3G Mobile Broadband Routers

If you're like me, every time you travel you're always trying to sniff out a free wifi hotspot to check your email and get some things done. Ever since I got my palm pre I always can find available wifi hotspots where there is no password, but it's somewhat rare to find. Otherwise, I have to pay 12.50 a day at the hotel I'm staying at or 9.95 at the local starbucks for an internet connection I'll really only use for an hour or so. On the other hand, there is 3G internet almost always around in large cities, you just need to use your phone or your cell phone provider's data card to use that 3G signal, unless you invest in a mobile broadband router.

Some Mobile Broadband Routers I'd Recommend

I think the best mobile broadband router I'd recommend for all-around general use is the Kyocera KR2, mainly for these reasons: it supports all kinds of 3G devices (PCMCIA, expresscard, and USB), it works with virtually all brands of 3G devices, and it is so easy to set up. You just really have to turn it on, plug in your 3G card, and you're basically in business. You can also set up security and access the router through 4 wired ethernet ports as well. If on the other hand you are a private user and only need to use your USB dongle, you might be able to save money and just get the CTR500 by Cradlepoint. Since in reality Cradlepoint is the manufacturer of both the Kyocera KR2 and the Cradlepoint CTR500, the features are very similar, just that the CTR500 will only work with USB dongles.

Cradlepoint makes another mobile broadband router similar to the KR2 called the MBR1000.  It has a lot of the same features as the KR2.

Limitations

As you can imagine, 3G data speeds can create some major limitations when multiple people are using it. 3G can even be slow for single users that are used to fast land lines, so typically a 3G router can't have more than 3 people using it simultaneously.

Also, if you have a weak data or cell signal in your area, see my hub about boosting cell and data signals.