Home » Public Forums » GMCnet » Internet and phone connectivity on the road
| Internet and phone connectivity on the road [message #278671] |
Fri, 29 May 2015 13:52  |
zhagrieb
Messages: 676
Registered: August 2009
Location: Portland Oregon
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
http://www.rvmobileinternet.com/
This is a couple of full timer/techs who make a living doing computer stuff from their converted GMC bus. They have made a specialty of reviewing and publishing all the gadgets to keep them (and us) in touch while traveling. Lots of good info.
Glenn
Glenn Giere, Portland OR, K7GAG
'73 "Moby the Motorhome" 26'
|
|
|
|
| Re: Internet and phone connectivity on the road [message #278676 is a reply to message #278671] |
Fri, 29 May 2015 16:38  |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
|
Senior Member |
|
|
The only time I used 'free' wifi, my yahoo email was hacked and everyone in my address book got spammed.
Since then, I use my smart phone's 'mobile hotspot' capability. I realize that cell phones can be cracked too but not quite as easy or prevalent as snooping wifi at popular places. We have 10 GB data and never use any to speak of. When we've traveled for two weeks, I've used about 4 GB. Just what I do.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
|
|
|
|
| Re: Internet and phone connectivity on the road [message #278700 is a reply to message #278676] |
Sat, 30 May 2015 07:59 |
stick miller
Messages: 1036
Registered: March 2010
Location: Americus, Georgia
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
OK, as many of you know I am mechanically declined and that carries over to computers and cell phones. Here's what I need to know:
My wife owns and manages 2 weekly rental condos at the beach. She needs to have access to WIFI 24/7, at least during the first 3 or 4 months of the year. She's not interested in using her phone or tablet. She has all the records on her laptop. We have our telephone service through Verizon.
Before you ask, "Why not just use the phone or tablet?" let me just ask if you have ever been married. She's going to do it the way she wants to do it. Besides, VRBO's (Vacation Rental By Owner) mobile applications are terrible, by their own admission.
Someone, please, in "WiFI For Dummies" language tell me what I need to buy. I'm pressing "1" for ENGLISH.
Thanks
Stick Miller
'78 Royale - "White Trash" - she left me for another man
'76 Eleganza - "Cousin Eddie" Sold
'84 Bluebird Wanderlodge - "Past Tents"
Americus, GA
|
|
|
|
| Re: Internet and phone connectivity on the road [message #278706 is a reply to message #278671] |
Sat, 30 May 2015 09:06 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
|
Senior Member |
|
|
When I need wifi on the road, I just enable the wifi hotspot function on my Verizon smartphone (a Motorola Droid X). It will support up to five devices, and seems to be pretty fast as long as you've got 4G coverage (you can tell by the "4G" indicator - if you're in a 3G area, the throughput is still pretty good). Verizon used to charge $20 a month for allowing you to use your phone as a wifi hotspot, so I only enabled it when I really, really needed it. But on my last road trip, I flipped it on without any sign-up or other changes. Of course, you'll be burning your data allotment when using your phone as a wifi hotspot, so you might need to bump up your plan if her business will require a whole lot of data.
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Internet and phone connectivity on the road [message #278707 is a reply to message #278700] |
Sat, 30 May 2015 09:03 |
 |
USAussie
Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia
Karma: 6
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Stick,
I would suggest you, Elise, and her laptop make a visit to the local Verizon store. They have a number of different wireless devices
that will plug into a USB port on her laptop and allow 24/7 access through the Verizon system to the Internet, that is what I have
been using for the past four or five years whenever we come to the USA for our tours.
Here's a link to the modems I mentioned above: http://www.verizonwireless.com/internet-devices/
Regards,
Rob M.
-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist [mailto:gmclist-bounces@temp.gmcnet.org] On Behalf Of Stick Miller
Sent: Saturday, May 30, 2015 11:00 PM
To: gmclist@temp.gmcnet.org
Subject: Re: [GMCnet] Internet and phone connectivity on the road
OK, as many of you know I am mechanically declined and that carries over to computers and cell phones. Here's what I need to know:
My wife owns and manages 2 weekly rental condos at the beach. She needs to have access to WIFI 24/7, at least during the first 3 or
4 months of the year. She's not interested in using her phone or tablet. She has all the records on her laptop. We have our
telephone service through Verizon.
Before you ask, "Why not just use the phone or tablet?" let me just ask if you have ever been married. She's going to do it the way
she wants to do it. Besides, VRBO's (Vacation Rental By Owner) mobile applications are terrible, by their own admission.
Someone, please, in "WiFI For Dummies" language tell me what I need to buy. I'm pressing "1" for ENGLISH.
Thanks
--
Stick Miller
'78 Royale - "White Trash" - she left me for another man
'76 Eleganza - "Cousin Eddie"
Americus, Georgia
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Regards,
Rob M. (USAussie)
The Pedantic Mechanic
Sydney, Australia
'75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428
'75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Internet and phone connectivity on the road [message #278708 is a reply to message #278707] |
Sat, 30 May 2015 09:13 |
stick miller
Messages: 1036
Registered: March 2010
Location: Americus, Georgia
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Thanks for the leads. We had unlimited data and never came close to using even the minimum data. Now we have limited data and unlimited talk and text. We may need to bump the data plan.
Parenthetically, I will say that our local Verizon store is populated by a pack of knuckle-dragging morons who would'n know a WIFI if they met it in the alley. I'll try, but I don't have much faith in that bunch.
Stick Miller
'78 Royale - "White Trash" - she left me for another man
'76 Eleganza - "Cousin Eddie" Sold
'84 Bluebird Wanderlodge - "Past Tents"
Americus, GA
[Updated on: Sat, 30 May 2015 09:16] Report message to a moderator |
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: Internet and phone connectivity on the road [message #278714 is a reply to message #278671] |
Sat, 30 May 2015 10:32 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I've used various Verizon USB modems, they all work well. When we have several thou riding on a remote, we'd test them in advance at the location, and I always sent two sets with the kids in case a battery went flat or something. If the local store manager can't tell his ass from Friday - a not unheard of situation - hit one of their outlets around here next time you visit the kids. They'll set you up.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Internet and phone connectivity on the road [message #278716 is a reply to message #278708] |
Sat, 30 May 2015 10:52 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
|
Senior Member |
|
|
stick miller wrote on Sat, 30 May 2015 09:13Thanks for the leads. We had unlimited data and never came close to using even the minimum data. Now we have limited data and unlimited talk and text. We may need to bump the data plan.
Parenthetically, I will say that our local Verizon store is populated by a pack of knuckle-dragging morons who would'n know a WIFI if they met it in the alley. I'll try, but I don't have much faith in that bunch.
Stick, I know you've got one of those odd phones named after fruit and I don't know of they have a built in hotspot feature or not.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
|
|
|
|
| Re: Internet and phone connectivity on the road [message #278717 is a reply to message #278671] |
Sat, 30 May 2015 10:55 |
kerry pinkerton
Messages: 2565
Registered: July 2012
Location: Harvest, Al
Karma: 15
|
Senior Member |
|
|
I went into our verizon store to inquire about a JetPack and the guy looked up my account and said. "Why do you want a Jetpack and pay the extra monthly fee? Your smartphone has a wifi hotspot capability built in."
Works the same way, does effectively the same thing, but doesn't cost any more. Using the wifi hotspot will suck your battery fast though. I normally plug it in while using the hotspot.
Kerry Pinkerton - North Alabama
Had 5 over the years. Currently have a '06 Fleetwood Discovery 39L
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Re: Internet and phone connectivity on the road [message #278722 is a reply to message #278717] |
Sat, 30 May 2015 11:45 |
 |
Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Stick,
As a guy that does a lot of things that end up on a Schedule C, let me tell you that with your (collective) technical prowess, a Verizon JetPack would be the way to go. I have worked all of this stuff and while now I do use my Droid and Foxfi, that is just a matter of cost/convenience to me. Yes, if she over runs the allowance it will cost if you don't head it off at the pass and buy another bundle of gigs. But, it is simple. Being Verizon, it will work in lots of places.
And the Best Part.... Because she will have it strictly for income producing activities, it will be deductible. They (the IRS) have no means to detect if it is being used for other purposes. (Like making reservations for dinner or campgrounds.)
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
|
|
|
|
| Re: Internet and phone connectivity on the road [message #278731 is a reply to message #278671] |
Sat, 30 May 2015 15:49 |
habbyguy
Messages: 896
Registered: May 2012
Location: Mesa, AZ
Karma: 3
|
Senior Member |
|
|
FWIW, I use a jetpack at my office (a "business" account costs too much, and I prefer an alarm system that doesn't rely on a wire running outside the building). It's really the solution for a full-time, low-use situation, but the jetpacks (2) I've had are flaky, and incur the cost of an extra line, not to mention lock you in for a couple years. I'd suggest just using the wifi hotspot capability on your phone - it's dead simple, works as well as the dedicated hotspot, and won't cost you the extra $20 or so for another line. Your total account data usage will be the same with either option.
Mark Hickey
Mesa, AZ
1978 Royale Center Kitchen
|
|
|
|
| Re: Internet and phone connectivity on the road [message #278732 is a reply to message #278722] |
Sat, 30 May 2015 15:50 |
stick miller
Messages: 1036
Registered: March 2010
Location: Americus, Georgia
Karma: 0
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Thanks, all. She does have the capability of turning on the hotspot. Are you saying that doesn't cost any extra? So, on the hot spot on the phone will provide internet access on the laptop?
The cost is deductible and will be paid for by the condo business. We just want it to work. I'll check on all this when we get back to beautiful downtown Americus.
Stick Miller
'78 Royale - "White Trash" - she left me for another man
'76 Eleganza - "Cousin Eddie" Sold
'84 Bluebird Wanderlodge - "Past Tents"
Americus, GA
|
|
|
|
| Re: Internet and phone connectivity on the road [message #278747 is a reply to message #278671] |
Sat, 30 May 2015 20:38 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Stick -
Bring the smartphone and laptop along on the wheel trip. If we can't figure it out, I know somebody who can.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
|
|
|
|
| Re: [GMCnet] Internet and phone connectivity on the road [message #278751 is a reply to message #278747] |
Sat, 30 May 2015 22:07 |
Ken Henderson
Messages: 8726
Registered: March 2004
Location: Americus, GA
Karma: 9
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Johnny,
You do know, don't you, that Tom Phipps had problems getting to the
Greenville, AL rally, so didn't make it here with your wheel? Stick ain't
gonna be to blame if he shows up without it.
Ken H.
On Sat, May 30, 2015 at 9:38 PM, Johnny Bridges wrote:
> Stick -
> Bring the smartphone and laptop along on the wheel trip. If we can't
> figure it out, I know somebody who can.
>
> --johnny
>
> --
> '76 23' transmode Norris upfit
> Braselton, Ga.
>
> "Sometimes I wonder what tomorrow's gonna bring when I think about my
> dirty life and times" --Warren Zevon
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
Ken Henderson
Americus, GA
www.gmcwipersetc.com
Large Wiring Diagrams
76 X-Birchaven
76 X-Palm Beach
|
|
|
|
| Re: Internet and phone connectivity on the road [message #278763 is a reply to message #278732] |
Sun, 31 May 2015 08:03 |
|
Matt Colie
Messages: 8547
Registered: March 2007
Location: S.E. Michigan
Karma: 7
|
Senior Member |
|
|
stick miller wrote on Sat, 30 May 2015 16:50Thanks, all. She does have the capability of turning on the hotspot. Are you saying that doesn't cost any extra? So, on the hot spot on the phone will provide internet access on the laptop?
The cost is deductible and will be paid for by the condo business. We just want it to work. I'll check on all this when we get back to beautiful downtown Americus.
Stick,
Yes, Foxfi is a purchasable app, but there is also a free version that you can use to try it out, it just does not allow some sites. Once you buy the app, there is no more expense unless you overrun your data allowance. It does have one small pita, it requires that you lock the phone all the time. I am told this can be cleared, but I just have never cared to do that. It is what I use all the time and we even have wire underway.
One word of warning, running this way makes the phone power hungry and you better have a way to supply the 2.1 amps it wants or it will go off line in about an hour.
If you care to know more, get back to me directly so we don't waste the forum bandwidth.
Matt
Matt & Mary Colie - Chaumière -'73 Glacier 23 - Members GMCMI, GMCGL, GMCES
Electronically Controlled Quiet Engine Cooling Fan with OE Rear Drum Brakes with Applied Control Arms
SE Michigan - Near DTW - Twixt A2 and Detroit
|
|
|
|
| Re: Internet and phone connectivity on the road [message #278766 is a reply to message #278671] |
Sun, 31 May 2015 09:00 |
jhbridges
Messages: 8412
Registered: May 2011
Location: Braselton ga
Karma: -74
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Ken -
First I hearn, but it will get here at some point. I go Tejas in a few weeks, I'll swing by his place either going or coming. I'll have a pickup with a transmitter in, plenty of room for the wheel. I can still either set Stick's connection up or we can skin down to a bud's place who is a guru. We'll get Elise renting places out in jig time.
--johnny
Foolish Carriage, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.
I forgive them all, save those who hurt the dogs. They must answer to me in hell
|
|
|
|
| Re: Internet and phone connectivity on the road [message #278770 is a reply to message #278732] |
Sun, 31 May 2015 09:26 |
Jon payne
Messages: 495
Registered: May 2008
Karma: 1
|
Senior Member |
|
|
Stick,
I use the hotspot feature all the time for work and works great. Not sure why one would buy anything else if your phone already has the capability. For sure my phones battery will be dead in less then an hour so I keep my phone plugged in to my laptop's USB port while using the hotspot. And if you have a 4G connection the speed is very good.
Jon
Jon Payne
76 Palm Beach
Westfield,IN
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goto Forum:
Current Time: Wed Nov 20 01:20:44 CST 2024
Total time taken to generate the page: 0.01697 seconds
|
GMCforum
Search
Help
Register
Login
Home
