Mifi vs Hotspot??

[reubenray]

I am currently using an app on my AT&T Android (Samsung Note) to access the internet on my laptop. It has some limitations so I am checking to see what my options are. I really don't want to add another monthly charge to one of the carriers. They are getting way to much of my money as it is. But I want something dependable. I have never exceeded the 3gb plan that I have when we take our 10 to 14 day trips. We do this about every 6 weeks and the 3gb is not used at all when we are at home.

So my options are to pony up the extra bucks for a monthly mifi plan or use my hotspot. If I use the hotspot I need to get a dependable "booster" app or buy something like the Wilson cradle. My concerns with the cradle is the size of my phone may not fit. The second concern is having the phone in the cradle all the time. The DW likes to play games on the phone.

I value everyone's opinion and I am open to any other options if there are any.

[Razzman]

I used to use my Samsung Galaxy 3 (AT&T) as a hotspot until they caught me and sent a cease and desist letter threatening to terminate my unlimited plan. Some carriers permit it, others don't and others charge $50 like AT&T. That said anything on data is going to apply towards your 3gb so if your running gps and the wife is on playing games you'll use it faster. We camped for a week last year with my grandsons and they sucked up 5 gb in that time! My bad as I didn't think about it. When I was using the phone as a hotspot the signal wasn't as strong as the Verizon Mi-Fi I have now with a 5gb plan for $50. Plus I get way better coverage. I use the Mi-Fi for simplicity, I don't need more gadgets to make something work, just my personal opinion. Others like gadgeting with stuff.

[wa8yxm]

First a Mi-Fi is a hotspot.
Second it will work no better than a good Cell Phone if you are using the same provider for service.. EXCEPTION, if you have an old cell phone the MI-FI might be faster, but a phone upgrade is possible and if your phone is that old AT&T will likely let you have something like the S-III mentioned by Razzman for free or even an S-IV (4 if you don't speak Roman).

[vsheetz]

I don't want my phone tied up being a hotspot, so use a MiFi unit fr Mellenicom. Thus way DW still has access if I am out and about with my phone.

[mikelm48]

I don't know how AT&T works, but I have Sprint and I turn the Hotspot subscription on and off as needed. I only get charged for the days that I have the subscription. I don't believe the reception will be any different between your phone and the MiFi.

[pcurt23]

I have an I phone on AT&T (jail broken hot spot) and a Verizon MIfi. So far the Verizon has been the better service as far as speed and connection. AT&T has very spotty service in areas where campgrounds typically locate. Our rule is no video when using the Verizon because we only pay for 3gig. I can't believe how much we pay for electronic service.

[itgeekgal]

Based on your usage it sounds like using your phone as a hotspot is the best solution. How tied to ATT are you? We have Verizon and I can use my iPhone as a hotspot for my laptop and/or tablet while still using it to play games... and there's no additional charge for using it as a hotspot.

[Bumps]

I did not notice any difference in performance between a standalone [Verizon] HotSpot and MiFi off the phone. I can tell you that we had a tendency to use the HotSpot more (easier for tablets to connect to) and hence ate up more of our gb allowance. Have two phones, and only two people connecting, so have discontinued the HotSpot and use the $20/mo for other endeavors. \ken

[srt20]

Originally Posted by vsheetz

I don't want my phone tied up being a hotspot, so use a MiFi unit fr Mellenicom. Thus way DW still has access if I am out and about with my phone.

On VZW you can hotspot and use the phone for calls at same time. I would guess it's the same for AT&T since they used to run ads promoting it.

[reubenray]

I have been using a hotspot on my AT&T phone since May/2013. I mainly do forum surfing, researching trips, etc. and never do video downloads. The phone still works while it is doing its job as a hotspot. The DW has received phone calls or texts several times while I am using it. The games the DW plays are not internet or data using games.

One option we are looking at for the DW is upgrading her Kindle to a Kindle Fire HD. This would give her the capabilities to play her games while I have the laptop.

[EDALLSAILS]

Here is something new. Free Wireless Internet | Free Internet | 4G Wireless Internet - FreedomPop I purchased one of their Wi-Fi hot spots for 29 bucks. Appears to work ok. 4G if available and 3G if not. They have several plans. NO Contract. You can activate and de activate when not traveling. I like it enough that I' canceling my CenturyLink DSL. which by the way they charge 108 bucks a month and force you to bundle it with a land line. Try the link and it may be worth looking at. safe travels.... ed

[gbburgess]

We dumped our land lines about 5 years ago and have used a Verizon MiFi and cell phones ever since. It has worked everyplace we have been - assuming a phone signal gets in/out. We have 16MB and use it most every month. However, the MiFi works going down the road just a well and when parked. It is a bit expensive but - you can't take it with you.

[vsheetz]

Originally Posted by srt20

On VZW you can hotspot and use the phone for calls at same time. I would guess it's the same for AT&T since they used to run ads promoting it.

Correct. But I noted when I am out and about meaning the phone is with me elsewhere and the DW is at the coach without internet access.

[kjburns]

My wife and I have phones with wifi hotspots, so adding something to the account wouldn't make sense. I'd much rather do it that way than a phone and a mifi.