Looking for a Wi-Fi Router that works with Cellular Aircards

Posted:
in General Discussion edited January 2014
I have a Sierra Wireless 881U USB Aircard that I use with AT&T's 5GB/month data plan. It works well now since I just use it on a couple laptops I have but now that I'm buying an iPad I want to avoid an extra $30/month for data and just share the data plan with it. Since the iPad doesn't have USB that means I'll need a solution to use Wi-Fi on it.

I came across the Cradlepoint PHS-300. It's nice since it has an internal battery or can plug in and is fairly small and I simply plug in my aircard to make a local wi-fi access point that I can use on the go with either my laptop or iPad.

My question: Are there other options on the market? Cradlepoint makes some others but they don't have a battery. I want one with the most battery life for the smallest sizes and have been unable to find any from Linksys but are there other items like this on the market?



Also, another question. I'm happy with AT&T's data plan but my contract is up shortly. Does anyone have opinions of Verizon or Spring or even T-Mobile? I don't know much about T-Mobile and it seems like Verizon's plan is similar and even Sprint's current 3G plan is similar. it seems once 4G is available in an area though for the same price of $59.95/month you get unlimited data. that sounds too good to be true and is it really true and is the service and speed good?



Thank you for your help with the above.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 1
    Quote:
    Originally Posted by markw10 View Post


    I have a Sierra Wireless 881U USB Aircard that I use with AT&T's 5GB/month data plan. It works well now since I just use it on a couple laptops I have but now that I'm buying an iPad I want to avoid an extra $30/month for data and just share the data plan with it. Since the iPad doesn't have USB that means I'll need a solution to use Wi-Fi on it.

    I came across the Cradlepoint PHS-300. It's nice since it has an internal battery or can plug in and is fairly small and I simply plug in my aircard to make a local wi-fi access point that I can use on the go with either my laptop or iPad.

    My question: Are there other options on the market? Cradlepoint makes some others but they don't have a battery. I want one with the most battery life for the smallest sizes and have been unable to find any from Linksys but are there other items like this on the market?



    Also, another question. I'm happy with AT&T's data plan but my contract is up shortly. Does anyone have opinions of Verizon or Spring or even T-Mobile? I don't know much about T-Mobile and it seems like Verizon's plan is similar and even Sprint's current 3G plan is similar. it seems once 4G is available in an area though for the same price of $59.95/month you get unlimited data. that sounds too good to be true and is it really true and is the service and speed good?



    Thank you for your help with the above.



    Why not use a MiFi-type device instead of a USB dongle?



    I use this, with unlimited data. Of course, I'm not in the US, but it should work in the US with AT&T if you just stick your SIM card in there.







    http://www.google.com.hk/search?hl=e...0&start=0&sa=N



    This device is sold (locked) by 3 Mobile in the UK, but you may be able to find an unlocked version on the internets somewhere. I use an unlocked one here in Hong Kong with, coincidentally, 3HK, though mine is branded Huawei and not with the 3 logo. The one you get from 3HK is unlocked. PCCW also sells the device in HK, but it's locked too. It's possible to buy an unlocked one here in a shop. I could check the price for you.
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