Lazy Daze Owners' Group

Cell Phone Hot Spot vs Dedicated MiFi

February 15, 2016, 04:15:48 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158806

---

We have used Verizon USB modem's and MiFi devices for years on the road. As I am sure you know, Verizon now has a data plan that can be shared between your iPhone and a MiFi device. I had never used the phone Hotspot. Tried it. In our location, we have a better connection with the phone than the MiFi. Seems odd, but that's the way it is - right here at least.

What has been your experience with phone hot spots vs dedicated devices???

One less thing, one less wire, one less thing to charge seems a plus to me.

Re: Cell Phone Hot Spot vs Dedicated MiFi

Reply #2 – February 15, 2016, 04:52:16 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158808

---

We also have used our android phones as a hotspot.   I must add that we use the Nexus devices.
 I always thought Verizon was just maximizing its profit when it push folks to use a dedicated device.

Glen

Re: Cell Phone Hot Spot vs Dedicated MiFi

Reply #4 – February 15, 2016, 06:17:19 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158812

---

We have used our iPhones, as a mobil hotspot, for years. Works fine with tablets and laptops.
For our use, it's perfect.
Years ago, we used a Jetpack hotspot but today, it's usefulness is limited or nonexistent.

Larry

Re: Cell Phone Hot Spot vs Dedicated MiFi

Reply #6 – February 15, 2016, 08:35:36 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158816

---

I assume so...I can certainly do that with my android phone.
Linda Hylton

Re: Cell Phone Hot Spot vs Dedicated MiFi

Reply #8 – February 15, 2016, 08:42:40 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158818

---

Yes, just turn feature on.
Our iPhone 5s allows up to 5 devices to connect to it Yes, can use phone at same time

Bob

--

Best,

Bob

Bob Farrell
Life enthusiast

"When you arise in the morning, think of

what a precious privilege it is to be alive...
to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."

~ Marcus Aurelius

Bob and Eileen
05 LD 27MB

https://bobneirv.wordpress.com

Re: Cell Phone Hot Spot vs Dedicated MiFi

Reply #10 – February 16, 2016, 12:02:48 am

Yahoo Message Number: 158820

---

"Using the iPhone as a Hotspot does use lots of battery capacity, so best to keep it on the charger during Hotspot use."

Exactly. I want my phone on my person during the day--not sitting on a table, tethered to a charger. (I do that at night, using a 12 VDC charger next to my bed.)

Also, when using a cellular signal booster, as Larry explained, the phone would have to be within a foot or less of the booster's reradiating antenna (or in the case of a Wilson Sleek style booster, actually in the booster's cradle) in order to get the benefit of the amplified signal. Again, I want my phone in my pocket at all times--not tied down to some fixed device.

Finally, unless I'm mistaken, Verizon's CDMA technology won't let you take or make phone calls while using it for an internet connection. That can be a major pain if you ever need to call a company's support line about a problem, while referring to their website.

For all these reasons, I use a Verizon Jetpack for internet. Yes, I have the ability to use "Personal Hotspot" mode on my iPhone or iPads (they are included in my Verizon data plan, at a modest extra monthly cost), but that's just a backup in case my Jetpack malfunctions.

Andy Baird

Re: [LD] Cell Phone Hot Spot vs Dedicated MiFi

Reply #12 – February 16, 2016, 09:05:35 am

Yahoo Message Number: 158825

---

"Finally, unless I'm mistaken, Verizon's CDMA technology won't let you take or make phone calls while using it for an internet connection."

No, that's not true, Andy.  I've had two Verizon android phones that I've used as hotspots over the past 4+ years and, with both of them, have been able to make and receive phone calls while using it in hotspot mode.  One phone was a Motorola, one was a Samsung.

The other problems you mentioned aren't a problem "for us."  When we're using our phone as a hotspot, it sits right next to me so is always available.  If we go somewhere, the phone comes with us, we certainly don't leave it behind sitting on the table!  Of course, we leave the phone in hotspot mode only when we're actively using our computers.

Linda Hylton

Re: Cell Phone Hot Spot vs Dedicated MiFi

Reply #14 – February 16, 2016, 10:58:51 am

Yahoo Message Number: 158830

---

I was told by a Verizon employee that when you use a phone as a hot spot it uses twice as much data as a directly connected device.  When I used my phone as hot spot because the iPad had used most of it's monthly data it seemed to burn through data quickly.

Jay Carlson

Re: Cell Phone Hot Spot vs Dedicated MiFi

Reply #16 – February 16, 2016, 12:46:09 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158834

---

"The other problems you mentioned aren't a problem "for us."  When we're using our phone as a hotspot, it sits right next to me so is always available.  If we go somewhere, the phone comes with us, we certainly don't leave it behind sitting on the table!  Of course, we leave the phone in hotspot mode only when we're actively using our computers."

That describes our usage exactly.
The phone remains usable when the hotspot is on.

Larry

Re: Cell Phone Hot Spot vs Dedicated MiFi

Reply #18 – February 16, 2016, 05:57:51 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158838

---

Sure, I'd expect a cell phone to consume less data than a laptop while doing the same tasks, but the thread doesn't seem to address our real concern: does using your cell phone as a hotspot for your laptop use more of your data than using a MiFi with the laptop? I can't think of any reason for a significant difference.

Eric Greenwell
  [lifewithalazydazerv] wrote on 2/16/2016 9:17 AM:

Re: Cell Phone Hot Spot vs Dedicated MiFi - II

Reply #20 – February 18, 2016, 07:21:41 am

Yahoo Message Number: 158842

---

Do you have a Sleek booster attached to a roof mounted  antenna? If so, during your test, was either device using the booster vs receiving the signal through the LD aluminum skin?

Ed

Re: Cell Phone Hot Spot vs Dedicated MiFi - II

Reply #22 – February 18, 2016, 01:49:06 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158844

---

Hello Don.
Interesting.
My results using the MiFi in the Sleek have consistently resulted in improved reception vs not using the Sleek. Ditto with the iPhone 5 when placing phone calls in marginal areas. I don't use the 5 as a hot spot because it can't handle voice and data simultaneously like your 6. The cheap in me won't permit an upgrade to a 6.
Maybe results vary  with the strength of the signal you begin with? At any rate, enjoy your FL visit.

Ed

Re: Cell Phone Hot Spot vs Dedicated MiFi - II

Reply #24 – February 18, 2016, 04:12:12 pm

Yahoo Message Number: 158847

---

Larry
1) our VZ MiFi monthly charge is $20 plus a bunch of taxes. I suspend service when we are home so probably spend in the $80 - $100/year range. The hardware is "free" like "free" phones are free.
2) with two cell phones in your household, what added value did you see by adding the VZ wireless landline?
3) if you are planning on streaming all TV in place of cable, you will need a huge data allowance. We tried that briefly and went through our 30 gig plan in about 15 days and that was with a TV antenna to get the local networks.

Take care

Ed