Posted: 1/17/2011 8:35:26 AM EDT
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I currently am an AT&T subscriber with an iPhone 3G. I am eligible for an upgrade shortly and am looking for a phone that has the ability to be a mobile hotspot. I have been pleased with the iPhone thus far and have had very little desire to hack the phone or really do much beyond what it is normally supposed to do. In addition, I have been happy with AT&T and have not had a problem with coverage or data speed. It is very good in my area. With that said, I can get out of my contract with an $80 fee, but if I can avoid doing it I will. However, I think the only network I would really switch to would be Verizon.
Now that the background is out of the way, I am looking for input on a phone that can serve as a mobile hotspot (I have an iPad without a 3G connection). Preferably the phone will also be 4G. It is my understanding that the iPhone 4 operating system will have that feature in the next update (although it is not known whether or not AT&T will allow it to be used). I understand that the Verizon iPhone will have this ability from the start, but it isn't 4G. It is also my understanding that AT&T will have two android phones (the HTC Inspire 4G and Motorola Atrix 4G) that will have this feature and both are coming out in this quarter. I believe the release date for the Atrix is March 1. I am not sure the release date for the Inspire. I am not opposed to droid phones although I am not necessarily thrilled about potentially having to repurchase apps that I have for the iPhone. My issue is that although I have looked at the specs, I am not highly knowledgeable about smart phones so I don't know how will any of these phones would work for my intended purpose. Are these good choices or would I be better off not waiting for them and getting something else? In addition, the reviews for the upcoming phones seem to be fairly positive but is there anything that causes a red flag in relation to any of the phones mentioned above? What other phones should I be looking at? Also, if you currently have a phone that you are using in a similar manner, what phone is it and how do you like it? Sorry, I know that this is a long post and may start an iPhone v. Android debate, but I wanted to be thorough and hopefully address any questions that people may have. Thanks for the help. |
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I have the Samsung Galaxy with the Android Operating system from AT&T. It's 3g but it runs like butter. I think you are looking for a phone that can be "tethered" (used as a computer modem) which I think At&t charges $45 a month for the service. This phone has that ability but I don't use that service. I do recommend the phone. Take a look at the new ones and see if they are being offered in 4g and with the new Android 2.2 operating system.
There is also a similar version of the Galaxy being made LG. It is identical all the way down to the charger. The only difference I see is smaller screen and it does not have wifi. My son has the LG but it is through Verizon. |
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i know you said you dont want to "hack" the phone... but if you place that "fear" aside..
you will learn that the iphone can be a hotspot.. you will learn you do not have to pay ATT for it.. you will learn that if do pay ATT to do it "right " you will have a 2 gig cap you will learn this cap does not exist if you hack it, you will learn it takes 15 minutes to "hack" it.. if your in 3.1.3 it takes 2 minutes. all this with your current device.. this means no money out of pocket and no contract added to your account for now. if you positively DONT wanna do this your self.. spend 20 bucks for someone on craigslist to do it for you.. < MUCH CHEAPER then a new phone > if you decide to move anyway... dont forget to SELL your iphone you can get almost ALL of your money out of it.. i sold my 3G thursday for 200 and upgraded to the iphone4.. got a refurb for $99 ! worked out great .. then jailbroke it as soon as the box arrived this morning. |
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Quoted:
i know you said you dont want to "hack" the phone... but if you place that "fear" aside.. you will learn that the iphone can be a hotspot.. you will learn you do not have to pay ATT for it.. you will learn that if do pay ATT to do it "right " you will have a 2 gig cap you will learn this cap does not exist if you hack it, you will learn it takes 15 minutes to "hack" it.. if your in 3.1.3 it takes 2 minutes. all this with your current device.. this means no money out of pocket and no contract added to your account for now. if you positively DONT wanna do this your self.. spend 20 bucks for someone on craigslist to do it for you.. < MUCH CHEAPER then a new phone > if you decide to move anyway... dont forget to SELL your iphone you can get almost ALL of your money out of it.. i sold my 3G thursday for 200 and upgraded to the iphone4.. got a refurb for $99 ! worked out great .. then jailbroke it as soon as the box arrived this morning. What program did you use to jailbreak it? |
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Quoted:
Quoted:
i know you said you dont want to "hack" the phone... but if you place that "fear" aside.. you will learn that the iphone can be a hotspot.. you will learn you do not have to pay ATT for it.. you will learn that if do pay ATT to do it "right " you will have a 2 gig cap you will learn this cap does not exist if you hack it, you will learn it takes 15 minutes to "hack" it.. if your in 3.1.3 it takes 2 minutes. all this with your current device.. this means no money out of pocket and no contract added to your account for now. if you positively DONT wanna do this your self.. spend 20 bucks for someone on craigslist to do it for you.. < MUCH CHEAPER then a new phone > if you decide to move anyway... dont forget to SELL your iphone you can get almost ALL of your money out of it.. i sold my 3G thursday for 200 and upgraded to the iphone4.. got a refurb for $99 ! worked out great .. then jailbroke it as soon as the box arrived this morning. What program did you use to jailbreak it? go here.. pick your device and firmware. read a few times before doing it. http://www.iclarified.com/jailbreak/ its only a fear of the unkown that keeps people from doing it. ... with that said. I provide a disclaimer... if you really dont feel comfortable.. have someone else do it for you .< and watch > |