The Tech Thread

[jmc419]

Originally Posted by TimHonks

So something has to be mounted outside? Is there anything available that doesn't require that? Is there a hotspot that just plugs into the laptop?

Your cell phone should be able to do this for you over wifi (assuming you have an iphone or samsung). You may have to call your provider to enable the function.

[TheLastStop123]

Yeah, I use my iPhone as a Wi-Fi hotspot anytime I'm traveling or need a quick wifi connection. Hell, I've worked from the beach before. You just have to be careful with what you're doing because it can use up your phone plan data. Answering emails and basic internet browsing doesn't use much at all. But if you start streaming video, etc then it can go through data quick.

[TimHonks]

Originally Posted by TheLastStop123

Yeah, I use my iPhone as a Wi-Fi hotspot anytime I'm traveling or need a quick wifi connection. Hell, I've worked from the beach before. You just have to be careful with what you're doing because it can use up your phone plan data. Answering emails and basic internet browsing doesn't use much at all. But if you start streaming video, etc then it can go through data quick.

Another stupid question - but are you able to use the phone normally when doing it this way? Can I be on a sales call and wifi on the beach for example?

Is the main downside of this option using too much data?

[jmc419]

Originally Posted by TimHonks

Another stupid question - but are you able to use the phone normally when doing it this way? Can I be on a sales call and wifi on the beach for example?

Is the main downside of this option using too much data?

Good question. In my experience with an iphone5 your data will be interrupted while on a phone call but will resume when you hang up the call. I have read that you can enable advanced calling/VoLTE on iphone6 and up that will allow data and call if you are on an LTE network.

Here is a link with some more detail: https://www.igeeksblog.com/how-to-en...-6-and-6-plus/

And yes, the main downside is data usage. For your home use a Wifi solution may be better to limit this. I mounted my outside unit in my 2 car garage (near an exit point with garage door and windows) and its working fine all over the property.

[TimHonks]

Originally Posted by jmc419

Good question. In my experience with an iphone5 your data will be interrupted while on a phone call but will resume when you hang up the call. I have read that you can enable advanced calling/VoLTE on iphone6 and up that will allow data and call if you are on an LTE network.

Here is a link with some more detail: https://www.igeeksblog.com/how-to-en...-6-and-6-plus/

And yes, the main downside is data usage. For your home use a Wifi solution may be better to limit this. I mounted my outside unit in my 2 car garage (near an exit point with garage door and windows) and its working fine all over the property.

I live in in a condo building with a great rooftop and I'd love to go work up there for a few hours during the day when its nice out. Because its a condo building, I don't think I'd be able to mount anything.

Thanks for all the input.

[M. Steng]

Anyone have any good suggestions for a decent modem and wireless router for standard home usage? I'm moving next week and don't want to pay the cable company $5/month for the next 20 years for my modem and router, would rather just purchase myself. We do some streaming in 4K through our smart TV but don't do any online gaming. Just need something reliable and fast, the router we got from the cable company in our apartment absolutely sucks.

[jnovo22]

Originally Posted by M. Steng

Anyone have any good suggestions for a decent modem and wireless router for standard home usage? I'm moving next week and don't want to pay the cable company $5/month for the next 20 years for my modem and router, would rather just purchase myself. We do some streaming in 4K through our smart TV but don't do any online gaming. Just need something reliable and fast, the router we got from the cable company in our apartment absolutely sucks.

I bought this: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It's been much faster than the cable company supplied modem, and my rental fees were $12/month (!!).

I signed up for a VPS service today through 1and1 to mess around with.

[BruceW]

Reviving this after over a year because I have a brand new unopened Google Home Mini in Charcoal I am looking to sell. PM me if you’re interested!

$35 shipped to you

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...920c026071.jpg

[DIDriveOut2SPAC]

Everything I seem to buy comes with a Google Home Mini these days.

[BruceW]

Originally Posted by DIDriveOut2SPAC

Everything I seem to buy comes with a Google Home Mini these days.

Haha yep and if someone buys this it will come with one too!