Cell phone or Smart phone?

Thats just 3G...fast 3G...but 3G still. I have a Verizon 4G usb modem and have hit over 30,000 kbps a few times...thats 4G in all her glory.

I don't yet have a Smartphone but I am looking into it...I'm having a hard time understanding the data plans for the phones...the Verizon tech I spoke to said I could get the phone and buy the $30 a month data plan, the pay another $30 for the "hotspot" to be able to use it with my computer (phone as a modem)....the part that confused me was that the "hotspot" plan was for unlimited data.

I have read that "unlimited" actually means 5GB in Verizons dictionary....

Can any of you all tell me what it will cost for a Smartphone with a 10GB data plan...that can be used a modem (the screens on those phones just ain't big enough for me to watch movies on)

 

I have the samsung galaxy s2 and i wouldnt trade it for anything "even the new iphone" i can do everything through voice controls with my bluetooth...texting, dialing, getting directions, anything i need, also the google maps program and zynga texas hold em poker are my 2 most used apps. google maps is as detailed as it gets to the point that i can zoom into street level and see what im looking at with destinations before i ever head out. technology just keeps getting better

 

wow, lol now i feel stupid i have been using google maps for over a year to scout out shippers/receivers and see what im going to be looking for, BUT never in all this time have i ever used it to see how much parking a truck stop has! man i feel stupid lol

 

Your not alone... Lol

But as far as the iPhone goes, I do envy one thing..... It has great battery life. My wife has the iPhone 4 and it lasts a long time. Of course comparing to a thunderbolt, one of the worst for battery, it's not even fair.

You've been-----\/\/\/\-----Thunderstruck!!!

 

all that detail is listed on the carriers websight.

the phone as a modem is called tethering. which can be done for free if you hack your phone. why give the carrier any more money then necessary

sprint is the only one with unlimited data. to be able to use your phone as a hot spot modem requires an extra fee with any carrier unless you hack your phone.

 

so all this being said, what wireless provider has the best nationwide coverage for a truck driver? I've looked at the maps, but as I'm not familiar with many of the trucking routes, sometimes the maps don't mean much because they don't show highways...I don't need coverage on Auntie Em's farm, necessarily, but I'd like signal most of the places I'll be driving to or staying at.
Currently I've got US Cellular, but I'm on month-to-month, so I can change at any time.
Oh, yeah...and what phones (probably looking at Android or iPhones) have better reception, in your experience?

 

I'm still researching the whole Smart phone thing myself, And so far Verizon has the best Coverage areas, From what most say here and other places.

 

Verizon for coverage, and for phones, go to a store and play with a few.

You've been-----\/\/\/\-----Thunderstruck!!!

 

You can get the Verizon data plan (USB) for your laptop, $80 for 10g monthly package.

I certainly feel you pain when it comes trying to pick a smartphone plan. It took me the better part of a day to get mine figured out. In the end, I wound up with 2 smartphones and an increased data package for the same price I had been paying for 1 smartphone and THE smallest plan AT&T offered.

Regardless of what plan/phone you choose. You'll wonder how you ever got by without one, 6 months from now.

 

Thats what I have...10GB with a 4G USB modem...I'm gonna have to wait until its time for my next upgrade because I ain't about to pay $700 for a phone.

I tried to get them to work with me on a new RAZR MAXX since I have three phones and two 4G USB devices on my plan ($387/month)...I thought maybe they'd "find a way" (they have before), but no joy on this one...so its gonna be July 2013 before I get a Smartphone.