Built-in 3G or wifi/mobile hot spot?

[Droppin Deuces]

Anyone with experience to give a comparison? Any disadvantages to using a mobile hot spots aside from limited data transfer? Does one carry a signal better than the other?

This is for a tablet to be used while on the move in a vehicle.

Thanks!

[stix213]

Haven't used one. I recently got an HTC One X phone and use it as a 4G wifi hotspot, software comes built in but AT&T wants some extra money per month for using the feature (no idea if it works without paying the extra fee). I can even talk on the phone while connected to the internet on my laptop with just some speed drop. With good 4G signal I get near cable modem download speeds when not on a call.

Really impressed with how well it works

[Droppin Deuces]

Haven't used one. I recently got an HTC One X phone and use it as a 4G wifi hotspot, software comes built in but AT&T wants some extra money per month for using the feature (no idea if it works without paying the extra fee). I can even talk on the phone while connected to the internet on my laptop with just some speed drop. With good 4G signal I get near cable modem download speeds when not on a call.

Really impressed with how well it works

Good to know, thanks! The Best Buy salesperson said I'd be impressed with the speed of the mobile hot spot, but I wasn't sure if he was just trying to sell something or what. It seems like a better and less expensive option over the built-in 3G given that you can run up to five different appliances off of it.

After sleeping on it and then reading your response, I'm thinking I'll go ahead and try it.

Thanks!

[chris1911]

I have a HTC Thunderbolt (rooted) and I use an app called OpenGarden that works great as a free hotspot. I easily get as good if not better than cable speeds. I average about 30mbps down and 9mbps up. 3G is really really slow compared to 4G, it will be noticeable even watching a video on youtube or browsing the web. I can run Netflix on my Xbox with my hotspot in HD with no problems.

[Droppin Deuces]

I have a HTC Thunderbolt (rooted) and I use an app called OpenGarden that works great as a free hotspot. I easily get as good if not better than cable speeds. I average about 30mbps down and 9mbps up. 3G is really really slow compared to 4G, it will be noticeable even watching a video on youtube or browsing the web. I can run Netflix on my Xbox with my hotspot in HD with no problems.

Thanks, I ended up with a Sierra Wireless "4G Lite" unit through AT&T since I don't have a smart phone. I would have just upgraded my phone and gone that route, but the math didn't work out in my favor.
After only a day, I'm pretty amazed with this thing. Just leave it in the car or carry in my backpack if need be. I'm actually kind of surprised more cars don't come with these built-in...