Sprint to Turn iPod Touch Into 3G Mobile Hotspot?

[deannnnn]

Not a bad move on Sprints end. I wouldn't buy it... but still.

 

[EthanNixon]

I would be really happy if Apple and Sprint teamed up to bring the iPad and iPhone to Sprint's service.

I love Sprint much more than AT&T, but I don't hate AT&T if that makes sense.

 

[ihaveNFC]

For only a $40+ a month you can have Sprints WONDERFUL 3G coverage plus whatever ridiculous amount of money they are going to charge you for the hardware.

Great points. I can't imagine being happy with the 3G's "speed" after connecting up to 5 computers with this device.

 

[liamkp]

Not a bad move on Sprints end. I wouldn't buy it... but still.

Yah. How much would service cost be? And the device itself?

 

[CFreymarc]

It's a Mobile Hotspot!

There has been mobile 3G to WiFi hotspots for almost two years now. Other than the marketing to iPod Touch users, this has been around for a while.

 

[SAD*FACED*CLOWN]

1. My Gizmo5 account gives me a phone number to make and receive calls for free with Google Voice.

b. Google Voice will have a stand-alone app/web interface soon for making and receiving calls for free without needing to have another phone number.

1. Google Voice provided me with a phone number, however in order to use that number I have to have a phone that it can ring and route calls through....

2. if Google does what you're suggesting I'm sure it won't be a free service...and I'm sure it won't be allowed on an Apple device

 

[rstansby]

Great idea for a 3g iPod Touch but I don't think it can really replace a phone like I have seen a lot of posters on Engadget saying. The problem is no mic or earpiece built in, so you have to use apples headset that comes with iPhone. Then you have to use google voice or skype and you are still paying sprint for data... And since sprints other mifi devices are $60 a month... why not just get an actual phone... I love the idea but I fail to see the practicality of it...

I think it is important to remember that there are people who see the benefits of a mifi device, and perhaps some of those people might want a way to attach it to their iPod Touch. I think most of the people who will buy this device don't want to use it as a fake cell phone. They want to use it for internet access.

 

[Sean4123]

Have you heard of the iPhone 4??

Oh ya the BEST SMARTPHONE ON THE MARKET? YA I'VE HEARD OF IT.

Don't even try to debate me on that either. I haven't dropped one call either so don't give me that garbage about the reception issue. GIVE IT A REST PEOPLE. Move on.

 

[pmz]

Very cool start, design leaves a bit to be desired, but great concept.

 

[kevinkt]

Oh man this would be so awesome. Partly because it looks like a pretty sweet product, but mostly because it would piss steve jobs off so much!

Shaddap.

 

[RawBert]

The upcoming iPod T may just have a 3G chip built in, so I wouldn't get that right away.

 

[liamkp]

The upcoming iPod T may just have a 3G chip built in, so I wouldn't get that right away.

Doubtful. But possible...

 

[RawBert]

I just saw this article on CNet saying the gadget itself will be $44-$74. No monthly fee was shown. If it's like $20-$30 per month, it could be a hot seller.

 

[Eidorian]

Would someone please explain the complaints on the appearance?

 

[liamkp]

Would someone please explain the complaints on the appearance?

Uhhhmmm... Its huge.

 

[JAT]

Pfft...you people can leech off my wifi when I'm dead. Really don't see why people want things like this. And if it's just for me....isn't that what iPhone is?

 

[alectheking]

are they gonna be ready to redesign it in the next few monthes? seems like bad timing to me.

 

[alectheking]

The upcoming iPod T may just have a 3G chip built in, so I wouldn't get that right away.

ha! ha! yeah righttttttt

 

[feszty]

I have the 3G/4G Overdrive hotspot that I use for my MacBook Pro and iPad and I am really happy with the service and the speeds. I got rid of my AT&T mobile broadband subscription when I switched to Sprint and I haven't looked back. Same money, better deal. (I live in Houston, so I can take advantage of the unlimited 4G). The only thing is the power consumption, which might be an issue for the product mentioned in this article. When I use my Overdrive, it is wither connected to my laptop or plugged into my car or an outlet. Otherwise, the juice gets drained fairly quickly.

 

[iBookG4user]

Wow, that's really nifty! I wonder what the pricing and plans will be for it

 

[liamkp]

I just saw this article on CNet saying the gadget itself will be $44-$74. No monthly fee was shown. If it's like $20-$30 per month, it could be a hot seller.

Uhhh... It doesnt sound to bad, course i wont be buying it though.

 

[Antares]

This would be awesome. Sprint is great and I would love to be able to get mobile internet (away from wifi) on my iPod Touch. Sprint doesn't have the iPhone, so, this would be the 2nd best thing!

 

[brendu]

every other mifi device on sprint has a $60 monthly bill for 5GB of data. I dont see why this would be any different... If im right, I imagine very few people will go for it so Sprint better make it more in the $30 a month range...

Source : http://shop.sprint.com/NASApp/onlinestore/en/Action/DisplayPlans?filterString=Mobile_Broadband_Cards_Filter&id12=Shop_StartPlans_Link_DataPlans

 

[topmounter]

1. Google Voice provided me with a phone number, however in order to use that number I have to have a phone that it can ring and route calls through....

2. if Google does what you're suggesting I'm sure it won't be a free service...and I'm sure it won't be allowed on an Apple device

As far as I know you can still ring GV back to a Skype number and there is an Apple approved Skype client.

 

[Nermal]

Would someone please explain the complaints on the appearance?

Apparently some people are frustrated because Sprint, Novatel, etc have been unable to make a paper-thin EVDO/Wi-Fi chipset and battery.