Verizon MiFi: Our Choice for Getting Online

Continuing our series on getting online from the road is a review of Verizon MiFi from the authors of Hit the Road JACK.

When we were in the stationary home, we used cable for our internet needs and we loved it. It was quick and very reliable but it just wouldn’t work for us in this lifestyle. So, through the years we have tried all sorts of ways to connect to the internet while traveling.

Our first year up at the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, we used satellite for our internet connection. It was not very reliable and we were constantly getting bounced off, but it was our only option at the time.

Many businesses, including libraries, coffee shops, hotels, RV parks and campgrounds offer free WiFi. The only problem with using there service is that it is not always convenient. Many places turn it on and then off again, so those late nights or really early mornings the service might not be available to us. Also, many of the WiFi offered is not reliable and definitely not protected, so doing personal business is not advised.

A few years ago, when Verizon introduced the Wireless Broadband service, we were hooked. We started with the PC Card, then updated to the USB Modem, then finally to the MiFi just a short time ago.

Through the years, we had one card or modem and it was usually on my computer. Jerry was not into the internet as faithfully as I was and he was content with using the WiFi, if and when it was available. But something changed a short time ago, he got hooked on the internet as much as I did. We discussed getting another card and/or modem but they did not offer a family plan as they have with the cell phones. We would have to pay the same price we were already paying for the first card and we just could not justify that cost, that was until they introduced MiFi.

The nice thing about getting the MiFi was keeping our current plan. Since we received our PC Card when the service was first introduced, we received a great plan, a plan that they no longer offer with unlimited usage and we are grandfathered in, so changing our plan will not be an option.

The MiFi 2200 fits in the palm of our hand and is so convenient to use. We ordered it online since there was an additional bonus for doing it there and it was delivered the very next day. The setup was so simple, turned it on and followed a few menu clicks and it was complete. Within minutes, we were both online enjoying the internet.

We usually use it while it is plugged into the power in the RV but it also has battery power. Several times we took it outside while we listened to the rushing sounds of the river we were parked next to or as we watched the animals frolic in the woods. MiFi 2200 makes it convenient to enjoy nature but still be connected to the world and the connection seems stronger than the USB modem we had for years.

http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/mobilebroadband/

The first time we discussed our dreams was shortly after we were married. The dreams that lied deep within that we hardly shared with anyone, because they were so bizarre that we were almost embarrassed to tell another person. But, we had always been able to share our heart’s desires with one another, so we did.

We spoke about traveling around in a RV, taking photos, writing our stories and having them published. We finished each others sentences, we shared what we had kept inside ourselves since we were very young but the stories matched. Even though we knew we had to do this once and for all we once again met up with too many obstacles and put it on hold for another 6 years while a life that we thought would make us happy continued on.

Then, the turning point in our lives happened when my baby brother at an early age of 40 passed away, leaving behind many of his dreams unfulfilled. During those last moments of his life, we shared some deep secrets with one another and he made me promise to get on with my life and to follow my own dreams, never again allowing anyone or anything to stand in the way. This began a year of research, finding opportunities to make a living while traveling the country.

We travel, main highways, country roads and many of the roads less traveled. We either work or are spectators at many of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series, eventually accomplishing every track on the circuit with a photograph of each of us in front of the race track sign. We also play a little game of achieving a photo of every state line we pass, but we have to do this in action, while driving, no stopping and taking the easy way out. If we miss one, we then know that we will need to take another trip someday through that state.

One of our favorite things to do is to stay, play then review the popular sightseeing locations, as well as many of the small “mom & pop” businesses and share this unbiased opinion with our many readers. Living this lifestyle has allowed us in just a few short years to visit, the Grand Canyon, Mall of America, Mount Rushmore, Niagara Falls, Gateway Arch, Soo Locks, and so many more then we ever imagined we would ever see. Doing this all on such a small budget that our readers are able to see themselves doing it too is also another benefit we share.

At times we each must travel many miles in the opposite direction to get ourselves on course once again but knowing our home is in our hearts at all times makes the travel easier. Our home is also right where we are at that very moment living our dream, traveling this wonderful country, taking photos and sharing our stories with our readers. Come join us and see where our journey leads us, our plans often change as we learn to live our lives from a much deeper place deep within ourselves.