topic Re: Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start? in Electronics

Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start?

MikafromTopeka — Thu, 21 Aug 2014 23:50:07 GMT

I bought a late 90's class A motorhome this spring for a cross country trip next year. I'll be spending this winter researching and upgrading it.

The MH has an old 20" TV in the front (which I'd like to leave alone because new TVs aren't going to fit in the hole. At this point it's hooked to a DVR player with red/yellow/white connectors which will work with the systems) and I've got a new 32" flat screen to mount on the bedroom wall. (I bought this TV for my mother in April and she passed in June so it's basically brand new.)

We have all 3 gaming systems (PS3, Xbox 360 and the latest Wii) and I'm wondering if those wireless hotspots on the market carry enough bandwith to stream Netflix, etc. through the gaming systems? We'd only be using one at a time for viewing and NOT for gaming or downloading games.

I've tried to google wireless hotspots to compare myself but I never can get any of the links to open which is strange......like they want you to walk in to their brick & mortars or something. I don't know where to start. I also want good coverage from WI to CA.

Thanks!

Re: Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start?

glb613 — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 00:41:58 GMT

Don't count on it. You need to be really close to the source to get a strong signal. Even then, if a lot of other people are also online, you'll be sharing the bandwidth and it causes a slowdown.

I went on a river cruise, tried to use the free Wifi and could only get a decent signal at 5 am. I've traveled to England and Ireland over the past 2 years and the free Wifi was only fast first thing in the morning. I was lucky to upload a picture or 2 a day.

I know my experience isn't in a RV park but the situation is very similar. They are similar, lots of people using free Wifi and sharing bandwidth. Is there a way you can download movies before you leave?

Re: Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start?

Nuttmeg — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 02:16:52 GMT

You should contact an RV dealer, and ask about Internet service on the road.

Re: Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start?

MikafromTopeka — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 02:20:25 GMT

On 8/21/2014 glb613 said:
Don't count on it. You need to be really close to the source to get a strong signal. Even then, if a lot of other people are also online, you'll be sharing the bandwidth and it causes a slowdown.

I went on a river cruise, tried to use the free Wifi and could only get a decent signal at 5 am. I've traveled to England and Ireland over the past 2 years and the free Wifi was only fast first thing in the morning. I was lucky to upload a picture or 2 a day.

I know my experience isn't in a RV park but the situation is very similar. They are similar, lots of people using free Wifi and sharing bandwidth. Is there a way you can download movies before you leave?

I guess I wasn't clear. I want to subscribe to my own mobile internet service!

Re: Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start?

MikafromTopeka — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 02:23:37 GMT

On 8/21/2014 nutmeg3 said: You should contact an RV dealer, and ask about Internet service on the road.

There are mobile hotspots available on the market. That is what I'm looking for not something installed in the RV because when we get where we are going we will be staying in a summer home and I want to use it there too.

Besides the gaming systems we each have our own device (laptop, Ipad, vita, etc.) and I'd like to have a service with enough bandwith to at least have a few devices operational at a time.

Re: Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start?

VolvoGirl — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 02:27:56 GMT

I have this one.

I have the 16gb wifi iPad2, iPad Mini and a iPod Touch. My husband has a 16gb iPad 3rd Generation. We bought a T-Mobile hotspot to connect our laptops and iPads, etc to the internet when we're out of the house and aren't by a public hotspot. The hotspot is great, you can connect 5 things to it at the same time. I just buy the prepaid month and don't have a plan. You can buy the Hotspot with or without a plan. The price of the unit is different depending on if you sign up for a contract. I even used it the other day when my cable tv & internet was down. I only buy time when I need it.

T-Mobile Hotspot

http://www.t-mobile.com/internet-devices/t-mobile-4g-mobile-hotspot.html

I guess they changed their website. It's been a long time. I don't know if they still have mine. I see there is a Samsung Hotspot device.

Re: Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start?

Trix — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 02:32:47 GMT

I can't recommend a specific one, but your cell phone or cable/satellite provider may have something available.

Re: Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start?

karlam — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 02:35:57 GMT

AT&T and Verizon both have MIFI devices. Check them all for the best monthly price.

Re: Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start?

MikafromTopeka — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 02:36:34 GMT

On 8/21/2014 VolvoGirl said:
I have this one.

I have the 16gb wifi iPad2, iPad Mini and a iPod Touch. My husband has a 16gb iPad 3rd Generation. We bought a T-Mobile hotspot to connect our laptops and iPads, etc to the internet when we're out of the house and aren't by a public hotspot. The hotspot is great, you can connect 5 things to it at the same time. I just buy the prepaid month and don't have a plan. You can buy the Hotspot with or without a plan. The price of the unit is different depending on if you sign up for a contract. I even used it the other day when my cable tv & internet was down. I only buy time when I need it.

T-Mobile Hotspot

http://www.t-mobile.com/internet-devices/t-mobile-4g-mobile-hotspot.html

I guess they changed their website. It's been a long time. I don't know if they still have mine. I see there is a Samsung Hotspot device.

It looks good to me! It's a start. Thank you!

See what I mean about it being hard to shop for something like this online? At least your link gives me something to start my list with. I'll need to check out coverage maps and talk with ppl up at our lake home in CA to see what company works best for them too.

Re: Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start?

karlam — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 02:38:41 GMT

Before you buy anything make sure they work with gaming devices.

Re: Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start?

MikafromTopeka — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 02:38:53 GMT

Trix & Karlam, I've looked at mifi devices but I was wondering how much bandwith they really have? I know you can order different services but I was just curious if anyone had any first hand knowledge.

Re: Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start?

MikafromTopeka — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 02:48:33 GMT

I guess I need to understand if I should start with Verizon, ATT, Sprint, etc. first? Or do you start somewhere like Best Buy or Radio Shack?

Re: Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start?

MikafromTopeka — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 02:52:01 GMT

On 8/21/2014 karlam said:
AT&T and Verizon both have MIFI devices. Check them all for the best monthly price.

I guess you probably have to call them each. I can't find anything on plans online. I suppose they want your phone number and then they'll have you on their list and they won't leave you alone. Like Direct TV.

I'd really like to call after I'm armed with more knowledge, if you know what I mean!

Re: Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start?

Abrowneyegirl — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 03:47:25 GMT

My Aunt/Uncle do just what you are trying to do. The mobile hotspot works great. Go to your wireless carrier (If you use a major carrier like Verizon) tell them your needs and they will set u up. It it just like another cell phone with a monthly fee. It is cheaper if you have other services with them. Go to a store not a kiosk in the mall to find knowledgable people.. good luck

Re: Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start?

glb613 — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 11:02:21 GMT

On 8/21/2014 kaybee said:
On 8/21/2014 nutmeg3 said: You should contact an RV dealer, and ask about Internet service on the road.

There are mobile hotspots available on the market. That is what I'm looking for not something installed in the RV because when we get where we are going we will be staying in a summer home and I want to use it there too.

Besides the gaming systems we each have our own device (laptop, Ipad, vita, etc.) and I'd like to have a service with enough bandwith to at least have a few devices operational at a time.

Are you talking about cellular service? If so, call your provider. All I can say is you better find out how much data you get and how much it will cost to go over. With all of the devices you're talking about, cellular will cost a fortune.

Re: Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start?

MikafromTopeka — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 11:11:28 GMT

Thank you Browneyedgirl and glb. I see now where I'm lost as we don't have smart phones! We use tracfones. Guess I'll have to check into a provider.

In reality it won't be that much bandwith because there will be no online gaming just some vid streaming and then internet usage for myself and my son on our Ipad and laptop.

We're just using the gaming systems for their ""Roku"" or smart tv abilities.

Re: Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start?

151949 — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 11:47:30 GMT

We got a mifi from verison for $50 month and we can take it anywhere. It is just a credit card size box and it works anywhere there is a satellite signal.I am using it right now. However, it does not have a lot of service , 5g, so when it is all we have over a few weeks we end up paying for overage. As for RV tv service we find most campgrounds now have cable.

Re: Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start?

glb613 — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 13:20:30 GMT

On 8/22/2014 kaybee said:
Thank you Browneyedgirl and glb. I see now where I'm lost as we don't have smart phones! We use tracfones. Guess I'll have to check into a provider.

In reality it won't be that much bandwith because there will be no online gaming just some vid streaming and then internet usage for myself and my son on our Ipad and laptop.

We're just using the gaming systems for their ""Roku"" or smart tv abilities.

That is still data use. Streaming video uses the most. You really need to check out the various plans because overage charges can be huge.

Re: Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start?

MikafromTopeka — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 17:11:46 GMT

On 8/22/2014 glb613 said:
On 8/22/2014 kaybee said:
Thank you Browneyedgirl and glb. I see now where I'm lost as we don't have smart phones! We use tracfones. Guess I'll have to check into a provider.

In reality it won't be that much bandwith because there will be no online gaming just some vid streaming and then internet usage for myself and my son on our Ipad and laptop.

We're just using the gaming systems for their "Roku" or smart tv abilities.

That is still data use. Streaming video uses the most. You really need to check out the various plans because overage charges can be huge.

Yea, I realize that. That's why I'm starting to research a year in advance. We are going on a month long trip (home after 15 years) and I've got kids to keep happy.

Re: Mobile wireless hotspot recommendations please? or at least where to start?

MikafromTopeka — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 17:15:13 GMT

On 8/22/2014 happy housewife said: We got a mifi from verison for $50 month and we can take it anywhere. It is just a credit card size box and it works anywhere there is a satellite signal.I am using it right now. However, it does not have a lot of service , 5g, so when it is all we have over a few weeks we end up paying for overage. As for RV tv service we find most campgrounds now have cable.

I'll be looking into mobile satellite too but that may be down the road.

I figure we'll spend at least $200mo on the internet while traveling. I hope I can find a pay as you go type so on the months we don't use it we don't have to.