I didn’t have much time to explain EVDO, a wireless broadband connection, in my last pos because I only had a few minutes to use the network before the flight attendants closed the door. Now that I’m on Interstate 5 on my way to Los Angeles (don’t worry, I’m not the one driving), I have a bit more time. There’s really not much I can explain: I put the PC card in my laptop, connect to the Verizon network, and I’ve got a connection at least as fast as my cablel modem at home. It’s unlimited airtime for $60/month.

Aside from a few deadspots along Highway 1 and going over the Grapevine (a big hill, or a little mountain), reception has been fabulous. Instead of spending time loading up my laptop with things to read during the trip, I just surf during en route. Where a Blackberry would allow me to check and send email, my EVDO card let’s me do anything I like, including chatting with Randal Schwartz and uploading patches to the stuff we’re working on.

I also have to put in a kind word for the people over at Booster-Antenna.com. They saw my last post and unsolicitedly offered to refund my money since I only wanted the software and didn’t need the service. Verizon offers the software for free, although they certainly didn’t make it easy to find. If I need service, though, I know where I’m going back to. :)