Modern technologies do not stand still and are constantly evolving. This is primarily due to the fact that every year the needs of PC users are constantly growing, and manufacturers of various devices are trying to satisfy these needs as much as possible. For example, modern laptops are becoming easier and more compact, which allows their owners to work on such a mobile computer almost anywhere. But what's the point of having a portable compact laptop if it connects to the Internet using a cable?
To make the search of information on the World Wide Web even more convenient, more than a decade ago, the first laptop modems were released, which have since been constantly improved. They are convenient not only for quick and easy connection to the network without bulky and restricting the movement of cords and cables, but also for their compactness. A modern laptop modem can easily fit in a laptop bag, pocket or wallet. But the main advantage of this device remains mobility - with its help, the user can check mail or visit his page on the social network from literally anywhere.
Now let's look at how to choose the right modem for the laptop, and what types of these devices can be found in the modern market. By the type of connection to a laptop, all such devices can be divided into three categories: USB modems, PCI express cards and mobile routers.
These days, USB modems are the most widely used. This happened thanks to their undeniable advantages - ease of connection, compactness and versatility. PCI express-cards are practically not used at present (many modern laptops are completely devoid of a slot for them), although they are much better than USB-modems in terms of ergonomics. This is due to the fact that such a modem for a laptop after connection is almost completely "recessed" in the laptop case, while a device connected via USB is almost always awkwardly pulled out of the computer by at least a few centimeters.
"Mobile" modems also differ in data transfer speed. The most common option on the domestic market is now considered to be devices that use 3G technology - offers on the basis of this method of wireless data transmission are now available for almost every operator. A 3G modem for a laptop allows its owner to use the Internet at a speed of up to 8 Mbps. However, the actual speed will significantly differ from the quality of the operator’s coverage, the average connection speed in the reception area and a number of other factors. A faster connection type is a technology called WiMAX, which allows you to work at speeds up to 10 Mbps. And the “slowest” solution on the modern market is CDMA 450 technology (its “ceiling” is only 3.1 Mbit / s).
Before buying a device such as a modem for a laptop, you should make sure that the selected model is suitable for the operating system of your laptop. Otherwise, when connecting a modem, there may be problems with installing drivers and the device’s overall performance. If you decide to purchase a modem with a connection (having concluded an agreement with one of the mobile operators for providing Internet access services), do not forget to make sure that there is high-quality coverage in the places where you intend to use the services of this provider. This is due to the fact that the mobile Internet is a rather capricious thing and even the wall thickness in the house can affect the quality of its coverage (and, consequently, the resulting speed). Therefore, before buying such a device, be sure to consult with a representative of the operator company.