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I just picked up my CradlePoint PHS300 (Personal Hotspot 300) which is a very small battery operated router that works with my Sprint EVDO Novatel Wireless Ovation U727 USB Mobile Broadband card. The USB card allows me to get wireless Internet to my computer via Sprint’s cell network. Traditionally, you could only use a wireless card with one computer until mobile routers started appearing. A router’s basic function allows you to share your Internet connection with other devices. There are many other uses for routers including big security protection but most people use them to share their Internet connection with other computers.

I have had different connection cards and wireless routers before but I have to admit, this is the best I have come across. In the past, I have spent days trying to get things that don’t work with each other to work with each other but today that did not happen. Programming the Cradlepoint with my Internet card was as simple as plugging it in and creating a password. Yes of coarse I did a little more things for security of the network but someone could literally plug in their Internet card, create a password, and surf the net. The Cradlepoint PHS300 allows a wireless connection for up to 16 devices but that is not the amazing part. The router works plugged in or via a battery that boasts around 2 hours of operation. This now means I can tuck this wallet sized router with absolutely no wires in my truck and everyone with WiFi enabled phones or computers can surf the net while we a driving down the road.  This means that when I go over to friends or customers houses, we can use the net if needed very easily.

I am so happy with this practically zero config device and I urge anyone with a USB compatible Internet card to look into getting this device. Be sure to make sure you have a compatible connection card!

If you talk too much on your cell and suffer from horribly huge cell phone bills, it is time to update. Just about, wait… All major cell phone companies are now offering or will offer an all you can eat (that means unlimited) cell phone plan. Helio, Sprint, Verizon, AT&T and now T-Mobile are not offering unlimited voice plans for $99.99. Some include text and some don’t but you can get unlimited data and text with most of these plans.

If your cell phone bill is over $100 a month for voice, go to your local cell phone company store or call and update to the unlimited plan.

I was just at the AT&T web site and saw they now offer a SIM card only option where you can use any GSM phone you want. Of coarse there seems to be some SIM Compatibility issue with some phones and a two year contract is required. What 2 year contract is required!

To me, this seems like a great idea and step in the right direction because this phone locking business has to stop; however, the excuse for the two year contract was you used to get the phone subsidy (phone at a discount). To me, this seems more like one step forward and two steps back.

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