Hotspots requiring authentication. What will happen with hotspots requiring authentication like starbucks. If I could make calls to the states from a starbucks that would be great just to have the phone without switching on my laptop, but I dont think it will work at most hotspots that require authentication. Is there any way around it? Hotspots requiring authentication. What will happen with hotspots requiring authentication like starbucks. If I could make calls to the states from a starbucks that would be great just to have the... » Read More Hotspots requiring authentication. What will happen with hotspots requiring authentication like starbucks. If I could make calls to the states from a starbucks that would be great just to have the phone without switching on my laptop, but I dont think it will work at most hotspots that require authentication. Is there any way around it? « Show Less
490291
Oops! Sorry, I was mistaken. You can not use this in a hot spot that requires browser authentication. "this phone will not allow you to log on to subscription based public hotspots (such as T-Mobile) as it does not have a browser..." (part of a user opinion posted on CNET)
490292
Agree with you..partially. The firmware hacking may be possible if someone figures out a way to embed a command line browser and a script you could tweak in your computer. Granted, that is probably very difficult and might even render the phone useless if you flash it (in case flashing it is at all possible).But ,never underestimate the knowledge and capabilities of the open source guys out there
490293
why are people paying for wifi access? finding a place where its free is not really difficult... also, any idea if these phones will support text messaging over skype as well? i suppose not...
490294
The only way around that would be to hope that T-Mobile and Netgear strike some deal to allow use on T-Mobile hotspots (like Starbucks), or somehow hacking the firmware to automatically log you in. Both are equally unlikely.
1138661
It is its own wifi hot spot. You join it network with your phone. I have a iPhone 4s ,works great. You do not have to have hot spots on your phone..so it's free networking.
779901
It's a wifi only device. So, assuming you have unlimited Internet at home or Starbucks. It's unlimited. If you for some reason have a data limit on your Internet usage, then I suppose you have an issue. Most people, it's unlimited and free.
343929
When this tablet initially came out a year ago I read several reviews that mentioned this issue, however, software and driver updates have eliminated this issue. Personally, I have never had an issue connecting to a mobile hotspot unless it was restricted to "only allowed devices" in which case the tablet's MAC address must be provided to the hot spot device in order to connect.
1599884
Mine has a setting for hot spot. Under System Settings I go to Network and Connections. Under Connectivity Services is Mobile Hotspot. A Verizon store told me they can add Mobile Hotspot for additional charge if I want it. Because my home gets so little signal I haven't tried the Mobile Hotspot to see if and how it works.
857879
The hotspot is your and not through the cellphone company. Because you will be using your own device so you activate and deactivate when you want as long as you don't enter into a contract with the cell phone company, because a contract is not required.
1738908
From my knowledge, using my laptop with a wireless card, I just pick up the signal from the device you see on the left side of this page. It's no different then what you would do at Starbucks. The device just brings the router signal across the house/room/area as if you were next to it. Makes a huge difference when you have lots of rooms like in a home.
782191
It does have hotspot and I dont know if it will work on boost,you have to find out from them
486811
I have serious doubts about connecting using this method and would recommend using a Android/Apple based phone or Ipad. I believe the fact XP is getting so dated would mean it would not likely have all the support drivers needed.Its a nice device though and I have really enjoyed it since buying a few weeks ago. I mainly connect with my Motorola Moto X through Republic Wireless and it works flawlessly.Best wishes
1946946
Oh yes very good point I forgot to list in my review, it does not work with any hotspot requiring website based login. I tried Hilton, Holiday Inn and no dice.
611453
Actually, not sure why one would use it in the US. Those of us who travel outside of US, however, do need them. In Asia, they say you have wi-fi in your room... only you don't. Ever. In Europe, it says the hotel has wi-fi... but when you get there it's only in the lobby. I paid international roaming in the Narata airport at the free wi-si hotspot under the sign designating that workstation as the free wi-fi hotspot. Outside the US, what they say they have and what they have usually contradict each other. Which is why I'm getting so frustrated with Americans asking if it works here. I want to know if it's going to work around the globe! Actually, not sure why one would use it in the US. Those of us who travel outside of US, however, do need them. In Asia, they say you have wi-fi in your room... only you don't. Ever. In Europe, it says the hotel has wi-fi... but when you get there it's only in the lobby. I paid international roaming in the Narata airport at the free wi-si hotspot under the sign designating that workstation as the free wi-fi hotspot. Outside the US, what they say they have and what they have usually contradict each other. Which is why I'm getting so frustrated with Americans asking if it works here. I want... » Read More Actually, not sure why one would use it in the US. Those of us who travel outside of US, however, do need them. In Asia, they say you have wi-fi in your room... only you don't. Ever. In Europe, it says the hotel has wi-fi... but when you get there it's only in the lobby. I paid international roaming in the Narata airport at the free wi-si hotspot under the sign designating that workstation as the free wi-fi hotspot. Outside the US, what they say they have and what they have usually contradict each other. Which is why I'm getting so frustrated with Americans asking if it works here. I want to know if it's going to work around the globe! « Show Less
1974734
If it is wi-fi only, then no data plan will work. However, if you have the ability to create a hot-spot on your phone, then you don't need a data plan, as you can simply utilize the wi-fi to connect to your phone instead. This is probably the most efficient way to to use your wi-fi when you're not in a trusted place.
229835
John, as far as I can Remember, (that was my first hotspot about 2 years ago) you cannot add anything to it, it just works, I liked it at first but it bacame more and more of a chore to keep the battery on! I finally replaced it because of tht.
2283289
Sometimes I have to restart my router. I have had no problems using public wi fi at restaurants and coffee shops even airports. I have had to change a setting in email too to allow it to download emails from public wi fi. It was giving an error message that wasn't very clear but it was a security certificate issue. There is also a known issue with these tablets of certain serial numbers, download fix on the Nextbook website.
1675916
I did not try to use it as a hotspot. I suppose if you had an externally powered USB hub, you could turn it on with the computer then turn the computer off. I used it in Kuwait and had to dial in with PW for my SIM to use it.
1547038
No not to ues it but you do have to have Internet to down load apps you can go to any hot spot and link up to there wifi all Starbucks have free wifi I think hope this helps
1986503
I you just want a local area network though WiFi and your smartphone has WiFi capability, as well as your other devices, then - Yes. But you don't plug it into anything. The BrainyTrade device creates it's own hot spot for your devices to connect to.