Introducing the wireless car (trailer?)

SmokelessJoe · 01-03-2007, 08:20 PM

Something new and perhaps interesting, Autonet Mobile.

http://www.goautonet.com/wp/

Sergei

cosmotini · 01-03-2007, 08:34 PM

Sergei,

This looks interesting, but I only have 2 hands. How do I drive, drink my coffee, search for things on my i-pod and surf all at the same time.

str8strm · 01-03-2007, 08:40 PM

Oh great. Another thing to distract from driving. I don't mind if they drive off the road so much. That's just job security for us. But don't hit my AS.

SmokelessJoe · 01-03-2007, 08:44 PM

I agree. Way too many distractions for safe driving these days.

But they are thinking cars. I’m thinking trailers. Your own WI FI spot in your own trailer. Now that’s cool.

Sergei

hamradio · 01-03-2007, 08:56 PM

Sounds really interesting. It will now be able to work from the trailer no matter where we stopover with no hassle about tuning something in first.

CA Streamer · 01-03-2007, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokelessJoe

I’m thinking trailers. Your own WI FI spot in your own trailer. Now that’s cool.

I agree. What a great product for the Airstream. I need to look into this one a little further. I figure it must use a wireless cellphone signal. Wonder what the cost is? It may not be practical for once a month use in the Airstream, but a fulltimer could certainly benefit.

str8strm · 01-03-2007, 09:18 PM

It would be cool for our use. It is amazing how important WiFi at the campground has become since I started paying attention to the AS Forums.

**moosetags** · 01-03-2007, 11:48 PM

I read the wbsite info. They say that it is not an air card (cell phone connection). They claim that it is true high speed. I'm guessing that it is some sort of sat link with some new antenna technology like XM radio.

There is sat link internet available now, but it requires a tv-type dish antenna. I am happy with the air card but this thing can be much better and faster. Their coverage map looks a complete as cell coverage.

I will be watching this thing very closely.

GlenCoombe · 01-04-2007, 06:24 AM

Moosetags, I too went to their web site but didn't see that. When I viewed the video from the Today Show the announcer said the technology took advantage of cell phone signals??? I'm on their email list and waiting.... I'll also look them up on the CES feeds next week.
I live on the wireless card and Cellular card from Sprint when I'm on the road. But while speed is better than dial up it is not broadband yet, and the wireless broadband is still in it's infancy.

Mike Lewis · 01-04-2007, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by moosetags

I read the wbsite info. They say that it is not an air card (cell phone connection). They claim that it is true high speed. I'm guessing that it is some sort of sat link with some new antenna technology like XM radio.

There is sat link internet available now, but it requires a tv-type dish antenna. I am happy with the air card but this thing can be much better and faster. Their coverage map looks a complete as cell coverage.

I will be watching this thing very closely.

moose---you're right about the map, infact it looks to be a reprint of the verizon brouchure map that came with my verizon wireless card. We're very happy with this system. speed while not blazing fast is adiquit for our needs.
wonder what the price is for this new gadget?? As always I'm skeptical of these things. ---pieman

ScottW · 01-04-2007, 10:29 AM

Anyone have a idea about the initial price and the monthly subscription rate? I didn't see it, but that doesn't mean much!

Gunnyusmc · 01-04-2007, 03:02 PM

I don't know about first, I had internet-in-motion installed in my Argosy in July05. It is now in my 2005 F-250. Works great and games at 70 MPH keep you awake!!
If you are considering one of these, put it in your tow veh so it is with you with or without Airstream.
My unit cost $2200.00 and $80.00 per month for Sprint unlimited service. Virizon is also $80.00 but there unlimited is NOT unlimited.

Don

campadk · 01-04-2007, 03:30 PM

I'm on the email list!

EXACTLY what we are looking for, for our 'mobile AS office' in the spring.

Gotta get Rich and gadget at Digital RV to test Autonet out for us!

SilverRanger · 01-04-2007, 07:51 PM

I could be wrong, and frequently am, but my take on this gizmo is that it is using EV-DO (wireless 3G broadband) technology which is, by no means, available in 95% of the country yet. When EV-DO signal isn't available, it apparently reverts to regular cellular wireless service just like my Verizon aircard, which is about the same speed as a slow dial-up connection. If that's the case, I can upgrade to an EV-DO aircard for my laptop for significantly lees than the $399 (plus $50 per month for the service). The only difference I can see, is that it combines a broadband aircard with a wireless router, which would be usefull if you actually had broadband reception in your area, and were using multiple computers.

Here is a link from computerworld.com that further explains the sysyem:
This device brings broadband to the car

I hope the link works. If it does, then go to the Verizon site and check out their broadband coverage maps. It's not yet available in my area, and there are no future plans to make it so. If it was, I would consider using it insteaad of my $63 per month cable, because I could take it on the road also. Hope this makes sense.