Issue 23.12
Face it. Most of us are addicted to the internet. Whether we have to check our email, sport scores, facebook or the latest blog comments and responses, we suffer a sort of withdrawal pain when we can’t get our “fix” of information and connection. Because many of us are on the road with work or travel much of the time, and some of us have homes or relatives that we travel between, it is hard for some to use traditional internet providers. Many people now go to the expense of having “smart” phones that can access at least some of the digital data that seems important to us. Even then the limited size of the screen and limited access to some information drives us a little bit crazy.
As is usual, when there is a demand, someone finds a way to provide a solution and we gladly pay for the privilege of using their product. So it is with our desire to be able to do all of the above as well as watch movies and TV shows and access the data on our home computer remotely on a nice big laptop screen. Over the last couple of years, a new product has become increasingly popular – the mobile internet access point or mobile wi-fi.
These devices are about the size of a small cell-phone and have much in common with them in that they are designed to send and receive information from cell phone towers. All of these devices are tied to one of the cell-phone companies. They are available from AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile and Clear. The cost for the device ranges from free (with a qualifying commitment to their data service – usually 2 years at around $50 per month) to around $200. Some of them plug directly into your computer and will provide service to only the computer you are connected to. Others are considered a “hot-spot” and can support up to 4 or 5 devices at the same time.
As with cell-phones, these units are capable of either 3G or 4G (3rd or 4th Generation) connection. 3G is generally about as fast as basic 1.5 mbps (mega-bit per second) home internet while 4G is more like the high speed broadband that you pay a premium for at home if it is available in your area. Most areas of the country can receive 3G at this time, but 4G is limited generally to large cities and high traffic areas. 4G is expanding coverage rapidly and will soon be in more suburban and rural areas.
I recently purchased a mobile hot-spot to use when we travel. Much of my time is spent in areas where 4G is not available yet, but I find I can do most of what I need with the 3G. If only one computer is connected, I am able to stream movies from netflix or youtube and have good access to the internet with only occasional and minimal delays. I can access my home computer satisfactorily through TeamViewer and use it much as I would if I were at home. We have found that when more than one device is connected in 3G areas, the streaming becomes choppy and there are more delays because we are sharing a limited data stream but it is very usable.
You need to be aware that the data plans usually limit you to about 5 Gigabytes of information per month at a cost of around $50 per month. Additional charges are created if you exceed your data limit. If you want to avoid those charges, just limit the number of on-line movies you watch and your music downloads and you will probably be fine, and as always, remember to back up anything important to you.
Shaun McCausland has worked in the computer industry for over 30 years, 20 years of it locally with Bits ‘N’ Bytes and Musicomp and currently does in-home and on-site computer consultation, service, training and repair. If you have questions you can reach him at 435-668-7118 or through his website at www.bitsnbytescomputers.com.