Powerpedia

Virgin Mobile Mifi

You may remember that back in December I had purchased a Verizon MiFi. Other than the cost I was actually very pleased with it. I never really used it that much. It was a really nice to have and did come in handy, but I didn't NEED it. I was pleased and surprised to see virgin mobile announce mobile hotspot of their own with the pay-as-you-go price plan. The $20 a month for 200 meg plan was perfect for my occasional need for hotspot. Before my trip to Syracuse for the Fourth of July I ran out to Best Buy and got one. I wanted to try it out head-to-head with my Verizon one and see how the performance was. The reality was the Verizon hotspot was faster. It is very noticeably faster when I ran a benchmark. Of course for the price that speed difference wasn't really that much when you take into account the vast difference in cost. Well at least that was my opinion.

While I was away I bought 3G iPad. That made my needs for mobile hot spot decrease even more. The fate of my Verizon MiFi was field. Even though I bought the Virgin one in early July I didn't get rid of Verizon one until late August. Most of the month of July was playing around with both of them to be really sure that I wanted to get rid of the rising one. Once I was sure I wanted to get rid of it, I needed to wait until the billing cycle ended.

What I like best about the virgin hotspot is its flexibility. I don't actually need to keep paying for service every month. I can purchase service for month, and when that expires I can purchase service again when I need it. That means I can go up to a year between actually paying for month of service. That suits me since I don't always need a mobile Wi-Fi since I have my iPad 3G, but I have the option when I need it.

3G, iPad, MiFi, Verizon ireless, Virgin Mobile, WiFi

iPad 3G

When the iPad was announced I decided to stick with a MiFi and go with the Wi-Fi version. I already had a 3G hotspot (my MiFi with Verizon) and the Wi-Fi version was coming out much sooner than the 3G version. In practice using the MiFi wasn't that seamless. It was okay, and I was getting decent speed, but there were times when it didn't work or was just slow to work.

Because of the limitations I decided that maybe I could use the 3G version after all. I have a Wi-Fi version so I was in no rush however I started checking out the Apple stores in New York City to see if they have them in stock. For most of June they didn't. While I was in Syracuse I stumbled upon an Apple Store in the mall. I figured it didn't hurt to ask if they had a 3G version in stock, so I did. As it turned out they had exactly what I was looking for, the 64 gig 3G iPad. Since they have them in stock I figured what the heck. I went and bought one. I assumed, accurately that I could sell the Wi-Fi version for nearly as much as I paid for it. When I got back from Syracuse I posted it on eBay. I don't know the exact amount but I don't think I lost $50 on the transaction.

Besides being 3G there really isn't any major difference between Wi-Fi version. The problem I was trying to solve, a.k.a. easy turning on 3G when there is no Wi-Fi was fixed. Now all I have to do is wait for the new version of the OS with multitasking and all will be right with the world.

Mac, iPad, WiFi, 3G, Tablet

Bad RCN

As predicted RCN was unable to come out to repair my cable modem after the blizzard. I don't fault them for that. It was nasty out. What I do fault them for is the 3 phone calls to them checking on the service call and being told first that yes they would show up in the window the originally told me. Then the second person told me things are running slow due to weather and they would check with dispatch and get back to me. They never did. The 3rd person was good and was checked and said no one was working on repairs today and they would schedule a call for tomorrow. They were baffled by the other peoples comments. They claim that someone would look into the incident. I hold no hopes that the will actually do that. I am just happy they claim that someone will be out around lunch time tomorrow to fix my modem.

The Mifi isn't the fastest thing int he world but I can browse the web and check main just fine on it. It gets a bit slow when using the VPN for work.

Technical Difficulties

My luck wasn't going very well this weekend. I got home and started settling in and suddenly my cable modem died on me. That was the final straw on my decision to get a MiFi. Before being stranded in the Bahamas I was pondering the wireless broadband device the Novatel MiFi. After the day in the Bahamas airport I really wanted one even though I knew that it wouldn't have worked in the Bahamas. When the cable went out I decided to head out to Manhattan before it started snowing to pick up one of the nifty devices. I didn't want to spend an unknown amount of days in a blizzard without internet. I am brave, but not that brave.

Thankfully the store was empty and I was in and out in 20 minutes. Let me tell you the Mifi is really easy to setup and it works exactly as advertised. RCN claims they will be out tomorrow morning to look at my Modem but I tend to doubt it since it is still snowing.

The Android Experiment

A few weeks ago I purchased a used T-Mobile G1 on eBay. It was party to see check out the Android OS, as well as check out T-Mobile service near where I live and work.

Firstly the G1 I got was a bit more beat up than I would have liked, but for the price I paid I kinda knew what I was getting into. I found it harder than I originally expected to separate my experience with the Android OS with my feelings about the G1 hardware. I was not a fan of the G1 at all. It was big, heavy, and I could not stand the curved bottom of the phone, nor could I really use the keyboard because of that uncomfortable bulge at the bottom of the phone.

The Android OS on the other hand was OK. I looked for equivalent applications to what I typically use on my iPhone. I didn't do a complete search but looked for the top 5-10 apps that I use every day. I was able to find apps that performed the same functions. That was the good news. The bad news was that several of them were just not as polished as the iPhone equivalent. Maybe I am biased, but the iPhone apps just seem more polished than the Andriod counterparts. There were a few exceptions, but in general I wasn't too impressed with the Andriod apps. On the up side I was happy with some of the types of applications that I couldn't get on my iPhone. I loved the call blocking app especially since the T-Mobile number I got seemed to have a lot of people calling it. I also loved the Google Voice integration. For me as a Google Voice user it was perfect. I didn't even tell anyone I got a new #. I just routed calls to the G1 and then used Google Voice to make outbound calls. For me that was the best part of the Android OS. I really miss that functionality on the iPhone.

The second part of my experiment was how is the T-Mobile service. The short answer is it is just as poor as AT&T is where I use it most. I don't get any reliable signal inside my apartment with T-Mobile. By my window I get 3-4 bars but inside I only get 1-2 if any. Without a signal booster the service is useless in my apartment. If the Android phones supported T-Mobile's Wifi calling like some of the Blackberry's do that wouldn't be an issue, but right now it is a major show stopper. At work in mid town I got slightly better results. I sometimes got decent signal at my desk, but other times it was spotty. Not consistent enough for me.

The bottom line is as tempting as T-Mobile's no contract plans are, the service where I spend 75% of my work week (home and work) I had spotty service. That means if I want to stick with a GSM carrier I am stuck with AT&T. As much as I refuse to use Verizion I might need to consider. I may end up getting a Verizon Mifi anyway so that might be the trade off that keeps me with my iPhone an AT&T but more on that later.

I will keep my T-Mobile SIM until after my vacation but I don't see myself keeping it long term. As for the G1, I am going away at the end of the week so I wont have time to sell it before I go, but it will go up on eBay before Christmas. If a AT&T compatible 3G (85mhz & 1800mhz) Android phone comes out I may give it a try again but until then I am sticking with the iPhone. Like I tell anyone when they ask if i like it, the iPhone is the best phone I ever had, but I would love to be able to get rid of it!

AT&T, G1, iPhone 3GS, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, Android

T-Mobile Again

My frustration with AT&T has finally come to a head. I had another week of not really being able to use my iPhone at the office, so I finally broke down and went to the T-Mobile store. I signed up for an Even More Plus plan. I figured with no contract I had nothing to lose from trying it out. I am testing the service at home and work with an old Motorola Razr I have had since 2005. So far I am having signal issues in my apt, but I already knew that non-3g service would be spotty in my apt. Friends with T-Mobile have had problems there before.

To really test the system out I just bought a used G1 Android phone from Ebay. I will see if T-Mobile 3G is as good as their map says it is in my neighborhood. I also need to be happy with the G1's Android OS. I am skeptical about that, but hopeful I will like it enough to give up my iphone. There is a lot of "if's" but I am willing to give it a try since the iPhone may be nice and slick and a great all around device, but if it doesn't work half the time I try to use it I don't care how nice it is.

I really hope this works out. I really like the no contract concept even if the phones are more money (thanks ebay). I also like the fact that I can get unlimited voice for $50. I currently pay $59 for 900 minutes that I can't use since the phone doesn't work most of the places I need it to. I always liked T-Mobile. I only got rid of them when I gave up my own mobile to use the Partsearch issued one. After that I got AT&T because of phone selection and the iPhone.

3g, AT&T, ebay, G1, iPhone 3GS, T-Mobile, T-Mobile

Why I Won't Buy a Driod

Motorola, I have to hand it to you. The Droid looks like a great phone. If there was a GSM version I might just pick one up to try it. Unfortunately you only offer a CDMA version on Verizon. I will say that I honestly thought about switching to Verizon for a second. Thankfully Verizon got me to reconsider. Thanks Verizon. What do I mean? Well, I am amazed that Verizon has one of the best wireless networks out there but does everything possible to aggravate customers. I was interested in the Droid. Android 2.0 was intriguing. The generally fast and well covered Verizon network got me further interested in the Droid. Then I read that Verizon is charging a $350 cancelation fee on new contracts that have "advanced devices" aka something like the Droid (sorry I wont spell it DROID). I am frustrated as it is by being locked into the iPhone and it is GSM, so I am sure not going to switch to Verizon and be stuck into a phone and contract for two years that costs $175 to get out of.

I have never been a fan of Verizon's customer service or the way they treat their customers, but this was the final straw for me. I am fine with having my parents use them since they don't change phones very often but for me, no way. I am considering T-Mobile since they are going the opposite direction, cheaper rate plans and no contracts!

Verizon Wireless, T-Mobile, DROID, CDMA

Apple Are You Kidding Me?

I have been a huge fan of Apple and the iPhone. I have always had my criticisms of the company. I have also said that I love my iPhone but would love to find another phone to replace it due to the restrictions Apple puts on the iPhone. This latest stunt by Apple may just get me to drop the iPhone and get something (anything) else. GV Mobile is an app I have used since it came out. It is an app that works with Google Voice. Before GV Mobile I used Grand Dialer that did similar things with the old Grand Central before Google turned it into Google Voice. Why then did Apple just decide to pull all apps that work with Google Voice? I paid for this app, now basically it is killed off? Yeah it will still work for a while but if anything in the OS breaks the app it wont work. This is crazy. How is this not big brother that Apple (or AT&T through Apple) just come in and turn off an app? And why, because it mimic's iPhone features? So what, I choose to use those mimicked features. Thoughts are it is more likely that AT&T doesn't want to lose revenue by free SMS via these apps. So can someone explain to me how App Stores are better for the consumer if the handset maker and the provider say what can and cannot be put on my phone? I prefer the day when i can find an app, download it and run it on my smart phone. Worked for years with Palm, Blackberry, and Windows Mobile. Now everyone has their own app stores. How is this progress for the consumer?

I was tempted to pre-order an Android powered My Touch with T-Mobile today. The only thing that stopped me was the fact that the My Touch doesn't offer Wifi Calling (no android phone does yet). Apple / AT&T get your act together or you will lose a good customer, and I bet I am not the only one.

On a related note I was kind of pissed about what I consider similar crazy tactics by Amazon regarding the Kindle. At least Amazon apologized about what they did, and it doesn't look like they will do it again. Apple you should learn something from Amazon!

UPDATE 7-31-2009: Finally the FCC is doing something. Questioning Apple, AT&T & Google about what is going on.

iPhone 3GS First Thoughts

I got my iPhone 3GS on Friday. I was eager to get it when they announced it, but when it arrived I didn't even want to rush home to take a look. I usually can't wait to play with new electronic gizmo's. Either I now have luke warm feeligns about it or I am getting older. I hope I just have low expectations of the new device. In any event I have had the device for a few days and I have early impressions since I can be opinionated about my gadgets.

One major reason to upgrade for me was the doubled capacity that I get with the 32gig unit. I would have gotten a 64gig one if they offered it. I wanted 32gigs last year when I bought my 3G. Ironically since I purged many videos from my 3G before upgrading I don't even need the entire 16gigs I had. I know that in a few weeks I will use up the new space I have but right now it is weird seeing all that free space in the bar graph when I sync the phone.

I haven't done that much to notice the speed improvements. Every once in a while I think it might be a bit zippier, but nothing major just yet. The camera is a great improvement, but still didn't do so hot for me in low light when I was out on Friday. Video was nice, and I used it a few times with Zachary on Sunday but to be honest I am not going to praise that since a phone of iPhone's class should have had that function already.

I have to say I am not a fan of the cut and paste function. I know I want it when I need it, and it is another one of those things that should have been around for some time, but I have problems with Apple's actual implementation of cut and past. I have selected text to cut and paste while scrolling through items i was reading. It is actually very annoying. The amount of times that has happened vs actually using the cut and paste function is making that feature more of a detriment to me than a bonus.

The compass function was neat, but i haven't really had a chance to use it. One downside I did notice was when I brought up google maps when I got out of the Lincoln tunnel on Sunday the Google Map app started spinning around and I had a semi-transparent warning box telling me that the compass couldn't work and i needed to get away from interference. This wasn't good since i couldn't see where i was (approximately) on the map, where the old version on the 3G would at least just give me a blue circle that showed my margin of error. With the map spinning around and the warning box I couldn't really estimate my location. Hopefully this was a fluke but I am not so sure I saw the last of that message especially in Manhattan.

So far you might conclude I don't like the new phone. That is not true. It is a great piece of equipment. In my opinion it has unfortunately it has yet to live up to the cost I paid for it. What will improve my opinion is seeing all the new software that utilizes the push technology in the 3.0 software. I know I could have gotten that with my old 3G, but this new functionality on top of the new hardware was the reason for me to upgrade. For now I have to wait since it seems the hardware is a bit ahead of the software written to utilize it. Once a true push IM client comes out, and other nifty new apps such as the Zip Car app and the Tom Tom GPS app then the new phone will start paying for itself. I am also waiting for a push version of Facebook, and a twitter client (Tweetie I hope since I like it and paid for a copy). It is still a great media device that I take with me everywhere. That hasn't changed, but for an incremental upgrade it has a bit to go before it becomes worth the upgrade.

For now the new iPhone 3GS is just like my iPhone 3G. I love it, it is probably the best phone I ever had, but I would love to get rid of it if I could. What I mean by that is it is a fantastic device but Apple is still too restrictive on the OS, and I would love for someone to come out with something that truly rivals it (Android, and S60 are nice but not there yet by far and I have tried both). Till then I await updated software for my 3GS!

I Don ' t Think I Will Ever Use Verizon Wireless Again

I went out and bought a Verizon Wireless USB Data Card right after christmas. I wanted to use the card for multiple reasons attached to my Macbook or my new HP Mini 1000 Netbook. After using the device for about 2 weeks I realized that I didn't really use it that much to warrant the price ($59 per month). That on top of the fact the card didn't work very well near where I lived. Since I was within my 30 day trial period I decided to return the card and cancel the account. This is where my fun began.

I went back to the Verizon Store where I bought the card. Even though there were several sales people free I had to wait at a specific service desk that was not well staffed. After about 30 minutes of waiting I finally was able to return my card. This part wasn't very hard. They took the card back, refunded my money to the credit card and put me on the phone with customer service to cancel the account. Once customer service was completed with their cancelation of the account I questioned about verifying that the account was closed and that my early termination fee was waived since i returned the card within the 30 day window. They assured me there would be no problems and that they noted my account. I asked for a reference number but they said there wasn't any. My account notes would be updated and all will be well.

The very next day I received my first bill for the card. Since the bill was mailed to me before I canceled the account I knew the balance due would be off. I figured I would either wait for a final bill or call to calculate the final amount and send in the payment. Sure enough on Friday I recieved my final bill. The only thing was I was shocked by the price I owed. It turns out that even though I returned the card and called customer service just like everyone told me to, I was still charged with the $175 early termination fee. I was not so happy so I called customer service again. The lady I spoke to told me that it was an error from the in store people and I would have to return to the store to have it fixed. I politely refused. The store people only returned the USB card for me. The account cancelation was done over the phone with the same customer service number that I was currently speaking with. The lady insisted that I return to the store. I then insisted that I speak to a supervisor. I was told the supervisor would say the same thing. My response was I would like to hear them tell me that since this is insane. I was then told there would be a 20 minute wait. I politely told the representative that I would wait and putting me on hold for a really long time was not going to get rid of me.

About 5 minutes later the representative returned telling me they could in fact try to reverse the termination fee. It would just take 5-7 days to process the request. I told her fine, and go ahead and file the request. My next question was how much do I really own Verizon so I could pay my usage for the time I had the USB card. I was still surprised to see that they claimed I owed $111.21. According to the rep I still have to pay a $35 activation fee even though I returned the phone. I was skeptical but after I got off the phone I searched the internet and apparently that is a nice little secret wireless companies have. You can return the phone and cancel your contract before 30 days, but if you don't make a return before 3 days you have to pay the $35.

A week has gone by and I called to check on the status of my refund for the termination fee. I was told that I will get my refund, but it will be 1-2 billing cycles until it happens. I have to trust that they are telling me the truth on the phone while I get 1-2 more bills telling me I owe them more money. What is so funny about this issue is I wasn't the hugest fan of Verizon in the past, but they have good product so I have tolerated them. This experience has probibly turned me off for good to that company. I would rather deal with poor coverage with a T-Mobile since I know they offer good customer service than deal with the nightmares of Verizon again.