Built-in mobile Broadband in laptop could cost more than you think
Buying a laptop to use the built-in mobile Broadband Modem may sound like a good idea, but in my case it’s not.
One of our sales guy got a laptop with a built-in VerizonWireless Broadband Modem. We initially didn’t plan on using that service. However when we realized the built-in Broadband chip was there, we signed up for 2 year contract as always do. He got to use it and liked it well enough. He didn’t have to hunt for wifi signal on the road. A few weeks later, he lost his laptop. We didn’t have a laptop with the built-in Broadband chip so we gave him a laptop without one. He still wanted the wireless Broadband capability.
When I called VerizonWireless to order the USB Broadband Modem, I was in for a shock. Because the laptop was not sold by VerizonWireless, it didn’t have any insurance. So I was going to have to purchase a USB Broadband Modem at retail price. To cancel the service contract that we couldn’t use anymore, I’d have to pay the usual penalty. So here I was stuck with a 2 year VerizonWireless contract that I had no way to actually utilize. I expressed my frustration and the rep offered to let us purchase a USB modem at 1 Year contract. Still not cheap but better than paying the full retail price.
I think getting 2 or even 1 year Data service contract for a Broadband Modem built-in a laptop is a bad idea. The kind of insurance/low-cost-replacement that used to work with cell phones doesn’t apply when it comes to laptops with built-in mobile Broadband Modem. It’s far better to purchase USB or even the Intelligent Mobile Hotspot option (MiFi). You can get the device insured by the cell service provider. You can share it easily with someone else when they are on the road. I really like MiFi option as you can leave the MiFi modem in your bag. With MiFi, you can simply take out your laptop and start browing via mobile Broadband, without having to plug in any USB cable or USB device.