Cellular Data Options for Microsoft Surface

With a pre-order for the Microsoft Surface locked in I have been considering how to get cellular data working in a convenient and efficient manner. So far, I have come up with the following options:

3G USB modem

• Pros:
  • removes the need for an independent modem and power supply,
  • no need for new hardware (already have a 3G USB modem)
  • perhaps more difficult to forget about or misplace the modem compared to an independent modem,
• Cons:
  • USB modem detracts from the appearance of the tablet,
  • internet connection limited to the device into which the USB modem is plugged,
  • power draw from the tablet may be increased in order to energise the modem,
  • drivers may not be available for the 3G USB modem I own.

Smartphone Tethering:

• Pros:
  • removes the need for an independent modem and power supply,
  • no need for new hardware (already have a smartphone),
  • most people would make a quick realisation if they had lost or misplaced their smartphone,
  • make some use of those incredibly large data quotas available on more expensive plans,
  • save on the cost of having a separate mobile broadband plan,
  • most smartphones can support up to five devices over Wi-Fi,
• Cons:
  • may chew up the battery on your phone far more quickly,
  • ties up the Wi-Fi connection on your smartphone to provide connectivity to the internet,
  • could potentially exhaust the data quota before the end of the billing cycle leaving my smartphone in a self-imposed “data ghetto”.

Dedicated Wi-Fi Hotspot:

• Pros:
  • 3G and 4G hotspots available for a reasonable monthly cost,
  • hardware may be subsidised on contract,
  • hotspot hardware can be upgraded independently from tablets,
  • most hotspots can support up to five devices over Wi-Fi,
• Cons:
  • another device to keep charged and switch off when not required (unless it has a standby feature),
  • might be easy to lose if you’re the careless or forgetful type,
  • locked into a contract for twelve months (if you don’t like contracts),

As you can see, there are benefits and drawbacks to each option although I still wished that the Microsoft Surface had 3G built into it. However, it is what it is and I will mull things over and, if I find that using the USB modem or tethering doesn’t fulfill my requirements, then I may look at getting a hotspot device.