Verizon Hotspots: To MiFi or Not to MiFi

I recently started working with a great social shopping research company called Collective Bias.  My work with them will now require that I have access to the internet more than usual, so I am in the market for a wireless internet device that will give me online access even when I'm at the park with the kids!  These devices are commonly called "hotspots", but other than that, I knew very little about them when I started my research.

I asked around and heard over & over that Verizon had the best coverage and therefore would be the best company for me to go with when purchasing a hotspot.  Like so many of my purchases these days, my research started online.  I was actually surprised how quickly I was able to find what I was looking for on the Verizon website, even without using the search feature!

Thankfully, they only have 3 options for hotspots, and their comparison tool makes it really easy to see the differences between them.  I glanced over the information very quickly and then thought, "Surely this information would be better to get at the store, when I can have the product in front of me as well."  So, I headed to my local Verizon store.

Sadly, I was terribly mistaken about the information that would be available via the Verizon sales rep.  While extremely nice, he was not very knowledgeable and kept saying "There really isn't a difference" about each device.  I felt like I was asking the typical questions: how long is the battery life, how many devices can be connected to the internet at a time, what are the plans available, what are the differences in speed between each device, is there a benefit to one over the other, which plan is best for my needs, etc.

The signage and information available in the store for each device was not terribly helpful either.  For some reason, they did not have all of the 3 devices together, but instead only had 2 of them and they were located at different stations, so I kept having to walk back and forth between them, which made comparing them very difficult.  The points of interest on the information cards did not answer my questions either - it seemed that the specifics I was looking for were not listed (battery life, plan specifics, etc).

Feeling a little bit more than dejected, I decided to come home and see what was available online again.  Before leaving, I specifically asked the sales representative if there was a benefit to purchasing one of the devices in the store over buying it online.  His answer was "We can set it up and show you how to use it."  My thought: "Thanks, I can read instructions."

Thank goodness for websites!  A second look at the Verizon website answered all of the questions that I had, plus a few that I hadn't thought to ask!  There are definitely differences between the devices, and more than just price!  It seems that the batter life is significantly different for each one, which is a big deal for my needs.  After reviewing the options, I'm thinking that the Verizon MiFi would best suit my purposes, and with a 2 year contract, I'll probably get the best deal on the device and service plan.

Speaking of service plans, they are 2 options available: 5GB or 10GB and a huge price difference!  When I asked the sale rep in the store how I would know which option would be best for me, he shrugged and said that since I was blogging, he can't imagine I would need more than 5GB, but I could always upgrade later.  Again, not the specific answer I was looking for.  I got excited to see the usage calculator on the website, but it doesn't seem equipped for to tell me the correct information for my device - it is geared more towards SmartPhone usage and whatnot.  For now, being the frugalista that I am, and having not much else to go on, I'll be opting for the 5GB with the option to upgrade later.  Overall, buying online gives me all of the in-store purchase benefits like instant rebates and free shipping, plus I can earn cash back via Ebates or ShopAtHome.com - woo hoo!!

Do you have a mobile hotspot or similar device?  I'd love any advice you might have!

* This is a sponsored post.  Collective Bias will be compensating me for this review of my research and purchase of a Verizon hotspot.  All opinions are 100% my honest assessment.