Best laptop/internet options 4 me, please.....

[YodaRules]

I plan to use CG WiFi service when available and WiFi service from local establishments when in the area (McDonald, Lowe's, etc.) However, there will be times of camping in State Parks or boondocking out of WiFi range. In hopes of getting a setup allowing me to use the "Internet-On-The-Go" cards from Wal-Mart. They currently have a never expire 4G card which would fit me as I think that will last me about 3 months of sparingly usage.

Bought a Alfa USB wireless long-range WiFi network adapter with 5dBi Antenna range extension to assist in bringing in WiFi connections. Also, bought a Alpha R36 repeater and range extender (for the adapter above) for multiple users (will have 2 laptops).

My question is..... if I buy a generic 3G/4G usb modem will it work with any air card or are the dongles/sticks specific to a vendor?

Thanks,

Patsy

[Doggy Daddy]

That is a bit of expensive equipment. When my smart phone is not enough to check e-mails and apps, I use my Verizon wifi Hot Spot for my tablet and lap top.

[Bubwheat]

Originally Posted by YodaRules

I plan to use CG WiFi service when available and WiFi service from local establishments when in the area (McDonald, Lowe's, etc.) However, there will be times of camping in State Parks or boondocking out of WiFi range. In hopes of getting a setup allowing me to use the "Internet-On-The-Go" cards from Wal-Mart. They currently have a never expire 4G card which would fit me as I think that will last me about 3 months of sparingly usage.

Bought a Alfa USB wireless long-range WiFi network adapter with 5dBi Antenna range extension to assist in bringing in WiFi connections. Also, bought a Alpha R36 repeater and range extender (for the adapter above) for multiple users (will have 2 laptops).

My question is..... if I buy a generic 3G/4G usb modem will it work with any air card or are the dongles/sticks specific to a vendor?

Thanks,

Patsy

In my experience, you will need a specific vendor, and an account with them to use their service. You can't just buy a modem, plug it in and get on line. Would that it would work that way!

I looked at the coverage map for the Internet on the Go you cited and it doesn't look that good to me. You might want to check coverage.

T-Mobile sells through Walmart and others, a usb modem, and I think it's like $35 for 3 gig of service or 3 months, whichever comes first.

You might want to compare coverage and costs between the 2.

[YodaRules]

I wanted the booster to pull in WiFi connections that may be a little further than the usual range and the router was needed as I am traveling with someone using her own laptop. Both pieces of equipment cost about $84 together.

Don't have a smart phone and don't intend on getting one as my talk/text works fine.

Am interesting in a USB modem that can be used with some prepaid card as I don't want a contract.

Patsy

Originally Posted by Doggy Daddy

That is a bit of expensive equipment. When my smart phone is not enough to check e-mails and apps, I use my Verizon wifi Hot Spot for my tablet and lap top.

[powerboatr]

i recently upgraded from an old dumb phone to a samsung galaxy s III, with verizon, if i cant ge twhat i need using it, i will turn on the hotspot and use the laptop this summer.
hopefully it will do the trick
still learning the new phone and its quirks

[Izzyblueye]

Be very careful with the Alfa USB wireless signal booster antenna. I had their tech install one on my laptop, now I cannot get a wifi signal of any kind on that laptop even after removing the alfa USB antennal. They admit they have had a lot of problems.

[Stevegd007]

I would look at, if your so far off the track, that no CG wifi is available all at the stuff your talking about may not work as not much as maybe would be very poor service available. Instead invest in a good Smartphone. My Apple 4 does most every thing. For those CG with really bad wifi I invested in a wifi boster antenna with a in RV repeater. This can pull in weak wifi and things work OK except for streaming video. Some times it is just good to be off the grid...remember those days?

[gday]

Originally Posted by powerboatr

i recently upgraded from an old dumb phone to a samsung galaxy s III, with verizon, if i cant ge twhat i need using it, i will turn on the hotspot and use the laptop this summer.
hopefully it will do the trick

Have had this verizon setup for years. Works great even with multiple laptops.

-mick

[YodaRules]

See why I love this board.... I returned the Alfa equipment after it arrived. Now I am back to square 1.......

Originally Posted by Izzyblueye

Be very careful with the Alfa USB wireless signal booster antenna. I had their tech install one on my laptop, now I cannot get a wifi signal of any kind on that laptop even after removing the alfa USB antennal. They admit they have had a lot of problems.

I don't want to upgrade from the ole text/talk (Verizon) to a smartphone as I have family members in my plan and it's just easier (and more economical) to keep the phones as they are. Did find T-Mobile with a USB stick affordable and they have aircards at Wal-Mart with a 60 day expiry card for 3.5 GB. Looked at the coverage area for T-Mobile and it doesn't look too good for the Southwest USA. Howver, something is better than nothing at this point. Still trying to figure out what I can afford......

Originally Posted by powerboatr;

i recently upgraded from an old dumb phone to a samsung galaxy s III, with verizon, if i cant ge twhat i need using it, i will turn on the hotspot and use the laptop this summer. hopefully it will do the trick still learning the new phone and its quirks

Patsy