Thanks for the info.T-Mobile's coverage is nowhere near that of Verizon's, though. It works decently (I used it on my trip), but not perfectly. If you absolutely need to be connected throughout the trip on your laptop (instead of just occasionally, mainly at station stops), go with Verizon. If you just need to be able to check your email once a day, T-Mobile will work.I *need* to be connected to I shopped around a lot for something that would give me a decent amount of data and time with no contract since I basically use it for travel only......
a question about wifi... does anyone rent a hotspot or anything so they have it with them on the train since i heard they dont have it on the trains?
I found this T-Mobile 4G MiFi Hotspot at Walmart, the price has dropped from $115 to $85 since I bought it.
http://www.walmart.c...otspot/20976915
Walmart also has an exclusive $35, 60 day, 3.5g pay as you go card which is the best no contract deal I've found.
http://www.walmart.c...60-Day/20896235
You'll use up your data incredibly fast if you stream anything but it's perfect for surfing and email.
That being said, unless you really need a laptop, I'd stick with just a smartphone. If you have a GSM one, there's numerous prepaid providers out there that will give you service for at or below $50/month (Straight Talk being the one I have at $45/month.)
I only need to be connected because I *want* to be connected, it's part of the fun on the train for me.
I've had Verizon in the past (when I had contract phones & wifi) and, you're correct, it was the best service.
I haven't been able to snag a new Verizon mobile hotspot (jetpack) in my area/zipcode without a contract and I only use it for travel so that's a waste of money - I'll keep looking.