Need geek help for mobile internet on a laptop
1I have a several years old Mac Air. I need to get one of those things you plug into the computer that gets internet when you are traveling (eg the modem hardware) to use when I am where there is no internet, etc. I also need suggestions for which service to buy to get the service from. I am not sure if this is going to be the solution to my problem (having internet in a variety of locations - and no I don't have a smart phone and a smart phone won't work well for teaching online) but I also know I don't know enough about it to make an informed choice. Thanks all.
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The specific geographic location(s) the laptop will be used when connected to mobile Internet will make all the difference in any recommendations . . .
@Pavlov Right now I'd be using it in MS (greater Jackson area) and OH (NE Ohio, between the east side of Cleveland and the Akron/Canton area)
quick search finds karma: https://yourkarma.com/coverage
i don't have any experience with them, but it's a place to start.
@carl669 Thanks. I need to really read about this, educate myself and then see if I can even afford it. I may be moving to a campground and because I am an online adjunct I really need to have internet that is reliable and fast enough that I don't die of old age trying to download student papers. The couple of fast food places where I have used their internet were all slower than dead dirt. My car replace was pretty fast but I don't think they'd want me there daily.
@kidsandliz You want a USB data card that specifically mentions Mac compatibility.
Also, you need to figure out if you want month-to-month coverage, or you are going to do some sort of contract.
Something like this from AT&T:
https://www.att.com/devices/netgear/beam.html#sku=sku6610389
or this from Verizon:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/internet-devices/verizon-mifi-4g-lte-global-usb-modem-u620l/
@dashcloud Thanks. I'd likely just do month to month until I had reliable internet.
I've got a Karma Go unit that has worked fine so far. It is wifi only for attached devices so no concerns about Mac compatibility (as long as the wifi on your Macbook is functional). No contract, its either pay actual usage as you go (refuel) or month by month unlimited.
Check coverage HERE by city/state or zip; I looked at Akron but not the other locations. And if someone signs on to your Karma hotspot while it is up (it is unlocked but requires login/subscription to their network) you get a 100MB bonus. Hence the Karma.
They have a sale for the next few days; get double the data for the price in refuel mode, and $50 off the unit (so $99).
No referral codes in my link, Meh.
I think instead of a Modem, get a hotspot, or if you have a cell phone that doesn't charge an arm and leg... tether it/mifi/hotspot it... I know I have TONS of data that I don't use on Tmobile.. but It depends on your location... It's also cheaper for me to add a line at 6/10 GB (I'm on 10 gb, not sure if I add lines if they get the 10 or the current 6, either way it's more than I'll use...) get a cheap phone, and use it as a dedicated hotspot, over their hotspot plans.
^^ This is what I'd recommend... personally I use ting.com for all my mobile needs (they offer both Tmobile and Sprint).
I second (third?) using a WiFi interface. I used a USB stick for a few years, and it was kind of a pain because (at the time, anyway) Verizon made you use their client application to make a connection to the cell network. I also had a Cradelpoint router that worked pretty well for creating a WiFi network from the USB stick. But I've been using only my phone as hotspot for the last few years.
@sohmageek Came here to suggest this as well. Not sure about iPhones, but most androids on Verizon have unlocked hotspot capabilities. This means anywhere I have cell reception/data reception I have Internet for my Laptop.
You say you don't have (or even presumably want) a smart phone. But if you want reliable cellular data, you might need to go with one of the major carriers and a cellular modem or wifi hotspot box to get it.
However, If you already have a cell phone with a major carrier, it might be just as cheap monthly to convert that plain old cell phone to a smart phone and tether your Air to it via wifi.
Especially if you don't care about apps or fancy functionality, smart phones can be really cheap. Last holiday season Amazon was selling Nokia 520 (Windows) phones for 20 bucks. This season the 635 and 640 have been pretty cheap as well. Don't laugh about a Windows phone - it is very simple and easy to use... just not a rich app store. (I believe both the 635 and 640 are LTE capable.)
@RedOak When I was testing T-Mobile I ended up buying a Windows phone, they are pretty simple, not as easy as iPhone (IMHO, and yes I used to work at AT&T selling phones, so I think I'm pretty much an expert at that call) But... It is fairly simple for a cheap phone.
@sohmageek yah, I can see an argument either way. Amongst other things, mobile device management reported to me at a medium sized division of a global company. We had contracts with all 4 carriers.
I've found the Windows phone OS easier for folks who have never used a smart phone. And the cost difference tips the balance to it if apps are not an issue. While I've lived on all three (4 if you sorta include RIM) OS's, I personally prefer Apple (even as a geek.)
@RedOak I can figure out enough about android to do some stuff but never had any in store to sell and never really gave it a chance. iPhones however. They are so easy I was able to show 80 yr olds how to use basic things (calculator, contacts) much easier than on a flip phone. So I sold a lot. Not to make the commission on it (cause the data plan was a little bump but not much. The phone didn't mean anything. It was all about the contracts/plans) but ease of use and large buttons for the dialer.
Now Windows phones. Back when I worked there the windows mobile was more like blackberry. So no I didn't sell many at all.
@sohmageek the original Windows phone was an entirely different beast. No joy at all!
The current iteration is completely different and a huge improvement. Clean, simple. Main tiles screen easy to customize with your common functions/apps - even the ability to make them bigger to display content or make them stand out. Swipe left and it's a list of all your apps and settings in one place. Again, the shortfall is the richness of the App Store.
Regarding Android, I get that geeks love it for the ability to tweak it. But I would never recommend it for a new user.
In the end, personal taste/preference rules. That's why I encourage folks to spend more than a couple minutes with each before deciding if they're new to them.
@RedOak I completely agree. I got out of cell phone sales In 09 way too stressful. I have a few cheap Nokia Windows phones. I had to buy a phone to get my etf paid. :) and I had to use them for about a month before my iPhone was unlocked. So first hand it's not bad at all (I actually have one connected to a speaker dock(line in) to do Pandora for my son at night/nap time. )
@sohmageek that's funny - have a 2nd gen iPod Touch almost permanently pressed into Pandora/MP3 service connected to a (@JonT-gifted) JBL Mini speaker dock via the wired jack. It rests nicely in the iPad tray and even leaves space for a USB battery for longer play.
That rig has been hauled camping (tethered to phone), in the wood shop, the garage, all around the house inside and out when painting, etc... nice clean sound. And no worries about my phone.
I'd buy another JBL Mini speaker dock if Meh gets around to selling it out and it is discounted similarly to the JBL Micro sellout (bought a second one of those as well). @MEHcus, @Dave?
@RedOak have you tried connecting the ipod cable to the usb port on the back? you might get audio and charge via the same cable :)
@thismyusername nope. Can't believe I didn't even try it. Have used the lightning dock with appropriate devices but not a 30-pin to USB.
Of course I don't really want to draw down the battery of the dock since it is easy to keep the Touch charged via a lipstick battery. Need full life from the internal dock battery for the speaker/amp.
It's impressively clean wired. I listen to a wide range of music. Have my Chopin channel plying currently. Nice stuff.
I generally detest 90% of the other mobile speakers/docks I've heard in virtually any price range. Usually too bright/brassy (BOSE) or too fake-boomy or simply wimpy.
@thismyusername tried connecting the Touch to the JBL via 30-pin USB. No go. "This accessory not supported by iPod". No sound. No charge.
@RedOak oh well worth a try... its too "classic" :) and JBL MINIS RULE!!!!
If the area you will be traveling to has Sprint LTE coverage, their pre-paid division (well one of them ;) ) Boost mobile has a hotspot device for $49.99 and you can get 10GB for $50 (or 1.5GB for $25)... no contracts, no nothing... if you don't want to ever worry about getting charged just get a refill card and never give them your credit card... done deal. The advantage of this one is $5/GB is about as cheap as data will ever get on any plan... prepaid or not.... the disadvantage is that it is LTE only (it wont fall back to the older sprint network)... but sprint does seem to have LTE everywhere these days.
https://www.boostmobile.com/#!/shop/plans/wifi-hotspots/
if the area has sprint but no sprint lte check their other pre-paid vision Virgin Mobile it does a $49.99 hotspot device and does fall back to the older sprint network if LTE isn't available... they do a 6GB for $55 plan.
https://www.virginmobileusa.com/mobile-broadband-plans/broadband-2-go/overview/
If the area will have verizon coverage check out either their pre-paid setup they do a $49.99 device as well and sit at around $10/GB...
https://www.verizonwireless.com/prepaid/data-plans/
If the area will have att coverage they also do a prepaid setup... and since verizon and att dont take a breath without copying each others prices you will find it sits around $10/GB just like big red... weird isn't it? :)
https://www.att.com/att/gophone-mobile-hotspot/en/index.html
I am sure that tmoble does this as well but they dont really have coverage where I am so I am not familiar with the quality etc... but friends say they are great.
You can also check out Straight Talk devices and plans at wally world... they used to offer access to verizon network slightly cheaper than verizons $10/GB rates but I am not current on their offerings... the thing with straight talk is you need to verify which network it will be on... they resell verizon and tmoble for their hotspots last time I checked.
The advantage of these are they are all pre-paid... you never have to even give them a credit card (you can use refill cards instead) there are no contracts... and the cost of entry is pretty low ($100 total for the boost device and 1 month of 10GB of data).
I appreciate all the advice. Leaving tomorrow to drive 1050 miles... will read this all more carefully when I get there (no internet in my mom's apartment, although two 10+ year old computers with ethernet in the lobby, which is one reason why I need to buy something). Thanks all.
@Kidsandliz When all else fails see if Boingo has coverage in your area via a partner hotspot. Safe travels.