USBModem + Centro + SERO + PHS300 = wireless bliss

Hi all,
I posted last year on getting my eee online using my Centro, but since then I’ve acquired more gadgets, many of which can benefit with wireless. These gadgets include a first and second gen iPod Touch, Android G1, and a Samsung NC10 notebook. All these work fine when at home or work as I can easily access a wireless signal. However, when I’m out and about, it’s rare I’d find an open wireless signal (yes, even here in silicon valley). Since I already have a Sprint Centro on the SERO plan (Sprint Employee Referral Option) and pay only $29/month for everything I need, I did not want to switch plans to add a “phone as a modem” option – which would run something like $30 for the full data plan plus $15 on top of that to use my phone as modem. I even considered adding a separate Sprint line with only a usb wireless adapter and get the $49.99 5GB data plan, but couldn’t see myself using the data THAT much as I simply wanted something while on the road to check prices, upload tweets, etc.

I’ve had PDAnet and USBmodem in the past, but both didn’t work with my Cradlepoint PHS300 (this is a personal hotspot that using any wireless USB adapter). Today, I decided to give them another try and downloaded the latest trial versions. To my surprise, after I plugged in my Centro to the PHS300, started USBModem, and about 35 seconds later all lights were green meaning I was connected!! I was shocked. I turned on my iTouch, went to wireless settings, and sure enough, my PHS-FREE wireless was listed. I switched to that, and opened Safari. Sweet, I was surfing! Next, I turned on my G1 (no data with T-mobile, just a pre-paid SIM), changed to PHS-FREE, then opened CompareEverywhere. Scanned a barcode and within seconds had a list of local and online stores offering that product!!!

I’m so glad I decided to try this tonight! No more searching for “pay as you go” wireless plans. I’ll stick with my SERO plan and USBmodem. I do have a ScottEVest jacket so I don’t mind loading it up (worried about the spring-summertime, though. Manbag in my future?). Anyway, just wanted to post this (to keep my 1 post per week goal).

SteveO (in wireless bliss)