WiFi - can someone explain this feature for me?

[Cody21]

What is the point of the WiFi enabling feature on the DROID X ?  It seems that there is an additional $20 / mo. charge for it.

[Cody21]

So I've been looking at the manual on this feature and I think I "get it" about the WiFi thing ... but I *do* have a follow-up question.

The thing that would REALLY be the thing I want most is the ability to connect my LAPTOP to the phone - tethering it so I can use my Laptop.   This vs. the "hot spot" feature which apparently costs $20/mo.  Is this possible? Are there APPS out there that allow me to do this?  Thanks

So I've been looking at the manual on this feature and I think I "get it" about the WiFi thing ... but I *do* have a follow-up question.
The thing that would REALLY be the thing I want most is the ability to connect my LAPTOP to the phone - tethering it so I can use my Laptop away from home.  

This vs. the "hot spot" feature which apparently costs $20/mo.  Is this possible? Are there APPS out there that allow me to do this?  Thanks

[Ed_in_CT]

I believe what you are talking about is the option to allow your Droid X to be a WiFi hotspot for up to 5 devices.  According to the plan options/overview I got when I bought my phone it costs $20/month to do that. 

In case this isnt obvious, its free for you to connect your phone to a free/ your home WiFi connection

[crb79]

Wifi = Free connection to your home wireless network and utilize Home/cafe internet on your phone instead of 3g.

Wifi Hotspot =  Pay Feature where you can share your Phone's 3G internet to 1-5 other wireless devices such as a laptop.

[Todd-B]

Why would I want to use wifi, if the data plan is all inclusive? Is it a performance or a signal strength issue?

If I get spotty data signal in my house, are you saying I could throw it on my wifi router to maybe get better signal?

Thanks.

[dirkbonn]

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Todd-B wrote:

Why would I want to use wifi, if the data plan is all inclusive? Is it a performance or a signal strength issue?

If I get spotty data signal in my house, are you saying I could throw it on my wifi router to maybe get better signal?

Thanks.

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A decent wifi connection is ususlly slightly faster than the phones 3G.  I said usually.  If you have a weak wifi connection at your house but a strong 3G connection on your phone, my original statement may not hold true.

[Cody21]

As I have come to understand this, WiFi "ANYTHING" is a $20/mo. charge...   So even if I wish to use my local Router for Internet on the phone, I will be charged for this.  Am I misunderstanding this again?  Maybe it's just the "tethering" aspect of this that is the $20/mo.

thanks

[BluestarNEO]

As the users above have posted, connecting your phone to a WiFi connection is absolutely free. Using your phone as a 3G hotspot so other devices can connect to your phone and use WiFi will cost the of $20 a month.

These are two different things you are confusing.

[teon39]

If someone is not smart enough to understand WIFI i don't think they should be allowed to own a smart phone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  My god WIFI has been around like FOR EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Todd-B]

@teon39,

I really don't like getting into flaming wars, but what you just said was quite assinine. You don't think I understand what Wifi is? Seriously? Could there possibly be abother explanation of my question?

Let's see ...

I'm a software developfor, with over 20 years experience. No, I'm not an Access developer. I've never seen the need for a phone with email, because ... you guessed it, I sit in front a computer for 8 hours a day!

So .. I finally decided to try something more modern and I'm blown away by how the the new phones blurr the lines of connectivity. I never even thought of some of these concepts.

My first impression was ... what the HELL would a cellular phone possibly need wifi for? I mean, it's a freaking PHONE FOR GOD's SAKE!

{please keep your posts courteous}