4G Compaq Netbook w/Hotspot

[SarahW]

Since we are not full-timers but still want internet connectivity for weekend trips and vacations, I've been trying to find a cost-effective means for mobile broadband in the RV. We don't have smartphones nor cellphone contracts, preferring pay-as-you-go cell service because we don't spend much time on the phone. We don't even text!!! GASP!!!

That said, I found a Compaq netbook on Verizon's website for a reasonable price (with 2-year data contract ) that includes a 4G hotspot. That would allow us to use another laptop or iPad or whatever via the hotspot.

COMPAQ NETBOOK

Since we could get the 2GB monthly service, it would be much cheaper than buying Smartphones or even just the MiFi device. Does anyone own one of these (or something similar), and are you satisfied with it? Does the hotspot work well? Thanks.

[RickO]

We bought the HP version of this netbook a couple of years back. It worked "OK" but netbooks are notoriously slow. We ended up with Verizon's air card plugged in to a Cradlepoint router for our wireless network.

If your internet usage is limited, my guess is that you'll be happy with the netbook hotspot. BTW, with our air card, we are able to "suspend" service when we're not traveling so we don't have to pay the monthly charges if we're not using them. This extends the time required to fulfill your two year commitment, but that's not a problem for us.

Good luck...

Rick

[SarahW]

Hi Rick. Yep, I know that netbooks are not known for blazing response times. I'm more interested in the 4G hotspot, and using my regular laptop or iPad to connect. Since we aren't traveling much, the 2GB monthly service should do us fine. (And if we go over, it's just $10 per GB.) Thanks for the info.

[RickO]

Sounds like a plan Sarah. BTW, the netbooks turn out to be pretty handy for other applications too. Although I don't use mine for internet anymore, I have mounted it on my dash and run my VMSpc chassis monitoring system and Microsoft Streets & Trips on it.

Rick

[SarahW]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickO Sounds like a plan Sarah. BTW, the netbooks turn out to be pretty handy for other applications too. Although I don't use mine for internet anymore, I have mounted it on my dash and run my VMSpc chassis monitoring system and Microsoft Streets & Trips on it. Rick

I'm not familiar with the chassis monitoring system, but it sounds like you're putting the netbook to good use. How do you like the Streets & Trips? Does your netbook have the built in GPS or did you buy the separate GPS dongle?

[sdennislee]

Read the reviews at the Verizon site on both of Verizon's 4G hotspots. Overall pretty negative. One reoccurring comment is the device frequently drops the connection.

I think I'll hold on to my 3G for a bit longer and see if the reviews improve.

4510L
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/s...edPhoneId=5633

SCH-LC11
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/s...edPhoneId=5636

[billyb]

i've got the att mifi hotspot, and it seems to work pretty good, even on my netbook with xp. it runs 3 gb for 35. a month and is called att elevate, and best buy has them

[RickO]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SarahW I'm not familiar with the chassis monitoring system, but it sounds like you're putting the netbook to good use. How do you like the Streets & Trips? Does your netbook have the built in GPS or did you buy the separate GPS dongle?

Frankly we find that we don't use Streets & Trips very much... choosing our Tom Tom GPS instead. Not too sure why. S&T seems to be more robust. I especially like the feature of being able to track our progress on an actual road map I can zoom in or out. I had to buy the GPS USB dongle separately.

FYI, the chassis monitoring system is software and hardware which connects my laptop to the diagnostic port of the chassis to provide a customized, very detailed display of everything being reported by the chassis. It's called VMSpc and is sold by Silverleaf Electronics. Just a fancy "gadget".

Rick

[SarahW]

Quote:

Originally Posted by RickO Frankly we find that we don't use Streets & Trips very much... choosing our Tom Tom GPS instead. Not too sure why. S&T seems to be more robust. I especially like the feature of being able to track our progress on an actual road map I can zoom in or out. I had to buy the GPS USB dongle separately. FYI, the chassis monitoring system is software and hardware which connects my laptop to the diagnostic port of the chassis to provide a customized, very detailed display of everything being reported by the chassis. It's called VMSpc and is sold by Silverleaf Electronics. Just a fancy "gadget". Rick

You sound like a "gadget guy!" Thanks for the info.

[SarahW]

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdennislee Read the reviews at the Verizon site on both of Verizon's 4G hotspots. Overall pretty negative. One reoccurring comment is the device frequently drops the connection. I think I'll hold on to my 3G for a bit longer and see if the reviews improve. 4510L Set Your Location SCH-LC11 Set Your Location

Agree; those reviews are pretty scary.

[SarahW]

Quote:

Originally Posted by billyb i've got the att mifi hotspot, and it seems to work pretty good, even on my netbook with xp. it runs 3 gb for 35. a month and is called att elevate, and best buy has them

Thanks Billy. Can you still buy the 3G?

ETA--ok, I checked the AT&T website and I see that they are still available. Thanks.

[Chabago]

We use the Samsung hot-spot and Verizon's service both at home and on the road. We have had a few issues related to our home location (at the outer edge of service) but are overall satisfied. We opted for the 8 gig plan and get a 15% discount (navy vet). 4G isn't that available away from major markets so the device often grabs 3G where we travel. So a 3G device like the Mifi might work just fine for you.

[BonesBarth]

Verizon was running a special awhile back, 4gb data plan for $30. If you just want a hotspot, I'd go with one of those mobile hotspot modems.

We are fulltimers and use a Samsung Droid Charge smartphone w/hotspot. Most of the time it is connected at 3g speeds but when we get lucky enough to be in 4g territory, the hotspot really flies. I use my laptop and Kindle Fire on it and have had great results last week on my trip from Chicago to Lake Havasu City. I even burned a few gb with a Roku box and it worked great also.

A refurb Droid Charge was $99 a few months ago but they are down to $69 now. The reviews on this phone are hit or miss. So far, our phone is a hit.

[SarahW]

Thanks for all the suggestions; I appreciate the input. I'm not interested in a cellphone service contract; I just want a limited 'data only' plan for occasional use. (We don't get to travel very much yet due to work schedules...ugh.)

We have Comcast broadband at home so I don't want to incur additional expenses for a service we already have.