BMW Hotspot

If I understand the BMW Hotspot correctly, I can get it installed at any dealership?
Would the service be through AT&T or some different mainstream service?

Originally Posted by ElRushmo

If I understand the BMW Hotspot correctly, I can get it installed at any dealership?
Would the service be through AT&T or some different mainstream service?

Wi fi for the car?!

Originally Posted by Die Wolfe

Wi fi for the car?!

Yes

Originally Posted by ElRushmo

Yes

That's awesome! I hope I can get this too!

im confused. Why wouldn't anyone with just a phone already have wifi wherever they are? (my iphone and ipad are hotspots where I need it)

It seems that if you are going to buy a cellular 'appliance' and have a data service associated with it, why tether it to a car???????

Use your phone or go buy a mifi

Originally Posted by ard

im confused. Why wouldn't anyone with just a phone already have wifi wherever they are? (my iphone and ipad are hotspots where I need it)

It seems that if you are going to buy a cellular 'appliance' and have a data service associated with it, why tether it to a car???????

My iPhone is perfect with 4G, but Apple is shady with their wifi on the iPad. You have to pay for a separate plan for that so it would be nice to have wifi in the car for that reason.

Originally Posted by Die Wolfe

My iPhone is perfect with 4G, but Apple is shady with their wifi on the iPad. You have to pay for a separate plan for that so it would be nice to have wifi in the car for that reason.

But why anchor it to the car? Get a MiFi from Verizon, the device is free, service is something like $30/month for 4GB and you can use it anywhere.

Originally Posted by gresch

But why anchor it to the car? Get a MiFi from Verizon, the device is free, service is something like $30/month for 4GB and you can use it anywhere.

If it would require me leaving AT&T then no can do. I'm a loyalist since I have free unlimited data! Lol

Originally Posted by Die Wolfe

If it would require me leaving AT&T then no can do. I'm a loyalist since I have free unlimited data! Lol

AT&T offers the same devices and service.

Originally Posted by gresch

AT&T offers the same devices and service.

Hmm, then I may have to investigate this matter. Thanks!

BMW hotspot is a great idea, however I didnt think it was available until the new idrive was launched.

Bmw Hotspot:
Pro:
Interfaces seemlessly with the car (charging, antenna extended, and clean interface)
Con:
Expensive plan options
Bulky device that looks like a taser that you have to take if you wanna use it externally (essentially a mifi device)

As others have said just buy a wireless modem alot of mobile providers offer ( AT&T, tmobile, Verizon, sprint, clear wire etc)
Pros:
Cheaper
Not tethered to vehicle charger
Mobile (u can use it anywhere and everywhere)
Doesn't look like a taser

Cons:
Car cannot use it
You have to buy a dc charger/inverter to keep it charged

I say mifi, from a financial and usability pov

Originally Posted by Die Wolfe

Hmm, then I may have to investigate this matter. Thanks!

AT&T has a cool MiFi out with a touchscreen. My work let me have one for a couple days when we were testing out different providers here in Boston. I just ended up taking the $50 a month and using it on my bill because I already have unlimited data thru AT&T. You can't get unlimited data on MiFi devices.