4G on Laptop

It's increasingly becoming more important for us to have high-speed Internet access wherever we are--especially, for example, on our laptops when we're working on the go. Mobile broadband devices allow us to tap into a wireless carrier's 4G or 3G network from our laptops and other mobile devices for always-on connectivity. Here's an overview of the different ways you can get 4G or 3G Internet access on your laptop.

Most of the latest laptops, netbooks, and tablets offer a mobile broadband option, where you can have a 3G or even 4G card or chipset built into the laptop when you order it (for an additional cost). You'll have to sign up for mobile broadband service, but often you'll be able to select the wireless service provider.

Pros: Convenience of having mobile wireless connectivity already set up as soon as you get your laptop (no need to install your own mobile broadband device); less obtrusive than a USB 3G or 4G laptop stick.Cons: Not transferable to other laptops or devices.Example: In the configuration options for the HP EliteBook 2540p ultraportable laptop, for example, there's a drop-down option for HP Mobile Broadband that will add the "universal mobile broadband module" to your laptop for $125. The module works with Verizon Wireless, Sprint, and AT&T wireless data services.

If you don't already have a mobile broadband card built-in or want a separate device that you can use with more than one laptop, a 4G or 3G laptop stick or USB modem is easy to install (plug-and-play like most USB sticks) and typically costs under $100 for the device. You can buy the laptop stick and sign up for the mobile broadband plan from the wireless provider or retailers like Best Buy.

Mobile hotspots can be either hardware devices like the MiFi or a feature on your mobile device, like the iPhone 4's 3G mobile hotspot feature introduced with the Verizon iPhone 4 launch. You connect your laptop wirelessly to the 4G or 3G mobile hotspot, much like you would connect to a wi-fi network or wi-fi hotspot. As with the other options, you'll need to subscribe to a mobile data plan for your mobile hotspot device -- or if you may need to pay an extra "hotspot" fee to use the built-in hotspot feature on your smartphone. One major advantage of a mobile hotspot, however, is that you can typically connect more than one device to it for shared mobile Internet access.

Pros: Usually can connect up to 5 mobile devices.Cons: Have to carry around a separate device (though mobile hotspots tend to be pretty thin and small, about the size and width of a credit card).Example: The Palm Pre Plus and PixiPlus smartphones have a built-in mobile hotspot feature, and Verizon offered the hotspot service for free. The MiFi mobile hotspot made by Novatel is available on several wireless carriers.

Tethering is where you connect your cell phone to your laptop to use your cell phone's data service on the laptop. There are many tethering apps available to enable tethering via USB cable or bluetooth, including the popular PdaNet app. Although many people have been able to get around additional tethering charges by jailbreaking their smartphones, most wireless providers are charging extra for the priviledge of connecting your phone to your laptop.

Pros: May be able to use the data plan you're already paying for on your cell phone without extra charges (otherwise, tethering charges are between $15-20).Cons: Tethering can be slow and drain your phone's battery more quickly.Example: See How To Use Your Cell Phone as a Modem for tethering instructions for the major US wireless carriers.

Which option is best for you? Besides heading to a wi-fi hotspot or Internet cafe for free Internet access, tethering is the least expensive option for getting Internet access on your laptop when you're not at home. If you have multiple devices or want to share a mobile broadband connection, a mobile hotspot makes the most sense. 3G or 4G laptop sticks are also convenient and easy to use.

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