Wireless Internet connections on a MacBookPro

ElMon · #1 02-10-2010, 03:52 PM

Anyone use one of those usb-connected internet connections on their MacBook Pro? What do you recommend?

I'm seeing a LOT of options, but am wondering what the difference is between having a monthly plan and simply buying something like thishttp://www.t-mobile.com/shop/phones/...B+Laptop+Stick ? I went to BestBuy and saw a number of devices like this one that had a one-time purchase price and then, seemingly, allowed you to access the internet? Are there other charges that apply with these devices or are they just extending your laptop's capability to capture wireless networks, secured or otherwise?

vbasscustom · #2 02-10-2010, 05:01 PM

its your fault for buying a mac in the first place

ElMon · #3 02-10-2010, 05:09 PM

That's constructive advice right there. Send me your address and I"ll send you mine for my error. Anyone else?

L-A · #4 02-10-2010, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vbasscustom

its your fault for buying a mac in the first place

And how is this related to the question? How exactly would it be different to plug the service provider's USB key into a PC, except that you would boast instead of moan?

To the OP, here are the small fonts. There needs to be a service available for you to connect with this key. If your city has a free wireless internet program, it is probably done via WiFi, which is integrated to your MacBook. You don't need a dongle to do this.

If you want to connect to a 3G or EDGE network (a high-speed cell phone network, basically), you have to have a service provider. This will cost you money monthly. If you want to go this way, I suggest choosing the provider before buying a dongle. I doubt they'll accept connexions from any third-party hardware on sale at Best Buy.

" * International roaming available on T-Mobile wireless data and Wi-Fi HotSpot partner networks after international use is activated; international roaming rates apply. Domestic and international messaging incurs separate additional charges. "

ElMon · #5 02-10-2010, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by L-A

And how is this related to the question? How exactly would it be different to plug the service provider's USB key into a PC, except that you would boast instead of moan?

To the OP, here are the small fonts. There needs to be a service available for you to connect with this key. If your city has a free wireless internet program, it is probably done via WiFi, which is integrated to your MacBook. You don't need a dongle to do this.

If you want to connect to a 3G or EDGE network (a high-speed cell phone network, basically), you have to have a service provider. This will cost you money monthly. If you want to go this way, I suggest choosing the provider before buying a dongle. I doubt they'll accept connexions from any third-party hardware on sale at Best Buy.

" * International roaming available on T-Mobile wireless data and Wi-Fi HotSpot partner networks after international use is activated; international roaming rates apply. Domestic and international messaging incurs separate additional charges. "

That lines up with what I've read so far. HAD to lean on the unlimited knowledge and first hand experience of all my TB brethren though. Thanks!

TallLankyBastyd · #6 02-10-2010, 07:36 PM

I live far enough out in the sticks that this is the only way we get internet. I use Sprint and one of their Sierra USB devices.

One thing you might want to keep in mind. My MacBook Pro's USB ports are so close together that if one is using all the USBs then the dongle might be too wide to get adjacent to the other dongles. Apple didn't leave much room. So you may want to take you MacBook with you to the service provider to try out different USB devices.

I eventually hooked the USB internet dongle to a Cradlepoint wireless router so I could use my other computer (and internet service) at the same time as someone else was using the MacBook.

Also, I'm not a big Sprint fan but if you can get it... they do offer an unlimited cellular internet plan... I think we pay around $50 for it. All the other cellular internet providers had usage caps.

sonic assassin · #7 02-10-2010, 07:46 PM

you dont have airport? the built in router?

i need no extra hardware..

Tahoe_Ed · #8 02-10-2010, 07:50 PM

I use ATT for wireless when WIFI is not available on my MacBook. I have a legacy plan which allows for unlimited data transfers. My wife also has ATT but her plan is limited to 5 gigs/mo. Cost for both is about $60/mo. It is faster than my DSL line at work but not as fast as our cable modem at home. Watch out for some of the modems. My ATT modem is no longer supported by ATT or Sierra Wireless. ATT will give me a new one but only if I abandon my unlimited plan. Catch 22. Good luck.

DrSmaggs · #9 02-10-2010, 07:50 PM

Airport works if you have internet at home and a wireless router hooked up. I think our friend needs a USB port wireless account, since it seems he does not get internet in his region hard wired to his house.

BTW, I love macs. I have a Mac Pro, a Power PC G5, a 12" Powerbook and an old G3 lingering around.

I'm not saying macs are better or worse than Windows machines, but out of the box, they are best for my personal preference.

L-A · #10 02-10-2010, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sonic assassin

you dont have airport? the built in router?

i need no extra hardware..

You would need some if you wanted to access 3G networks.

It's not the same technology as WiFi, which is what Airport does. (And no, it is not a router).

MIJ-VI · #11 02-11-2010, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ElMon

Anyone use one of those usb-connected internet connections on their MacBook Pro? What do you recommend?

I'm seeing a LOT of options, but am wondering what the difference is between having a monthly plan and simply buying something like thishttp://www.t-mobile.com/shop/phones/...B+Laptop+Stick ? I went to BestBuy and saw a number of devices like this one that had a one-time purchase price and then, seemingly, allowed you to access the internet? Are there other charges that apply with these devices or are they just extending your laptop's capability to capture wireless networks, secured or otherwise?

One of the better units:

The Wi-Fire is a compact, range-extending USB device that enables you to access a wireless Internet connection from up to 1,000 feet away–three times the range of your internal wireless adapter.

I've been using one since Nov. '09. It's much better than the four other Wi-Fi adapters I've used (1 USB-based, 3 PCI-based) and it works with Windows, Mac, and Ubuntu (no driver required as of April '08 due to built-in support in the Linux Kernel).

ElMon · #12 02-11-2010, 07:22 AM

Great stuff here. Thanks all around. I'm a complete noob as I said, but so far so amazing. I DO get a lot of wireless signals in MOST places I'm at, but want something more reliable AND am concerned about protection of my data when I log on to what might be an unsecured connection. Might be groundless, not sure. I just know I am completely in love with this powerful little machine.