The MM Interview is a feature where I chat with people I like about stuff they love. Today I’m talking to Zac Posen employee Mary Burke about the Verizon Wireless USB720 Modem, which she says is the perfect option for working on the road. Enough jibber jabber, let’s get this party started!
MM: Okay, so tell me a little bit about yourself (because we’ve just met, right? Nothing up my sleeves?)
MB: My name is Mary! I work in the Production department at Zac Posen, a luxury women's wear designer. I oversee all of the steps required to get looks from the runway shows made and sold in stores. It might sound cool, but it's still just a job.
MM: So why did you end up looking for a wireless modem?
MB: A lot of what I do at Zac Posen is data analysis. I record changes in the process, like increase in fabric usage, and keep track of all the details my boss needs to keep the process flowing. This used to mean that I couldn't take any time off, because someone would always need an answer, and I am the keeper of all the information! Which is dreadfully unfair, so I started to inquire about remote access from anywhere you can get Internet. I thought, if that's the only limitation, I should be able to figure something out! Little did I know that on a recent trip, I wouldn't be able to find Internet access except in the lobby of a not-so-nearby hotel. So I knew I had to come up with some sort of other, more stable, option. A Blackberry wasn't the answer because of the programs I need to use to access information (Access, Excel, and Outlook; often at the same time). Guaranteed internet access through a personal modem was the easiest answer.
MM: What drew you to the Verizon Wireless USB720 Modem in particular?
MB: This model in particular is not a PC card, so it works with my iBook; it uses the USB port, instead. Also, it was the cheapest
option at the time, and I didn't see the need for a modem with additional storage included. That's a cool idea, but not necessary
for me.
MM: And so it works great, huh?
MB: I like it a lot! I haven’t had any problems connecting so far, and the transfer speed is pretty fast. It's better than relying on Airport to find networks, because you can't get locked out by people who safeguard their networks from people like me. And it's better than DSL or Cable, because you're not tethered to anything; there's no limit to its wireless range. It's like I bought a new cell phone, but this phone can only call the Internet. And maybe someone can call me, but it will always be busy, because I’m on the Internet. So, while it's kind of a bummer that I can access my work computer from anywhere… I can access my work computer from ANYWHERE! Or at least wherever Verizon has coverage...
MM: Do you just use it at work? Or at home, too?
MB: I have only been using it at home so far. Though I can see it coming in handy at work during some meetings where instead of running back to my desk to check on a figure, I could look it up on my laptop. And, sure, it would be nice to leave work at work, but it's comforting to know I can take some time off and not leave my boss in the lurch.
MM: What's the most awesome thing you've done using it?
MB: It's not that awesome when all you're doing is work with it. But I have big plans to use it in Boston, Los Angeles, and Nashville in the near future. That's going to be awesome.
MM: That IS pretty awesome. Looking forward to the terrifying day when this doesn't work anymore, do you think you'll buy the exact same one, or is there something else you have your eyes on?
MB: Way to jinx it, Alex. Thanks a lot. But I guess I like to think that I've gotten the absolute best option out there. And that, by the time this doesn't work anymore, there will be some totally perfect new device that we've never even thought of yet. Or maybe I'll just have to give up my vacation plans again. Sigh...
You can get the Verizon Wireless USB720 Modem from Verizon, natch. And to check out the clothing that Mary makes possible, head on over to ZacPosen.com.
[$30, Verizon]