Tech Guru's - Need your help

[SamSam]

Dh and I need your help. We have smart phones with unlimited data, is there a way to link into it (with a laptop) instead of a hotels link. In places, like Vegas, the internet charge is rediculous but we need to access our laptops for business (our own). Just hate paying $14 a day for it.

Any suggestions for using our data plan on our smart phones and link that to our laptops?

I thought I had read something about that possiblity, but I could be dreaming.

Thanks for any help.

 

[ukwildcat]

It's called tethering, and I believe most major carriers offer it. It's an extra monthly cost, and you share your monthly data with another device. Ask your phone carrier about it.

 

[vicki_c]

If you have AT&T iPhones with the grandfathered unlimited data, you can't do it without losing your unlimited data. I looked into it when they first allowed tethering on AT&T and that was the case. It's possible that changed, but that was true then.

 

[SamSam]

Didn't realize different carrier's would make a difference. We have T-mobile, unlimited data. For some reason I thought there was some kind of app that would make it possible. Hmmm, possibly a dream.

 

[doconeill]

On Android, there was an app called "PdaNet", that would turn the phone into a hotspot. I don't know if the carriers have gotten wise to it and blocked it.

I think there was a free version, but it didn't permit HTTPS (secured) connections.

 

[SamSam]

On Android, there was an app called "PdaNet", that would turn the phone into a hotspot. I don't know if the carriers have gotten wise to it and blocked it.

I think there was a free version, but it didn't permit HTTPS (secured) connections.

Ahhh, that could be what I'm remembering. Doesn't surprise me that 'they' are coming up with ways to block it. One can always hope though.

 

[DeltaDiamond001]

If you're going to Vegas, internet access is usually included in any applicable, albeit mandatory, resort fee.

I know that it is included at all MGM properties (Mandalay, Luxor, Excal., NYNY, MGM Grand, Aria, Vdara, Bellagio, Mirage) and both of the Wynn properties (Wynn, Encore.)

Caesars properties charge $14.99/day for in room access.

Call your resort in advance and confirm both the resort fee and internet charges, if any.

 

[SamSam]

Thanks Delta, I'll check on that on our next trip.

 

[rkdahl]

With Verizon's new Share Everything plans you can use your device in tethering mode known as a 'hotspot'. There is no extra charge to use or activate this hotspot feature. Depending on the device it's very easy to set up. For example, if you have an iPhone or an iPad, you just go to General, Network and turn on the Hotspot feature. Your device then becomes a wireless Hotspot that any other device in range of it can get on wireless and access the Internet, as long as they know your Hotspot password.

Note that when you have a Hotspot activated, your are using data from your cell phones or tablets wireless data plan. So you need to be careful with how much data you use so you don't exceed your monthly allocation, if you have one. Generally you should always turn off the Hotspot feature when you are not using it to eliminate any potential unintended cellular data usage.

For our family we saved quite a bit on our cell phone monthly plan by switching to this Share Everything plan. Cell minutes and texts are unlimited, only your data usage is tracked. You can increase it in 2GB increments for only $10/month more. It works great for us and we have 3 cell phones and 2 iPads on our plan.

 

[evad1029]

Go to the play store and download FoxFi its free and let's you do what you want. No monthly charges or extra fees

 

[SamSam]

Thanks so much. We have Droids with unlimited data, so I believe we can get set up. This makes me very happy.

 

[FireDancer]

Didn't realize different carrier's would make a difference. We have T-mobile, unlimited data. For some reason I thought there was some kind of app that would make it possible. Hmmm, possibly a dream.

You are in luck, T-mobile doesn't charge extra for tethering. I have a MyTouch 4g and it came pre-loaded with an app from T-mobile called Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot". It allows you not only to set up a hotspot without downloading anything but allows you go protect it with WPA2.

 

[SamSam]

You are in luck, T-mobile doesn't charge extra for tethering. I have a MyTouch 4g and it came pre-loaded with an app from T-mobile called Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot". It allows you not only to set up a hotspot without downloading anything but allows you go protect it with WPA2.

I downloaded FoxFi, but this also sounds intriquing. Another thing to research!

thanks Frank