4G LTE on Surface Pro 3

Question

4G LTE on Surface Pro 3

Anonymous

I understand that Microsoft for some really strange reason is not putting 4G LTE in the Surface Pro 3 but are there any compatible air cards like the Verizon USB style that can provide the 4G? It also needs to be Windows 8 or 8.1 for required software capability.

Obviously I saw the Verizon USB but Verizon can not tell me if it will work with Surface Pro.

Has anyone out there done this before?

Reason is that there are many of us that are actually do business on these things and have no access to safe wireless connections or desire to run hot spots in airports. My IPAD 1 (just cracked the screen) can do it but unfortunately my software requires Windows to connect to the workplace. The Surface Pro looks great but without a safe connection it has little utility.

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10 answers

Answer 1

I would say to use the Samsung as a hotspot; you already have it. Saves money also. AT&T did have the exclusive contract for the Surface 2 LTE model which shows that the adapter itself is more capable and has been tested by the cellular providers.

Most Google Certified Android phones and tablets (especially from Samsung) are known to be capable of at least tethering.

Go with what you already have.

Answer 2

If memory serves me, the 4G/LTE version of the Surface 2 was an at&t exclusive device here in the US.

I'm certain that the 4G/LTE S3 is going to drop shortly in the US. Consumers just have a longer wait than do business users.

Both of my Samsung devices can function as hot spots (Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 10.1 [2012]. I may try to pair my SP3 with one of them to see how well it works.

Answer 3

Yea, mobile hotspots will be a power drainer. When you are accessing high speed Internet, that is a constant microwave transmission both ways and would probably recommend a nuclear power pack! But, should be usable for a short term. That is actually what they are designed for but people lose track of time when on the Internet and will see/hear a warning of the power drain.

As for the JetPack from Verizon, it is the only thing they have for connecting devices that do not have LTE. Works with anything that has a WiFi adapter just about. Apple devices are better engineered because they have been ahead of the game for some time. Those things can hook up with a rock, practically. Android devices have had tethering but only a few. You have to check around the phone models that actually support that. Usually Google Certified devices will have it.

At least the people here are asking questions before jumping into getting one and finding out the hard way. These Surface tablets have proven to be particular and don't like most. I figured that both Verizon and T-Mobile tested the Surface 3 which has the same adapter with their own devices because they are on cue to selling the LTE models when come out (some this century, I think). Microsoft will be selling the unlocked model on their web site.

Answer 4

In my case I turn on the hot spot option of the iphone 6. It works pretty well. However it consumes the battery of the iphone really fast. If you are doing this I recommend having a portable battery as well or your battery charger closed by.

Other android phones have this feature...you may need to pay your carrier extra to get it but is another option you have in case you dont know.

Answer 5

Well, if it is working on his, then the adapter will work with the JetPack. It means it recognizes and will work with the router. The others have problems with different brands of routers.

If it works for one, it should work for all. That would include all the Surface models.

Best way to find out is get with your friend and hook yours up with his. Best way to test it out. The JetPack can support up to 4 devices.