What’s the best, most affordable option in the US for connecting laptops and other mobile electronic devices to a 3G network? Assuming I also need a cell phone, but not necessary on the same device, and assuming I’m not tied to a particular network or smartphone OS at the moment.
The MiFi device looks very attractive, but all carriers seem to charge $60/month for its use, and I’d have to get a separate phone.
I do see that Verizon now offers the Mobile Hotspot feature for free on webOS devices, but it looks like I still need a calling plan and a data plan to use it. That adds up to $70/month, which is not a bad deal, and it would be nice to only carry one device. One thing that worries me though is whether this “free Mobile Hotspot” is a temporary promotional deal or long-term.
Any opinions? Any other options I should consider?
Do you have to get more than one device on the same connection? If not, you can just get a modem that connects to the network without needing a phone or mobile hotspot. Some laptops have it built in and you would just have to pay for the service. It’s on the website under Mobile Broadband.
Are you sure about Verizon? They do generally have the best network, but you’ll want to check their coverage where you are. My parents are in the middle of nowhere and they get no service on Verizon, but AT&T just put up a 3g tower. Here in Sili Valley, Verizon is usually better.
I haven’t tried out the mobile hotspot feature on my Pre Plus, but I’ll give it a shot and report back. I’m wondering if it’ll stay free, myself. If you’re looking for a smartphone, I’m quite happy with my Pre. There’s nothing else out there that I know of that can do phone and mobile hotspot in one. If you go with a Pre, absolutely get the Touchstone charger.
As a full timer (one who lives full time in a motor home traveling the US) I am somewhat familiar with the issue. It is discussed a lot on our forums.
In general Verizon and Sprint are considered to have the best 3g coverage with Verizon being the leader at this time. As I recall there is some info on the “3gStore” web site about that.
First you may not want a laptop with the air card (modem) built in because that ties you to a particular provider.
It is still possible to tether your cell phone to your laptop but it isn’t very popular nowadays.
Some of the smart phones can connect directly - Blackberry for one I think.
You do not have to have a cell plan with the data plan supplier.
If you sign a contract with one of them you can get the air card free or very close to it. The charge is about $60 per month with unlimited access, but a data per month limit of 5 GB.
Seems sort of like a contradiction in terms doesn’t it? A lot of people thought so and as a result when Verizon lost a class action suit they had to clarify what they meant. Those of us that had the plan before the suit are grand fathered in without the 5 GB limit.
Verizon offers a mobile hotspot (MIFI) which is a combination wireless router and aircard. It has a couple of limitations. As far as I know it has no Ethernet connector or provision for adding an external antenna.
Also if new and better cards become available you have to get the whole device rather than just get a new air card.
I am on my 3rd air card which is a EVDO Rev A type and am still using my old KR1 wireless router.
However on the next go around I will probably have to get a new router since my KR1 has been discontiued and no updates with drivers for new air cards are available.
I will probably go with one of the Cradlepoint wireless routers since they support all the newer air cards.
I have a T-Mobile G1 (Google Android) phone for which I have an unlimited data plan. I went to http://www.junefabrics.comand downloaded pdanet for android. My phone serves as a modem for my netbook and laptop, and data transfer is “charged” to my cell on my unlimited plan. Pdanet is available for internet phones with various operating systems.
I tried it out and it worked - there was a bit of pause and buffer needed on youtube, and it sucked down battery like nobody’s business, but it’s very easy to use.