Question 1

How exactly does this thing work?

Accepted Answer

Do you understand how your phone or tablet or laptop or Glass connect via WiFi to a hub hooked up to (for example) a cable modem?  This is a portable version of that hub, except smaller, weaker, and it hooks up to the Internet the same way a phone with a data plan would.

Two very significant uses:
1.) You're stuck in a contract with a carrier that don't offer a data plan that makes sense for you., and your phone can connect via WiFi.
2.) You want to use a 'WiFi only' devices, like many tablets---they all can handle WiFi, the wireless broadband (phone-like) versions generally cost more...and you'd need to have a separate data plan for each tablet.
3.) You're used to using public WiFi but then find out how insecure many of those setups are, and you believe that your e-mail should be readable only by you, its recipients, the N.S.A., other black-hat hackers, and (optionally) the Deit[y|ies] of your choice.

One of the best things about this deal: they want you to subscribe to a data plan with them, but if you register carefully (avoid signing-up for 'Premier service') and avoid their other opt-out offers, you can still get 500Mb/month free, and this should be adequate for reading maps, browsing the Web, and similar lower-bandwidth activities...

...on the other hand, if your primary goal is listening to Internet radio or streaming television or movies, you could easily use 500Mb in a few hours.

On more caveat:  this connects as a '4G WiMax' wireless device, and outside of major cities there's not a lot of coverage on that network.

Question 2

Can I use this and not pay internet providers a monthly fee?

Accepted Answer

This gives you free 500MB every month and if you want more data you must pay extra. FreedomPop does have monthly plans but you must remember that it gets internet access through 4G cellular towers. This might not be suitable for replacement of your home ISP because you are limited to a certain amount of data per month like a cell phone and also you might not always get a good reception inside and in some places that there is no coverage. This is a good device for on the go internet access on laptops, tablets or other internet devices.

Hope this helped.

Question 3

1 - Will this device work in 3G only coverage areas?  Freedompop site seems to indicate that it will only pick up 4G.
2 - What happens when on the road and going thru different coverage areas?  For example, going from 4G to 3G.  If I am using my Android tablet as a GPS, will it be seamless in going from one coverage to another, or will there be some sort of hiccup?
4 - How does the usage alert work (to prevent me from going over the allowable data usage)?

Accepted Answer

1. This device will not work in 3G only areas. It only takes 4G signals. The 3G areas mapped in their website is for their mobile phones, not this hotspot device. 
2. Again, it can only get you connected in 4G coverage areas.
3. Never tried that and I am not sure

In addition, I do want to warn you about the activation problem I experienced. You can see the post here to know how it is like (cannot include a link in the response, just search "Photon does not connect"). I ended up contacting Taylor the person involved in the post who eventually helped me out.

It is worth the money as the data is free. Limited 4G coverage is definitely a drawback but the bottom line is it can get you connected in most major airports and center cities.

Question 4

will this work overseas say in Europe or Australia?

Accepted Answer

It is highly unlikely to work outside the US - it doesn't even work in most places inside US. It works only where Sprint has Wimax 4G. Most of Sprint's current 4G is LTE and is incompatible with this device.

Question 5

Does this have a built-in GPS your computer can utilize if you plug it into the USB port?

P.S.
-Luckily I'm in an area fully covered by wimax, and they're only starting to get LTE in some of the area's around where I live - so unless thess there's a huge registration fee, the $15 sale sounds worth it to say I tried WiMax for free for a while, cover the blind perhaps spots perhaps where my AT&T 4G cuts out and my GPS goes silent as I drive straight and get lost. And for a while it's [WiMax] probably still going to be the fastest internet available in the area, possibly more so than the local cable and DSL companies.

Accepted Answer

I'm afraid it doesn't have a GPS. It'll act as a hotspot over USB, and you can even configure it to automatically turn off WiFi when it's plugged in via USB, but there aren't any GPS capabilities. Also, there is no registration fee-- thankfully! You get 500 MB free data per month just for owning the device. Make sure, though, to specify in the billing area that you DON'T want them to automatically put a charge on your card when you reach a certain threshhold unless you know you're going to go over 500MB each month. I think they automatically charge $10 when you hit either 400 MB or 100 MB (I don't remember which) so that when you go over 500 MB, they automatically deduct that form your account and there's no delay where they have to turn your data off until you pay. You can uncheck the box in to automatically "top it off" in the billing section of your account. Just an FYI if you know you don't use that much data like I am. And I have to thank you for asking this question so I could see this was on sale! I wanted to order another one of these! :)

Question 6

What would the monthly service cost going forward?

Accepted Answer

After the initial free 2GB, you choose the monthly cost. Go to their website. You still can have free MBs every month and when you need more, upgrade and as there is no contract - downgrade back to your needs. You also can earn free MBs.
It is real simple to set up and connect. However there is no good coverage where I am, so I am planning on keeping it for emergencies on the road, where there is no other wifi, for the free monthly plan.

Question 7

how does it work?

Accepted Answer

It works by establishing a WiMax connection to the ClearWire network, which serves internet packets at a maximum of around 6-10 Mbps. it establishes its own Wifi network, serving up to 8 devices. So if you are inside Clear's service area, and near a tower, you will get decent speeds. If you are not in their service area, or far from a tower, you will get little to no use out of the device.
They give you your first 500MB free, or you can opt for a higher service plan, with more data, for a price.
Their customer service is shoddy and their website is even worse, but if you can get past those hurdles, and have a need for an internet connection with minimal data, it can be a workable option.

Question 8

will this device work in the car while we are still moving?

Accepted Answer

Yes it will work...as long as you are within satellite range with the internet signal. If on a long trip,you may go in and out of coverage areas.
I don't have real great coverage where I live...but for some its a good piece of equipment.

Question 9

Is this unit also 3 g compatable?

Accepted Answer

It will not work on 3G. You can go the FreedomPop website and look at the coverage map.

Question 10

What is the cost Internet service after the 1 month trial?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the level you want to subscribe to.
The 500 mb/month is free, etc.  You can start with that and see how you like the service.  When you activate your service do not choose any other services even though it may say free.  Just subscribe to the 500mb/mo service only. Do not activate any other services until you try it first.
Go here for more information on adding friends for an additional 500mb/mo for free: slickdeals dot net.  Search for freedompop friends for more info.

Brand	FreedomPop
Model	IMW-C910W

Standards	IEEE 802.11b/g/n
Antenna	Internal Antenna
Power Supply	Batteries: 1 Lithium ion batteries required. (included)
Wireless Adapter included	No
System Requirements	Windows Vista / XP / 7 and MAC OS 10.4 / 10.5 / 10.6 / 10.7, G4 / G5

Free Wireless Internet w Photon 4G Hotspot + Free Month of Premier Services Trial – FreedomPop

Refurbished

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Item#: N82E16833409002