Wifi, Get Cell Phone Free?

July 9, 2009 7:23 AM

To cut down on connectivity bills should I pair a Novatel Mini-port with some sort of unlocked wifi-enable smart-phone/device, such as an Ipod Touch or a wifi Skype phone?

I'm about to move. In the process, have been thinking about consolidating services. I currently pay - monthly - $55 to ATT for non-smartphone cell service and $30+ a month to Comcast for half a broadband connection.

What I want: one bill for a single wifi link to a non-contract phone (preferably smartphone) and my laptop.

What would you recommend?

Here's what I'm thinking:

A Novatel Mifi port for $60 per month + either an Ipod Touch/some other smartphone or a netgear wifi skype phone. I'd simply bring the Mifi port with me to keep me plugged in.

With the Touch option I'd have no access to skype, but I think I could get by using email to SMS messaging, provided there's no fee. With the Netgear, no access to email.

I guess my question boils down to: What's the best portable device to pair with a Novatel Mifi port?

P.S. If anyone's tried this and has feedback that would be great too!

posted by harnharn to technology (6 answers total)

The Touch will work with skype, provided you have a set of headphones with mic plugged into it. I have this setup (not with the me-fi), and it works great.

The Touch also supports bluetooth (since os3.0), but the microphone isn't supported on bluetooth headsets yet. There is some talk of the next update supporting it, but I wouldn't make any bets on it.

There are small external mics that plug into the headphone jack, but then you're stuck listening through the built-in speaker. I don't think that would be a workable solution.
posted by Dorri732 at 7:56 AM on July 9, 2009

Forgot to add, I think the me-fi is only good for about 4 hours of continuous use. If you're relying on it for receiving calls, you'd need it to be plugged into AC the majority of the time (or your car when travelling).
posted by Dorri732 at 7:58 AM on July 9, 2009

@Dorri732

Thanks for info! What kind of headset do you use? I'd prefer something subtle/ not clunky!
posted by harnharn at 8:36 AM on July 9, 2009

I have these:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB770G/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0Ng&mco=MjE0NDgxMg

but I wish I had these:

http://store.apple.com/us/product/MA850G/A?fnode=MTY1NDA0Ng&mco=MjE0NDg0NQ

Both have volume controls and a button to skip tracks inline on the cord to the right ear. Very useful when wearing under a motorcycle helmet.
posted by Dorri732 at 9:38 AM on July 9, 2009

@Dorri732

Those look great, thanks!
posted by harnharn at 11:37 AM on July 9, 2009

Keep in mind that, with any american carrier, 'unlimited' data actually means only 5 GB/month.
posted by kickingtheground at 11:49 AM on July 9, 2009