Looking for advice: Mobile broadband connection

[Tasslehofp99]

Ok so here is my situation:


I have 3 days of the week where I can't access the internet at work, and I'm getting tired of it. I spent the day looking around for solutions, and came across quite a few that were attractive. I understand there are ways to acquire an internet connection using a smartphone and certain apps that are available. I want something more reliable and legitimate, in other words I don't mind paying a little bit of money to guarantee that I will be able to connect at work.

The first thing that I found was this:
http://www.virginmobileusa.com/shop/...u600/features/


Then I found out that this product doesn't work with windows 8 laptops, which is a problem for me.

So I looked into this which some customer reviews have said IS indeed compatible with windows 8:
http://www.virginmobileusa.com/shop/...-pro/features/


Now, Im looking for information regarding the device itself AND information regarding the Virgin Mobile service. I initially was interested in virgin mobile because they require no contract/monthly billing, it is more or less pre-paid.


My first question is:

Does anyone here use Virgin Mobile pre-paid service for on the go broadband?

if so, what are your experiences with it?


Next is:
Are there any other affordable solutions to my problem in the New York City/Long Island area?

I have looked at other no contract/pre-paid services that are similar and some of them seem to have small catches or ways for them to somehow charge you for overages/usage of their service.


Please, any information/advice regarding this situation would be appreciated. I'm more or less looking for a reliable internet connection 2-3 days a week in the NYC/Long Island area without having to sign a contract or worry about overages. I basically just want internet access on the go for my laptop (no more than 2gb/month necessary) without the entanglement involved with dealing with service providers/contracts/etc.

[Swish]

Hey Tassle, its not an answer to your question exactly but the problem is Windows 8. Nobody likes it or enjoys using it, they've dropped the ball big time with it.

I've got 2 lappies at the moment, one with Vista, one with Windows 7. Part of me wants to go back to Windows XP though.

If its not too much hassle you can find windows 7 keys online (but keep an anti-virus/firewall up while looking). I'd try YouTube of all places first (usually there's a key in the video description) [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

[Knuckle]

Prepaid hotspots are shit. Pay for one on your phone or get Verizon/AT&T hotspot, otherwise your just kidding yourself

[Thulack]

Some phone have free wifi capabilities. Ive used my phone(Tmobile G2) many times to play EQ. aslong as i stay in a 4G area and no one calls me i dont have issues.