Our mobile electronics
After years of trial and error, we appear to have come up with a good formula that works for us right now. As time evolves, we will certainly add new gadgets to improve our setup, but so far, this is what we have:
Tablets, smartphones and laptops
It amuses us that we find it necessary to get through our days with three tablets, one laptop and one smartphone, but, in reality, between us, we do use them all.
The 10.5" tablets are our first go-to source for checking weather, emails and Facebook. They are also great for general internet browsing and reading books. We try our best to spend as little money as possible on our 'gadgets', and that is why we ended up firstly with one Digiland 10.1" tablet that we purchased from Best Buy. We then decided that the Digiland was working so well, that we decided to purchase another one because the size of it was sooooo much easier to handle than what became to be a very small 7" Samsung. Both tablets have worked well up to now, apart from one of the screens smashing. That issue was easily rectified when we discovered that for about $20.00, we were able to order a replacement face from Amazon. The replacement process required some procedures, that included having an entirely dust and dirt free area to work in and enough time to take the project on in a slow, step by step process. However, all said and done, it was a lot cheaper doing it ourselves than taking it to a repair clinic in some town that was too inconvenient for us to get to while in our trailer.
It amuses us that we find it necessary to get through our days with three tablets, one laptop and one smartphone, but, in reality, between us, we do use them all.
The 10.5" tablets are our first go-to source for checking weather, emails and Facebook. They are also great for general internet browsing and reading books. We try our best to spend as little money as possible on our 'gadgets', and that is why we ended up firstly with one Digiland 10.1" tablet that we purchased from Best Buy. We then decided that the Digiland was working so well, that we decided to purchase another one because the size of it was sooooo much easier to handle than what became to be a very small 7" Samsung. Both tablets have worked well up to now, apart from one of the screens smashing. That issue was easily rectified when we discovered that for about $20.00, we were able to order a replacement face from Amazon. The replacement process required some procedures, that included having an entirely dust and dirt free area to work in and enough time to take the project on in a slow, step by step process. However, all said and done, it was a lot cheaper doing it ourselves than taking it to a repair clinic in some town that was too inconvenient for us to get to while in our trailer.
CELL AND DATA PLAN
It may not be a perfect solution for everyone, but for the last few trips we have done, out West and to Florida, we have used our T-Mobile unlimited data and calling plan purchased from Walmart quite effectively.
Using the Smart Phone WiFi capabilities, we are able to connect to our tablets and laptops while sitting in the trailer.
Bearing in mind that we don't have a need for large data uploads, the T-Mobile plans are very cost effective for us. We pay the bottom line amount of $30.00 per month and this gives us 100 minutes of call time, unlimited texts and unlimited data, with the first 5GB of data giving us a speedy 4g service. The important thing to note about this plan is that you will get the best deal on the T-Mobile Family Plan which is exclusively available through Walmart in the USA.
NOTE: Subject to further investigation, it appears that the Walmart T-Mobile plan might still be the cheapest option if you are looking for unlimited data with the ability to create your own Hotspot for sharing with your other internet enabled devices. Watch this space for further updates.
The Smart Phone we use is an unlocked Blu 5". Apart from the very low price of the BLU Smartphone range, what we like about this particular brand is that it has two SIM card ports and, because it is already unlocked, you can go to whichever provider meets your needs, or you can choose to have two cell phone providers with the second sim card option.
Although it does not have the updated technology of the latest iPhone or Samsung brands, for the price, it certainly ticks all of the boxes for our needs.
Using the Smart Phone WiFi capabilities, we are able to connect to our tablets and laptops while sitting in the trailer.
Bearing in mind that we don't have a need for large data uploads, the T-Mobile plans are very cost effective for us. We pay the bottom line amount of $30.00 per month and this gives us 100 minutes of call time, unlimited texts and unlimited data, with the first 5GB of data giving us a speedy 4g service. The important thing to note about this plan is that you will get the best deal on the T-Mobile Family Plan which is exclusively available through Walmart in the USA.
NOTE: Subject to further investigation, it appears that the Walmart T-Mobile plan might still be the cheapest option if you are looking for unlimited data with the ability to create your own Hotspot for sharing with your other internet enabled devices. Watch this space for further updates.
The Smart Phone we use is an unlocked Blu 5". Apart from the very low price of the BLU Smartphone range, what we like about this particular brand is that it has two SIM card ports and, because it is already unlocked, you can go to whichever provider meets your needs, or you can choose to have two cell phone providers with the second sim card option.
Although it does not have the updated technology of the latest iPhone or Samsung brands, for the price, it certainly ticks all of the boxes for our needs.
WI-FI - how we get it and when we use it.
Usually, our boondocking locations are not conducive to picking up any sort of external WiFi source. In fact, we are grateful to get any cell signal when we are really out in the wild. However, whenever we are in a 'civilized' area, such as a truck stop, rest area or Walmart parking lot, we are usually able to pick up a WiFi signal. Usually these signals are not quite strong enough to be able to watch YouTube or to upload videos. In order to get a stronger signal, we find it best to connect our WiFi Booster that is connected to our outdoor antenna. We are currently using a Jefatech repeater, mostly because the price was lower than other brands, however, there are a number of options out there that do pretty much the same job. There is a bit of a set up procedure when connecting to a new signal, but if you have been to the same location previously, the signal will automatically be picked up by your unit. Be prepared for a bit of a learning curve when you get any of these products.
Usually, our boondocking locations are not conducive to picking up any sort of external WiFi source. In fact, we are grateful to get any cell signal when we are really out in the wild. However, whenever we are in a 'civilized' area, such as a truck stop, rest area or Walmart parking lot, we are usually able to pick up a WiFi signal. Usually these signals are not quite strong enough to be able to watch YouTube or to upload videos. In order to get a stronger signal, we find it best to connect our WiFi Booster that is connected to our outdoor antenna. We are currently using a Jefatech repeater, mostly because the price was lower than other brands, however, there are a number of options out there that do pretty much the same job. There is a bit of a set up procedure when connecting to a new signal, but if you have been to the same location previously, the signal will automatically be picked up by your unit. Be prepared for a bit of a learning curve when you get any of these products.
GPS NavigationWe know there are people out there who love the concept of reading maps and charting a course, but we are happy to say that we very seldom navigate by maps alone. Over the years, we have gone through a variety of GPS systems, and, at this point we must say that we prefer using the Garmin Nuvi LM (Lifetime maps) brand of GPS's whether it be for navigation or for geocaching, which we sometimes partake in.
We do have a couple of horror stories about our GPS misdirecting us, firstly in Mexico and then in the middle of desert on a "road to hell". However, on a percentage basis, we have found that our GPS has steered us along a clear enough path to save us a lot of time and gas, compared to having to rely on maps. The advantage of the lifetime maps is that owners can update their GPS whenever the need arises from the user-friendly Garmin website. Otherwise there will be a download fee every time you want to update your unit.
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