using cell phone vs broadband usb

[rvgrandma]

We are going to be heading down south (quartzsite, yuma, etc) then back to the NW for the summer. I use to use my cell phone for slow internet when nothing else was available. My new computer had windows 7 of which the Verizon software is not compatible with the older phone.

I have looked into the Verizon broadband card but it is limited to 5 mb. I play Farmville on Facebook and games on pogo so that would be eaten up fast.

I read with interest regarding the MIFI 2200. But it seems it has limited battery life.

I was wondering if I can get a newer 4g phone, pay for the data plan (which run cheaper than the broadband card), and connect to the internet using a USB.

We have to update our phones as I need to get one with chaperon for my husband (he has Alzheimer's) but I will need one with internet access to use the chaperon capabilities. That is why I am wondering if it will work as a 'modem' for my computer. Being 4g I am assuming the speed will be much faster than my current cell phone.

I have contacted Verizon once but they want to sell. I want to go in informed as much as possible.

[LindaH]

The Mifi is still going to be limited to 5GB per month, as are most Broadband plans from any of the major carriers.

You might look into Verizon Broadband service from Millenicom which gives you 10GB per month without any contracts or taxes.

[FreshAir]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rvgrandma I have contacted Verizon once but they want to sell. I want to go in informed as much as possible.

I was told the same thing about the phone wont work with Windows 7 by three different Verizon help Techs. Well, they were all wrong. They look at a table that lists all the phones and what software they are compatible with. The table has 3 chices, Columns, "Windows XP/Vista," "Windows 7," and "Mac." Just because your model is not listed in the W7 column but is in the others doesn't mean it won't work. Windos 7 is so new that phone manufactures have not bothered to see what older models will work with W7. Unless the model is really old, I'll bet it will work. I use VZ access and love it. I use the plan that you can activate today and turn off tomorrow or whenever, No contract, apx. $1.50/day or $49/month with 5gig.

It's all a "Driver" issue and Windows is great at figuring out your device.
HP has told me two printers I have won't work with W7. Wrong! the HP printers worked fine.

What I suggest with Windows 7 is try it first before buying a new phone, printer or whatever.
Pat

[WheelingIt]

x2 on Millenicom. If we weren't already in a contract w/ Verizon, I'd be doing the month-to-month deal w/ Millenicom. They have an unlimited plan too.

[rvgrandma]

Freshair - I have tried all I know and others have suggested to get it to work. It is an LG 3200 - older. I even downloaded all the drivers but Verizon's new office manager is the problem - it will not accept it. I need a new phone anyway since I have had for a few years.

If it comes down to it I will buy the Virgin Mobile and settle for it. I hear its performance depends on how many sprint users are on since Virgin gets what is left over!

[B Bob]

I have a Motosat F1 internet sat system which we use when on the road. The data limits much more generous than Verizon broadband cards unless you have one of the old cards that has unlimited data use. I also have a Motorola Droid phone that has an unlimited data plan for 29 bucks a month. I occasionally tether it to my computer. It works quite well. But since you plan to be a heavy user I would suggest something that was actually made for getting the internet and not use a cell phone. Sprint is promoting their 4G system with no data limit on it.