Here are two solutions if you're interested in adding a WiFi router to your vehicle. Both allow multiple WiFi devices (computers, PDAs) to access the Internet while the vehicle is on the move.
The first WiFi router is from AutoNet (http://www.autonetmobile.com). The device is about as big as a Gideons' Bible, and has long external antennae to extend WiFi range. The AutoNet router mounts in the trunk or cargo area of your vehicle, and provides WiFi service to devices within about 150 feet from the vehicle.
Purchase price for the AutoNet hardware is $400 from companies like Crutchfield and Best Buy. A 12 month service contract with the cell phone company is $29 (1 GB upload) or $59 (5 GB upload).
The second mobile WiFi hotspot is the Novatel MiFi, pronounced "my fy" (http://www.novatelwireless.com/inde...nt&view=category&layout=blog&id=75&Itemid=622 ).
MiFi is about the size of a deck of playing cards, and weighs about 4 ounces. Its range is only 30 feet, but it has a battery good for about 4 hours of operation away from the vehicle or other power source. So you can take the MiFi along in your pocket.
The purchase price of the MiFi is $279, or $99 subsidized by Sprint or Verizon, when you sign up for a cell phone service contract.
Verizon and Sprint both offer a 5 GB plan costs $59 per month. Also of interest is Verizon's pass that offers 24 hours of unlimited bandwidth for $15.
Novatel has a new model of the MiFi coming soon. The new MiFi has a higher speed modem, plus a slot for a memory card. The memory card will allow you to share files between devices linked to the MiFi, as well as store files you download.
Because these devices use a cell phone modem, they are subject to the same sorts of roaming charges that a cell phone incurs when you leave the network, or cross into a new country. So beware when you're close to the border!
Chip Haven
The first WiFi router is from AutoNet (http://www.autonetmobile.com). The device is about as big as a Gideons' Bible, and has long external antennae to extend WiFi range. The AutoNet router mounts in the trunk or cargo area of your vehicle, and provides WiFi service to devices within about 150 feet from the vehicle.
Purchase price for the AutoNet hardware is $400 from companies like Crutchfield and Best Buy. A 12 month service contract with the cell phone company is $29 (1 GB upload) or $59 (5 GB upload).
The second mobile WiFi hotspot is the Novatel MiFi, pronounced "my fy" (http://www.novatelwireless.com/inde...nt&view=category&layout=blog&id=75&Itemid=622 ).
MiFi is about the size of a deck of playing cards, and weighs about 4 ounces. Its range is only 30 feet, but it has a battery good for about 4 hours of operation away from the vehicle or other power source. So you can take the MiFi along in your pocket.
The purchase price of the MiFi is $279, or $99 subsidized by Sprint or Verizon, when you sign up for a cell phone service contract.
Verizon and Sprint both offer a 5 GB plan costs $59 per month. Also of interest is Verizon's pass that offers 24 hours of unlimited bandwidth for $15.
Novatel has a new model of the MiFi coming soon. The new MiFi has a higher speed modem, plus a slot for a memory card. The memory card will allow you to share files between devices linked to the MiFi, as well as store files you download.
Because these devices use a cell phone modem, they are subject to the same sorts of roaming charges that a cell phone incurs when you leave the network, or cross into a new country. So beware when you're close to the border!
Chip Haven
