help with in car "WIFI"

r3run33

Adventurer
Hello getting ready for a spring summer trip to moab from nyc; besides prepping the lx470 for trip I wanted to set up a in car "WIFI" to use computers etc. Has anyone done this sort of setup? ifso what equipemnt was used? I know aircards can be used but wanted something mayb a little faster? thanks
 

RusherRacing

Adventurer
I have done a ton of research into this type of thing due to the fact I can't get normal Cable/DSL where I live. Tried satelite, different cell carriers etc..
Satelite blows! The lag time or "ping" time is excessive! With the 1.5mbs premium package I was only seeing download speeds of 500kbs max.

My advise, buy a Verizon Mifi or a Verizon 3G USB modem(no longer available direct from verizon - use ebay) and a Cradlepoint router. Similar download speeds but upload speeds are greatly increased (3x+) and the "ping" time is cut in 1/3rd.

The Verizon Mifi has a limited range of like 25ft (line of site) so it doesn't work well for a whole house network. but I suspect that it would be the ultimate for in car usage.

For my home use i am using a Verizon 760 USB modem and the cradlepoint MBR900.

Honestly if you go with a setup like that in your car you can alsouse it in your home if you cable/dsl goes down you can use the verizon as a backup.

No I can't stream youtube videos but i get done what I need to online.
 

preacherman

Explorer
You might want to consider the Virgin Mobile version of the MiFi 2200. You pay $130 to buy this little router but have no contract so you aren't screwed if it all goes wrong, and the $40/mo. for unlimited use is a relative bargain. It'll connect up to five devices at a time.

http://www.virginmobileusa.com/mobile-broadband/mifi-2200.html

I have one and it works well. I really like the pay as you go feature which lets you top up only when you need to. I ad about $20 every trip I take. It servers me well.

I have also unlocked an IPhone with good results. An unlocked iPhone using an app called Mifi will serve as a hotspot for multiple devices.
 

LifeOverland

Adventurer
I'll second the iPhone jailbreak and get the MiFi app. Works great. If you have an iPhone already it's a no brainer. Should also be available with Droid phones.
 

Klierslc

Explorer
If you have unlimited data on the iphone, will all of your websurfing with the computers be free then? I heard that using a phone tethered to a computer would change how your data charges were billed. Just wondering.
 

sleeoffroad

Adventurer
PDAnet is a $20 app on Droid that allows you to tether your Droid to your notebook via Bluetooth or cable. Works pretty good.
 

haven

Expedition Leader
"...wanted something maybe a little faster..."

Today, the Sprint Overdrive hotspot offers higher speeds when you're within a metro area that is served by Sprint's 4G network. You can check the list of cities here http://shop.sprint.com/en/stores/popups/4G_coverage_popup.shtml

The Overdrive works at 3G speed in other areas. I think that most Interstate highways will be 3G for a long time to come.

I expect Verizon Wireless to offer a 4G hotspot by March, AT&T probably not until June.
 

LifeOverland

Adventurer
If you have unlimited data on the iphone, will all of your websurfing with the computers be free then? I heard that using a phone tethered to a computer would change how your data charges were billed. Just wondering.

True. All the data used will be billed, to my knowledge
 

java

Expedition Leader
most andorid devices will do it. it was standard in 2.2 but most carriers will write it out of thier version of the software.
i have a rooted samsung vibrant running macnut r14 and i can do wifi for 5 devices or usb tether one. on Tmobile, this doesnt cost any extra if you have unlimited data. its pretty damn quick too 1.5 Mb/s or so on 3g
 

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