bad deal.
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Thai Women : Meet Matured Thai Women
Posted on: 6:00 am on May 12, 2008
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DaffyDuck
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Quote: from S M E G M A on 2:19 pm on May 12, 2008
To skip WIMAX, ED-VO? That would mean not having wireless broadband for a while. And I do not want to wait.
Of course you do not 
I may not have been sufficiently clear that I did not imply to skip both technologies, but rather to skip the laptop's option of having either technology integrated into the laptop. Some manufacturers include internal cards, or add-ons (that you would be stuck with), and it is those that I suggest to avoid.
Either go with a USB dongle solution, for whichever one you decide on (I'm favoring EV-DO, as well as HSDPA/3G where I am), or pick up a wireless 3G router, that can accommodate either the USB dongle, or 3G card you end up using - then all your laptop needs is a regular wireless connection (I suggest making sure it has 802.11n), and you literally can carry your hotspot with you. It's what I have integrated into my car, and it makes life much easier.
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Bangkok Women : Meet Beautiful Thai Girls
Posted on: 11:20 am on May 12, 2008
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S M E G M A
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DD, at this stage whichever option I choose I will get a free USB modem from the service provider. I am not so keen on the wireless router. I want to carry the less possible number of things around. Actually, if either company offered an expresscard modem, I would chose it.
In this case, I will get one of these:
For EDVO this one
And for WIMAX this one
Thus the modem seems not to make any difference. Same for cost. Monthly service is comparable for both.
I am not looking at anything for the very long run. Just choosing whatever is best now -if there is a clear superior one. As Singlolo says, in the future it will be a new decission and it will depend on what I have at the time and what is available then.
The way I see this is the same as when one buys a phone and chooses a carrier. It is something you can get out later if better options become available from other carriers.
So at this stage, I just wanted to know if there is a clear winner.
Somehow I am leaning towards the ED-VO solution.
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Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 2:58 pm on May 12, 2008
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DaffyDuck
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One more question - does either carrier require a long term commitment?
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Thai Girls : Meet Active Thai Girls
Posted on: 4:56 pm on May 12, 2008
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S M E G M A
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One year only if I want the free usb modem -which costs the same as about 6 months of usage. Otherwise I can have the service only when I want it -pay as I go: pay one month, use it, not pay, not use it. Pay again, use it again and so on.
If I had an ED-VO enabled mobile phone, I would not need the usb modem, as it would serve as modem. But my phone has HSDPA... and I do not want to change it yet -waiting for couple of models coming out in a few months.
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Thai Women : Meet Matured Thai Women
Posted on: 6:11 pm on May 12, 2008
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DaffyDuck
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You're probably best off with EV-DO. It's a stable technology, if the network from your carrier covers the areas and regions you need, you are more likely to get a good connection while on the go.
WiMAX is meant more for stationary stations (eventually), while EV-DO is more of a mobile platform. It should do the trick for you.
In the US we have a great EV-DO plan from a company called Millenicom -- $49 to get started, then $49 every month for unlimited usage; no commitment, no contract. Simply return the modem when done.
While they use the Sprint network, they support, out of the box, Mac and Windows, and will also sell you a 3G wireless router for $150. The service is great, and the lack of contract made it worthwhile to cancel my Sprint contract early and more than paid for the early termination fee Sprint imposes).
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Bangkok Girls : Meet Attractive Thai Girls
Posted on: 7:41 pm on May 12, 2008
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