Is it worth it to get a 3G Wireless Card with a Netbook?

[MULTIZ321]

Is it worth it to get a 3G Wireless Card with a Netbook?


Thanks for any input.

Richard

 

[Ken555]

Is it worth it to get a 3G Wireless Card with a Netbook?


Thanks for any input.

Richard

IMO, it isn't. Keep in mind that 4G is coming, and other than convenience there's no reason to lock yourself into a particular carrier with an internal card.

 

[Fern Modena]

I think it depends on how you will use it. If you plan to use the netbook mainly in hotels, timeshares, airports, etc., then no, you'll probably have wi fi in all those places, or most of them. If you plan to carry it and use it "around town," then you may well want 3G.

I have an IPhone. I use the internet and various interne-dependent "Apps" quite a bit, at doctors', when I am waiting places, etc. And most all the time the networks I run into are "secure" and I can't get in. If I didn't have 3G I wouldn't be able to use the phone for anything but games in this instance.

So, as I said in the beginning, telling us how you plan on using it would allow us to give you a better one. So far, my answer is Maybe

 

[Kozman]

The cost is a hefty $60 per month. My contract with Verizon is expiring soon and I plan on canceling since as stated most resorts and many locations already have free internet.

 

[dougef]

Another option - Virgin BroadbandToGo. The card is $99 (at Best Buy, among others). No Contract. You buy data on a prepaid basis and it is good for one month. So you can buy data before a trip, use it on the trip and not pay for any more until the next trip. They just changed their prepaid plans so the highest one is $60 for 5GB - that's the same as the contract plans cost with the big carriers.

The data is carried on the Sprint network so if the area has Sprint 3G coverage, it will work fine.

Note, I have no connection to Virgin Mobile - I just bought one of these for travel. If the wifi is down or not working well in my hotel or timeshare, I am still able to connect. And I will use it in airports etc.

 

[Elan]

Just tether thru a smartphone.

 

[ScoopKona]

I would be happy with just the wifi. If that means I have to go a day or three without internet, no worries.

I have enough monthly bills without having to pay for internet twice. I already pay for two phones (which I cannot stand, but c'est). I would gladly ditch my cell phone, but my wife finds the damned gizmos too useful.

 

[dougef]

Just tether thru a smartphone.

This requires some caution if you are not paying for the added service. Most (if not all) of the wireless carriers forbid this in their T&C's. If they catch you, you may be in for a huge data bill or a termination of service. If used very sparingly, it is fine, but there is a risk.

 

[MULTIZ321]

Thanks for all the replies.

My wife is interested in possibly getting a Netbook - primarily for travel to replace taking a laptop.

I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something by not including a 3G Wireless card, if we bought a Netbook.

For the extra expense, I think I'll pass. Plus our SmartPhone (Droid) will provide us with WiFi and 3G when we need it. No need to pay a second monthly fee.

Thanks again.

Richard

 

[timeos2]

This requires some caution if you are not paying for the added service. Most (if not all) of the wireless carriers forbid this in their T&C's. If they catch you, you may be in for a huge data bill or a termination of service. If used very sparingly, it is fine, but there is a risk.

Thethering is a key feature and very important to us. If your carrier or phone, like AT&T /iPhone, doesn't support/allow it you should look for a new carrier and or phone. We pay $15 / month for it with Verizon and it is well worth that.

 

[caribbean]

I am planning on purchasing a Fujitsu UH900 to carry with me all the time and to replace my old old Jornada. I have almost decided to get a second MiFi card from Verizon. That way I can use the UH900 anywhere, but not be locked in to a particular carrier due to the internal card. I can also use it for our other PCs at the same time and it would allow both hubby and I to have a MiFi card so we don't fight over it when he travels 3-4 days a week.