Looking for mobile hotspot recs --

[madamesilverspurs]

Anyone have experience with mobile hotspots? I need one at minimal cost, without contract; is there such a thing? Any recommendations or warnings?

Thanks!

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[shrdlu]

1. Me too...

I'm shopping for the same.

[HopeHoops]

2. Most KOA camp grounds have them for a nominal fee (like $12 a day)

[Drale]

3. I think the poster is talking about

the Mobile modems you can get from clear or version.

[HopeHoops]

4. Oh. I'm not sure about that. And did you mean Verizon?

[jberryhill]

5. These are pretty good

I use them for skiing.

[obxhead]

6. We had the Verizon 5 spot for a time.

It was a piece of shit. Slow connection speeds and the device had to literally be kept on ice. It constantly overheated and would shut down.

[madamesilverspurs]

7. For clarification --

This is a serious inquiry about these devices. I need to be able to access wifi, and these were suggested as a possible affordable solution for someone on an extremely small budget.

Your SERIOUS replies are very greatly appreciated.

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[aikoaiko]

8. For $25 a month, my iphone acts as a hotspot for up to 5 devices.

perhaps your cell phone or an upgrade has the same capability.

[madinmaryland]

9. IF you have a smart phone, check with your carrier. I recall some that do not charge you

for setting up a wifi hotspot with your smart phone. I think Sprint charges 25/month.

[Buns_of_Fire]

10. I hope you get some good answers. I'll be in the market for one in a few months.

I know Virgin Mobile has one -- the Overdrive: http://www.virginmobileusa.com/mobile-broadband/overdrive-pro-hotspot.html?cid=OLA_Q2VirginDR_OverdriveHotSpot_VMU_Q2_Ad.com_Homepage_Retargeting_CPA_300x250_OverdriveHotSpot Supposedly, it'll switch between 3G and 4G automatically, depending on what it finds...

There's also one called Autonet, which is more RV-oriented: http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/tv-antennas/rv-satellite-internet.htm

That's as far as I've gone.

[Raine]

11. This is something I would like to know about too

the serious answers are useful and many THANKS, the silly ones ... not so much.

[Edweird]

12. McDonald's, Starbucks and Home Depot are all free and

usually high quality. Use a a VPN though for security.I use 'hotspot VPN' which requires a monthly subscription but AOL can be used as a free VPN.

[madamesilverspurs]

15. Thanks.

What I'm hoping to avoid, however, is having to take my computer someplace else, I got it in order to work from home. I use a cane and have to carry oxygen, so packing the computer around is more than I can do some days.

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[Edweird]

16. Ah. I also have a 'windows phone'

(a Sprint HTC Touch pro 2) that I have flashed to a cheaper monthly phone service. I use a program called "WMWifi". It gives me relatively reliable (while not blindingly fast) for $35/mo. It's not 'allowed' but as long as you don't go crazy with it you should be fine. I haven't had a problem in the time I've had it. My only problem has been coverage since I travel a lot, but you won't have that problem.

[Buns_of_Fire]

13. Kicking because I'd REALLY like to know if anyone has any input on these little critters...

[Lydia Leftcoast]

14. Some companies have little modems that you can plug into the USB port of your computer

I've seen them in action, but I can't remember which companies have them.

Also, since Internet access is a big topic for travelers to Japan (free wi-fi being rare in public places, although some budget hotel chains have it now), some of my fellow translators have talked about renting something called a mobile hotspot.

[riderinthestorm]

17. I have a Verizon wi fi hotspot. I've had it for about 2 years now

Pros: Its very mobile and relatively inexpensive ($55/month). You can have up to 5 computers on it at a time. You can get a version that does not have a contract. It works through rain, storms and heavy snowfall (unlike satellite) and for us rural folks who don't have cable, its so much better than dial-up it will make you cry.

Cons: There are times when the service is "throttled" - slowed waaayyyy down by too much traffic. Some users believe its done on purpose to get you to "buy" more time.

Overall, I've been really happy.