Turn Your Car Into A Wireless Hotspot?

Just got an email from Amazon recommending this crazy thing. Autonet Wifi Hotspot

It is an interesting idea, however quite expensive. On top of costing 300 you get to pay:

Activation Fee: $35.00
1-Year minimum Service Agreement required:
$29 per month for 1GB Plan
$59 per month for 5GB Plan

It could be useful if you are outside of cellular coverage, but most people would be better off getting a smart phone or air card. Is data usage limited on smart phone plans these days?

This thing is essientially a router with a built in Wireless Air Card. They make routers that have PC Card slots so you can insert a mobile broadband card into them and they cost much less. Like this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875989013&Tpk=WRT54G3G.

The pricing for 5 GB is the same for AT&T, Sprint, Verizon. They are basically all about the same price. I don't believe there are many unlimited plans out there.

Obviously the added benefit of the Linksys router is you can take the card out and use it directly in your laptop if you need to.

EDIT: I am sure the Autonet has a direct 12v DC method of powering itself, but you can easily wire up something for the Linksys and it will still work out much cheaper.