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As much as we would like to solve truly important problems like the BP oil crisis in the Gulf, we can't - but we can solve the riddle of making the FaceTime video chat feature on the new iPhone 4 work on the go!

Unless you're an Apple mega-fan, you may be wondering like many others, "What is Facetime?" FaceTime is one of the new and highly-anticipated features included on Apple’s iPhone 4 that allows iPhone 4 users to video chat with other iPhone 4 users over WiFi. As Apple says, "People have been dreaming about video calling for decades. iPhone 4 makes it a reality. With the tap of a button!" FaceTime really is that easy to use, and works right out of the box as promised. Also, since the iPhone 4 has two cameras (one on the front of the phone and a higher-res one on the back), FaceTime users can either show their face with the front camera or switch to the rear camera to show off the world around them. And like just about everything else on the iPhone, FaceTime works in both portrait and landscape modes.

There are definitely a lot of great potential uses for FaceTime, and Apple makes it very easy to use. To start a video chat with another iPhone 4 user, all you need to do is find him or her in your contacts list and tap the FaceTime button. You can even convert a voice call into a video call if you're already on the phone. The only downfall to FaceTime is that it only works over WiFi - you CANNOT use Facetime while your phone is connected to AT&T's 3G network. This isn't an issue if you want to make video calls at home or at the office where you have a WiFi network set up, but what about folks who want to use it while traveling? Here at EVDOinfo/3Gstore, we understand that people want to be mobile with their mobile devices, and we have a number of solutions that allow you to use FaceTime while you're on the go!

You can't get around the fact that FaceTime requires a WiFi connection, but that doesn't mean you can only use it with traditional WiFi networks like your home network or a public hotspot at McDonalds or Starbucks. Check out this video demonstration of two 3Gstore employees engaged in a FaceTime video chat - Mike's phone is connected to a traditional broadband WiFi connection, and Victor is using a 3G/4G OverDrive mobile hotspot:

Below is a list of our recommendations for MOBILE WiFi that you can take with you wherever you roam - these solutions all allow you to connect any WiFi-enabled device, including your iPhone 4, to mobile WiFi:

1.  Sprint Overdrive 3G/4G hotspot (left):

The Sierra Overdrive is an all-in-one battery-powered 3G/4G mobile hotspot available from Sprint that provides mobile broadband connectivity to up to 5 users via WiFi, with a WiFi range of up to around 150'. When you're in a 4G area the Overdrive will automatically connect to that network, and if you travel outside a 4G area, you'll be able to connect to Sprint's 3G network - so you'll have coverage virtually everywhere you travel within the US (you can check Sprint 3G and 4G coverage by address or zip code at 3Gstore.com/coverage).

Sprint's 4G network is VERY fast (average download speeds of 3 to 6 Mbps with bursts over 10 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 1Mbps), allowing for excellent quality for video calls. Video calls made over 3G may not be as high quality (or there may be a bit of latency), but with a solid signal 3G FaceTime calls can work great! Our 3Gstore testers tried using FaceTime with their iPhone's to Sprint's 3G network and found the quality to be very good.

Sprint charges $59.99/month for their 3G/4G service, which includes unlimited 4G usage and 5GB/month of 3G usage. The Overdrive is available from 3Gstore for $49.99 after rebate with new Sprint service.

 

2.  Sprint or Verizon MiFi 3G Hotspot (Sprint version shown at right):

Both Sprint and Verizon offer the MiFi, which allows you to connect up to 5 devices via WiFi to the carrier's 3G network. Like the Overdrive, it's battery-powered, but it's even tinier - in fact, it's barely larger than the iPhone itself. The MiFi is only 3G-capable, but as mentioned above, with a solid signal 3G Facetime calls can work great. The MiFi is a great option for folks who want the smallest possible solution for mobile WiFi, and also for people who prefer to use Verizon's network (you can check both Sprint and Verizon coverage by address or zip code at 3Gstore.com/coverage). 

For folks concerned about the 5GB allowance Sprint and Verizon impose on 3G usage, FaceTime does not use as much data as one might think - about 140MB/hour, which is less data than a Skype video chat uses.

Both Sprint and Verizon offer their 3G service for $59.99/month for 5GB of usage. The Sprint MiFi is available from 3Gstore for free after rebate with new service; the Verizon MiFi is available from 3Gstore for $49.99 after rebate with new service.

3. PHS300 + Sprint U301 3G/4G Aircard (left)

This option isn't an all-in-one solution like the MiFi and Overdrive, but it's one of the most popular thanks to its flexibility. The Cradlepoint PHS300 is a portable mobile broadband router with a 2-3 hour rechargeable battery that allows you to connect your 3G or 4G aircard for internet access. You can use a wide variety of 3G or 3G/4G USB modems from a number of carriers with the PHS300, but the Sprint U301 3G/4G modem is a great choice since you can use Sprint's super-fast 4G network where available and their 3G network elsewhere (just like the Overdrive).

The PHS300 is a particularly good option for folks who already own a USB aircard and simply need a way to share the connection from their aircard via WiFi (instead of buying a whole new mobile broadband device, you can just add the PHS300 to your existing modem). Since the router can be used with so many different aircards, it also gives you more flexibility - if you're using a Verizon aircard right now but decide to switch to Sprint next year, you can still use the PHS300. It also doesn't have the 5-user limit like the MiFi and Overdrive do, so if you want to provide mobile WiFi to a lot of devices (your iPhone 4, laptop, Nintendo DS, etc etc) you won't have to worry about that. It's not as compact as the MiFi or Overdrive, but certainly more flexible.

The Cradlepoint PHS300 is available from 3Gstore for $149.99, and the U301 is available from 3Gstore for $19.99 (plus receive a $50 mail-in rebate) with new Sprint service.

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Related links:

• Discuss mobile WiFi options for using FaceTime on the 4G Forums
• Purchase the Sierra Overdrive with Sprint Service from 3Gstore
• Purchase the Novatel MiFi with Sprint Service from 3Gstore
• Purchase the Novatel MiFi with Verizon Service from 3Gstore
• Purchase the Cradlepoint PHS300 router from 3Gstore
• Purchase the U301 with Sprint Service from 3Gstore

The Sierra Aircard 250U is the latest dual-mode 3G/4G USB modem to hit the market and the first from Sierra Wireless. CLEAR released their version of the 250U - which they call the "Series S 4G+" modem - in three test markets in June and will make it available to all customers in July, and Sprint announced that their version of the modem will launch nationwide in July as well. Like the Franklin U300, which was the first 3G/4G modem sold by Sprint and CLEAR, and U301, which launched on Sprint's network earlier this year, the Sierra Wireless 250U can connect to both Sprint's 3G EVDO Rev-A network as well as Sprint/CLEAR's 4G WiMAX network. Sprint/CLEAR's 4G network (Sprint is a majority owner of CLEAR and they use the same network - so while the 250U will be available from both companies, the coverage and service is identical) is available in about 30 cities right now, with coverage expanding to more cities every couple of months, so many mobile broadband users have begun considering 3G/4G modems even if they don't currently live in or travel to an area with 4G coverage. By opting for a 3G/4G device instead of a 3G-only modem, customers can "future proof" themselves - they can use it for 3G now, and when 4G does become available to them, they won't have to worry about needing new equipment.

The 250U is not the first 3G/4G-capable device, but it is the first to feature something potential users have been hoping for since the very first 3G/4G device: an antenna port for improving cellular signal. The 250U actually features two antenna ports: one for a 3G antenna, and one for a 4G antenna (which aren't yet available, but will be in the future). This really sets the 250U apart from its predecessors and makes it more accessible to a lot more potential users - mobile broadband users who rely on antennas to get a reliable signal for their 3G aircards have been hesitant to make the move to a 3G/4G device, but now users don't have to sacrifice the ability to easily boost 3G signal in order to get a 3G/4G modem!

In addition to the antenna ports, the 250U also offers a very unique design, Mac OSX compatibility, and other enticing features. Read on for more details on this unique 3G/4G modem:

Design: The 250U is a USB modem, but unlike the traditional dongles that stick straight out like a USB flash drive or even the ones that swivel to flip up (like the U301), the 250U utilizes a flexible USB hinge that rotates 180 degrees in both directions, making it easier to connect to horizontal or vertical USB ports. It's also the first round USB modem, which is certainly an interesting design choice but doesn't make a major impact on the usability or convenience of the modem. Despite the unorthodox shape, the 250U is quite small - the round part is under 2" in diameter, and it weighs under 1 ounce!

On the front of the 250U are two LED indicators, which are used to easily identify which networks are available to connect to. The "4G" LED blinks when it's searching for a network, and lights up blue when 4G is ready to be connected to or when you are connected to 4G; it turns off completely when you're connected to 3G. The "3G" LED works a little differently, since it also serves as an indicator for Sprint's 2G network. The 3G LED blinks while searching for the network and lights up blue when ready to connect to 3G or when you're connected to 3G, and it displays an amber light when 2G is the only available network. If you're connected to 4G, the 2G/3G LED will be off. These LED indicators are great for folks who travel in and out of 4G areas, as you'll quickly be able to see right on the modem which network is available.

As we mentioned, the 250U is the first 3G/4G modem to feature a usable antenna port. There are actually two antenna ports - one for 4G and one for 3G. Right now, there are no 4G antennas available, but we do anticipate that antennas will be available at some point in the future. The 3G antenna port is a usable port, and 3Gstore carries a variety of antennas bundled with the appropriate 250U adapter cable. An important note about the 250U's antenna ports: Sierra Wireless has stated that they have NOT certified any antennas that are intended to improve both 3G and 4G signal. Other retailers may be selling antennas for 3G/4G, but they are NOT certified for use by Sierra Wireless and are not recommended; they may even damage the device or cause signal degradation. If you plan to use an antenna with the 250U, it's important to understand that only 3G antennas are compatible, and you must use them in the lower of the two antenna ports (the one intended for 3G antennas).

Compatibility: The 250U is fully compatible with Windows 7, XP, Vista and Mac OS 10.5.X and 10.6.X - this is great news for Mac users, who were left out with Sprint/CLEAR's original 3G/4G modem, the Franklin U300. Both CLEAR and Sprint will provide the appropriate versions of their connection manager software to allow you to use the 250U with just about any Windows or Mac computer. Additionally, the 250U is already officially supported by all of the 4G-capable Cradlepoint routers!

Key Features:
Access to the fastest wireless download speeds available with dual-mode 3G/4G networks
180-degree rotating USB connector
GPS-enabled
Supports Windows 7, XP, Vista and Mac OS 10.5.X and 10.6.X
Features an antenna port for 3G antennas
Compatible with Cradlepoint routers

The bottom line on the Sierra Aircard 250U: Anyone considering signing up for Verizon, Sprint or AT&T mobile broadband with a 2-year contact should consider getting a data card that has built-in 4G support, even if you do not need it now - especially since the 250U has an antenna port that allows you to improve your 3G signal just like you can with a typical 3G-only aircard. Sprint and CLEAR are rolling out their 4G WiMAX network to more and more cities in the US each quarter, meaning there is a good chance 4G could become available to you at some point during your 2-year contract. Upgrading an aircard in the middle of your contract can cost $200-$300, so why not be prepared now?

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Related links:

• Order the 250U with CLEAR servic
• Order antennas (to boost the 3G signal ONLY) for the 250U
• Order a router for the 250U
• View a list of cities that currently have 4G/WiMAX coverage
• Search Sprint/CLEAR coverage by address
• Discuss the Sierra Wireless Aircard 250U on 4Gforums.com

Verizon has continuously stated that 4G LTE will be released in 25-30 markets by the end of 2010. We're now halfway through 2010 and Verizon is finally moving to the user trial stage in an effort to meet their goal. For the user trials, Verizon has stated they'll be launching 5 trial markets - Boston, Seattle and 3 other unnamed cities. It's not clear exactly who the test users will be when their network goes live for user testing, but this should be the final stage before they officially launch the service for mass adoption. It will be exciting to finally see the results of LTE in some real world situations. It makes us wonder how it will compare with the 4G WiMAX services Sprint and CLEAR currently offer.

Verizon's LTE network is using 700Mhz spectrum for their LTE purchased back in 2008 from the FCC auction. In contrast WiMAX operates on the 2.5Ghz frequency which theoretically means that Verizon's 4G LTE should have better building penetration than WiMAX networks. The initial demo in Boston was pretty impressive and really showcased the speed of Verizon's 4G LTE network:


Discuss on 4G forums here - Verizon Moving LTE 4G To User Trial Stage   

Qik has released a special version of their app just for the HTC EVO 4G that allows EVO users to make 2-way video calls using the front facing camera! Video calling on the EVO 4G can be used via 3G, 4G, or WiFi networks - unlike the iPhone 4's video chat app, Facetime, which will only work when you're connected to WiFi.

To read the full article & watch our video demonstration, checkout the full article: Sprint HTC EVO 4G Video Calling

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3Gstore is proud to announce that we are now shipping version 2.0 of our exclusive Support CD that provides our customers with step-by-step setup guides, tipsheets on how to setup different services & applications, the latest firmware for your router, and exclusive support tools that our technicians can use to quickly resolve any problem if you run into any trouble. For more details on the release of 3Gstore's Support CD 2.0, read the full article: 3Gstore Now Shipping Support CD 2.0

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In addition to the new 3G/4G USB modem that CLEAR debuted last week - the Series S 4G+ modem, which is only available in three markets right now - CLEAR has announced two more very cool devices that are bound to make 4G fans very happy. Beginning in July, CLEAR will offer two 4G-capable wireless hotspots. Like the Series S 4G+ modem announced earlier this month, both of the upcoming hotspots are Mac compatible - this is great news for Mac users, as CLEAR's early devices were not Mac friendly. Read on for more info about the upcoming hotspots:

1) The "Clear Spot 4G Infomark Biscuit" (above) is a 4G-only portable hotspot that operates similar to the 3G MiFi available from Sprint and Verizon. It features a built-in rechargeable battery that runs for 4-5 hours on a single charge and provides wireless connectivity for up 8 WiFi devices. It uses a standard wireless "G" radio for broadcasting WiFi, so the wireless range is likely 80-150' (depending on walls, interference, etc). The Clear Spot 4G will be available next month for $99.99 or $4.99/month if you choose a 2-year contract.

2) The "Clear Spot 4G+ Sierra Eagle" (above) is CLEAR's version of the Sierra Overdrive, which has been available from Sprint for several months now. Unlike the Clear Spot 4G, the Clear Spot 4G+ can connect to both the 4G WiMAX network and Sprint's nationwide 3G network, making it a great choice for folks who need coverage outside of 4G-covered areas. It features a built-in rechargeable battery that runs for around 3 hours on a single charge and provides wireless connectivity for up 5 WiFi devices. It uses a standard wireless "G" radio for broadcasting WiFi, so the wireless range is approximately 80-150' (depending on walls, interference, etc). The Clear Spot 4G+ will be available next month for $249.99 or $5.99/month if you choose a 2-year contract.

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If you'd like to be notified with the Clear Spot 4G or 4G+ are available from 3Gstore (our sister site), email futureitems "at" 3Gstore.com

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Discuss the Clear Spot 4G on the 4G Forums

Discuss the Clear Spot 4G+ on the 4G Forums