Smartphone or Mi-Fi ?

[MSHappyCampers]

First, I admit that I am WAY behind the times when it comes to cellphones and internet service. My DW and I are still using just basic cellphones that don't even have texting. We are getting ready to do more traveling in the 5er and would like to have internet access for checking e-mail, Facebook, RV.Net, IRV2, and browsing for campsites, attractions, etc. I had decided that the Mi-Fi through Cellular South was the way to go, allowing us the use the laptop anywhere we had cellular signal. Today I started thinking that maybe I should get a Smartphone for internet access instead of the Mi-Fi. I went over to the Cellular South office today and played with the Smartphones. I know there are a lot of really cool aps for these units that would be fun to use, but I think they are going to be a real pain for what I want to do on the internet! Any advice would be appreciated!

[LEMO]

At Quartzite this year during the big tent, Version had a deal for a smart phone with a 'hot spot'. I had been thinking about Mifi, but the deal on the phone was great and I took the plunge. Now, 5 month later I am glad I have the smart phone with a hot spot, because when we are out and about I can either get on the internet with my phone, or start the Ipad, Ipod or Netbook off the phone with out being at the coach. Works for us, when we are home we use it also as we live in a rural area, without high speed internet.

Lee

[chiefneon]

Howdy!

If were going to chose one over the other it would be a smartphone with a WiFi hotspot.

"Happy Trails"
Chiefneon

[Purplefans & Harvey]

We don't have mifi, we try to find campgrounds with wifi mostly, but when on the road, the smartphone can't be beat. It has saved us many many times. (I'm ashamed to say that, kindof). My DH even uses it for DIRECTIONS!!!! I guess it's OK for a man to use the smartphone for directions - because it's SMART!!! We can text, email from the phone, take pictues and send right away, get maps, have the IRV2 app, and plug it in to keep the power up! What more can you ask for (except a larger keyboard!!!)

[MSHappyCampers]

Thanks for the replies folks! I want to think about this thing a day or so and would still appreciate any other opinions. I keep thinking about trying to type out anything more than a word or two on that TINY keyboard!

[LibbyLA]

Joe,

I don't know whether this will ever apply to you, but if you might want to go somewhere without your wife while she stays "home" and wants to use the computer, having a separate phone and MiFi would be handy. If only one person uses the phone and MiFi, it's not an issue, but if you ever might need to use the phone in one place and have MiFi in a different place, it could be a problem.

I'm thinking through the same situation and am leaning toward separate phone (I still have a plain phone, am reasonably happy with my carrier, and have generous night/weekend terms, which is important to me) and MiFi so I can send the MiFi with my SO if I'm not going.

liz

[Elkhartjim]

DW and I each have the Verizon Motorola Droid X. We use them for all the same reasons as previously stated. I do especially like the Google maps navigation app that I now use instead of the expensive Garmin GPS. You can set it for satellite and actually see where you are located.

We also have the Verizon MiFi 2200 that we use in the MH and in the stick house for internet service for our laptops. The MiFi works as a router where you can have up to five devices connected at one time. We have a Wilson amplifier in the MH for when we are in remote areas that can be used on either the MiFi or the Droid's.

You are right, that keyboard is dang small. I found a voice app that works great. I can now speak my text messages and/or e mail messages. Its about 99% accurate even with my Texas drawl. The voice app also works with the navigation app. No need to type in the destination, just speak it. Also, speak Joe Blows Happy Campground, Anytown, Texas and it will locate it on the map and give you the option of directions, call them, etc.

We've had the Droids for seven months and we probably know how to use about 7% of what they are capable of doing.

Probably way more info that you wanted.

[fansill]

We also have smart phones and love using the GPS while we are in the car and RV, but when we are spending extended periods on the road, I would like to be able to use my lap-top without having to look for a campground with wi-fi. I tried to hook my Blackberry into a program called Tether, but it was extremely slow and disconnected me sporadically. I am now thinking of the Verizon or Sprint Mifi and I was thinkjing of also using it on my tablet to have a big screen with GPS for the coach.

Does anyone know whether using the MIFI for full days to utilize the GPS will use up all my measuered service? How many MB's will I run up keeping it on running down the road???

Thanks in advance for opinions.

Faith

[Elkhartjim]

Luckily Faith, we are grandfathered in to an unlimited data usage plan. We have averaged 5.2 gigs/month over the last 3 months. We don't stream music or videos either. I have a friend that is a heavy gamer and used 16 gig's his first month. He wouldn't tell me what that cost. Just make sure you turn the MiFi off when not in use as it will continue to gobble bits even if not "surfing".

[wa8yxm]

Some smart phones let you surf and talk at the same time, some do not.

If you have to buy an additional line to surf.. Go with Mi-Fi, Verizon, or another company your choice.. (I'm not a Verizon fan but this is a very old beef)

What do I use, when I use,, Virgin Mobile, that way I can go out and buy a 20 dollar virgin. (Top Up card)

[MSHappyCampers]

Well, we decided to go with the Mi-Fi. I would love to play with the Smartphone but couldn't see myself doing all the typing I do on this forum with that itsy bitsy keyboard. I hope to get it going this morning. Thanks for all your comments!

[Retired and Happy]

As a relatively new MiFi user, I applaud your obviously superior intellect.

[Wanabee FTer]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jminyard Thanks for the replies folks! I want to think about this thing a day or so and would still appreciate any other opinions. I keep thinking about trying to type out anything more than a word or two on that TINY keyboard!

I personally don't care for the smart phone. I had one and traded it with my son for his Motorola Razr V3 with old school push button key pad. I love it!
I'm just getting too old for these new touch screen gadgets.

I went 2 ways for using the internet while on the road.

1.) I bought a Hawking radio and external antenna so I can use free wifi that is available from most RV parks. I bought a directional antenna, but many prefer an omni directional antenna. This allows both my wife and I to use the internet at the same time (2 laptops)

2.) I also bought a Cradlepoint MBR1000 and a AT&T USB Lightning modem. I did not get "Grandfathered" into an unlimited data plan so I pay $40 per month for a 5 gig download limit.

The thing I like about having both systems is I can use free internet when available and turn off AT&T data service whenever it's not being used. If I am at a park for 3 months with free internet I save $120. Then when I'm traveling or at a limited access area I call AT&T and turn my data back on.
I can call AT&T as often as I want to turn service off and on, no problem. They even prorate my service if I only use it for a few weeks out of the month.

I suppose I opted for a hybrid solution, hope this helps with your decision making process.

[chiefneon]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fansill We also have smart phones and love using the GPS while we are in the car and RV, but when we are spending extended periods on the road, I would like to be able to use my lap-top without having to look for a campground with wi-fi. I tried to hook my Blackberry into a program called Tether, but it was extremely slow and disconnected me sporadically. I am now thinking of the Verizon or Sprint Mifi and I was thinkjing of also using it on my tablet to have a big screen with GPS for the coach. Does anyone know whether using the MIFI for full days to utilize the GPS will use up all my measuered service? How many MB's will I run up keeping it on running down the road??? Thanks in advance for opinions. Faith

Howdy!

You might try downloading a app called Co-Polit Live. I got tired of paying for the expensive map upgrades that Garmin wanted, and now use this program on my Galaxy Tab. It works off that GT GPS so there is on data charge. Also you don't have to worry about leaving the service area. Co-Polit live also work on smart phones Ipads etc...

"Happy Trails"
Chiefneon