Hello everyone,
I need help on choosing a good cellular carrier (T-Mobile, Cingular, AT&T) that has cheap wireless internet so I can use it on my laptop while I’m away from home. I’m overwhelmed by all the plans and features of each carrier so I need some pointers.

I’m currently using Verizon Wireless but I want to switch carriers because it is CDMA not GSM, and their wireless internet starts at 79.99 a month which is very expensive for me.

Also do you guys know any good cell phones with bluetooth capabilities so I can pair it with my laptop?

Thanks a lot guys I appreciate it.

edit: I live around the Metro NYC area.

I like T-Mobile’s $20/mo unlimited GPRS deal, myself. The only thing I’d worry about is reception. I’ve found it pretty good in major population centers, but if you need to drive a lot and be on the Net, it’s not great. I’ve gotten reception in most parts of Manhattan and in Westchester (I’m not in Brooklyn much, but it seemed ok in Park Slope and Williamsburg). I’d use their 14-day trial period first. As far as phones go, I’m a huge fan of Sony-Ericsson.

Is the connection good enough to use an instant messenging client, check e-mail, surf websites?

Yeah I’m a big fan of Sony Ericsson as well.

[quote author=“kageon1”]Is the connection good enough to use an instant messenging client, check e-mail, surf websites?

It’s about the same speed as a 56k dial-up modem.

Verizon has a nice, somewhat undocumented “feature”: You can get 80-100k data speeds (down) for FREE if the time you connect comes out of your minute plan.

I forget the right name for the code, but Verizon started offering this like 9 months ago, and lots of Customer Service reps at the time were overwhelmed with calls adding the feature.

All you need is a data cable for your phone and service in your area.

I’m using verizon, no issue found.
good connection / email / data transfer.

and also I’m using t-mobile hotspot. $35/month unlimited access at starbucks.