Staying Connected on the Go

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Staying Connected on the Go

• Travis Bonfiglio

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Wi-fi Now

• To obtain a wi-fi connection in todays world you
  must
• Be in a wi-fi hot spot (Starbucks, etc.)
• Hotels/airports often charge a fee per hour
• Hard to find when necessary or in unfamiliar
  locations
• Iphone/Blackberries allow access but with limited
  abilities

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Several Unique Ways to Gain Access to the Web

• Tethering
• 3G/4G USB cards
• Mobile Hotspot

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Tethering

• Mobile device, Smartphone or PDA, used as modem
• Done with USB or through Bluetooth

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Advantages of Tethering

• Low cost
• Any smartphone, such as a Blackberry can be used
  for minimal fee/data plan
• Free software available to allow free tethering
  for small amount of usage
• Anytime, Anywhere
• With tethering, all you need is a signal from
  your cell phone to allow you to connect
• Always have your phone

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Disadvantages of Tethering

• Speeds
• 400kbps to 700kbps
• Expensive
• If not paired with unlimited data plan
• Charged by amount used

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3G/4G cards

• Offered by many retailers Sprint, Verizon, etc.
• USB plug in

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Advantages of 3G/4G cards

• Anywhere, Anytime
• Much like tethering, these cards allow internet
  access without being in a wifi hotspot
• Speed
• Data rates vary per network
• Sprint offering 3G and soon to be 4G coverage
• Use mobile broadband network of carrier
• Easy to Use

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Disadvantages of 3G/4G card

• Expensive
• Pay for card plus 2-year activation fee
• Verizon 129.00
• Sprint 250.00 before rebates/discounts
• One more thing to carry around
• Small as a jump drive

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Mobile Hotspots

• Newly arrived device from Sprint and Verizon
• Connects to internet through wireless network of
  carrier

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Advantages of Mobile Hotspots

• Ultra light and portable
• 3.5" (H) x 2.3" (W) x 0.4" (D) (Verizon)
• 3.14" x 3.14" x .61  (Sprint)
• Each weigh 2-4 ounces
• 4 Hour rechargeable battery life
• High data speeds
• 600kbps-1.7Mbps (faster speeds if used on Sprints
  4G network)

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Advantages

• Can connect up to 5 wifi-enabled devices
• Ipods, video game consoles, other computers
• No software to install or activate
• Turn it on and use

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Disadvantages of Mobile Hotspots

• Expensive
• Retail price
• Sprint 350
• Verizon 270
• Plus 2/yr contract
• One more item to pack on trips