Sprint PCS currently has the widest selection of wireless data cards among the U.S. carriers, including Type II PC Cards from AirPrime, Novatel Wireless, and Sierra Wireless. Sprint also sells the only CompactFlash wireless data card currently available—the Yiso PCS Connection Card CF 2031 ($180 street). The Sprint PCS Connection Card AirPrime PC3200 ($200 street) we tested has a stubby antenna protrusion and looks like a wireless LAN card; the antenna extends for better reception and transmission and folds down into the end piece for protection. The PC3200 does not support voice calls, although some of the other Sprint PCS Connection Cards do.

Sprint's wireless data service pricing for consumers and small businesses is $40 a month for 20MB, $60 a month for 40MB, $80 a month for 70MB, and $100 a month for 300MB. There is no unlimited data plan, which may put off hard-core users.

In our testing, the PCS Connection Manager software installed without fault. Using a Dell Inspiron 8200 notebook loaded with Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition, we didn't have to reboot the system after installation. We tested the card in an area with only marginal Sprint PCS coverage (as indicated by one bar of signal strength on the PCS Connection Manager), and the Internet connection was usable. After we cleared our browser of cookies and temporary files, the PCMag.com home page loaded in 58 seconds. Overall, the installation and performance were good. The biggest downside of the Sprint PCS wireless data service is the cost; the company doesn't offer an unlimited access plan for nonbusiness users.