I just purchased a Verizon wireless USB760 modem for my laptop. It is super fast, portable, and easy to use. When I had the browser on my Blackberry it seemed to be slower than dial-up at times, occasionally it would sit and wait for what seemed like an eternity before it would catch again. I was a little bit reluctant to go this configuration after a disappointing experience with the phone, but I’m very pleased with the performance I’m getting on my laptop.
It actually runs faster than DSL and I can attest that it is far superior to the wireless performance I was using previously. The only drawback is the access fees: $39/mo for 250 megs, $59/mo unlimited. I thought I could get away with 250 megs but they were gone in two days so I switched up. Streaming movies gobbles up bits by the carload, and if you go over, the fees are astronomical. The lady that called from Verizon said that at the rate I was going, I could end up with a bill of $600.
I’m not sure how this would compare to a satellite connection. If you are way out in the desert in some remote area between Arizona and California, you may not get a good signal, but it sure would be easier to set up!
Glad you are back online! I am very familiar with the type of setup you have. It is very popular with the RV crowd for exactly the reason you mention, although it will not work in many remote places where we like to camp. I would like to have both satellite and 3G, but can’t justify paying for both when satellite works everywhere. 3G is definitely faster than satellite as well, as long as your are in developed areas. In fringe areas it is about the same as dial up.
The way most people use 3G is to purchase a wireless router that they can put the modem into. That way they can share the connection between multiple PC’s. The most popular modems are those made by Cradlepoint. If you are interested you could look at 3gstore.com where they have a selection. The company has a very good reputation as well.
One more word of warning — the unlimited is not really unlimited. If you exceed 5 gig you will run into the same overage charges. I know they sell it as unlimited, and it used to be, but only those who have had the service for a long time are grandfathered in. As far as I know all new accounts have the 5 gig limit. You can burn through that in a hurry if you watch streaming video. Read the fine print in your contract.
Regardless, it’s good to hear from you.
According to Verizon’s website, $59.99 per month buys 5GB of data.
You know, you could get a Droid for just a little more than that per month, and tether your laptop to it. So you’d have a smart phone AND internet access on your computer.
I experimented with my own Droid (though I don’t need to do it regularly), and it seemed comparable to my 2.5MB/s DSL connection.
The downsides are:
1) You have to configure your phone each time you want to connect;
2) You can’t talk on the mobile phone while you are on the internet.
3) It violates Verizon’s contracts.
So your current setup is more convenient, and you don’t have to skulk around worrying about Verizon monitoring your usage and figuring out what you’re doing. But you could save a little money.
Just an idea!
Oh, and by the way, it’s a very, very narrow strip of land (or water) that lies between Arizona and California…
Thanks for the heads up. I knew the literature said 5gigs but when she said unlimited I wanted to believe it. Just like when they say phone deals for $39.99 and by the time you add taxes, fees, 911 services, insurance, and bailout reimbursement, the bill is $60.
I may look into getting a new phone and tethering, Daryl, your right that may be even cheaper. I’m due for a discount on a new phone. As slow as my Blackberry was I wasn’t sure if I would be happy with this setup.
Back online. Yay!
Hmmmm. I pay $35/month for 6MB DSL(actually ThinKom pays for my internet and iPhone now but that’s beside the point). It truly is unlimited. Did you check on the price of DSL or even cable? You can get cable without getting the tv service I believe but it is more expensive than with it. Just seems there are cheaper ways to get internet.
Don: My first thought was having something that wouldn’t tie me to the house like cable and DSL, but now I am really going to search for something more practical. I was at Dave’s tonight and talking options with him and, like Daryl, he says there are newer phones based on the Android operating system coming out all the time. That would give me the portability, speed and price I’m looking for.
I can certainly understand the desire to have portability. Since it’s only you I can see the advantage to what you got. One thing about the iPhone is you can do the illegal tethering with it too and I’m pretty sure you can talk on the phone at the same time unlike the Verizon Droid.