In just a matter of weeks, Sony's long awaited handheld, the PS Vita will make its debut in the United States. When it launches, customers will have two flavors to choose from -- a standard Wi-Fi-only model and a 3G-enabled version. But the luxury of having constant integrated connectivity comes at significant cost, including an extra $50 for the hardware itself and up to $30 a month in service fees. If the additional expense wasn't enough to dissuade you, here are three more reasons to pass on the 3G-enabled PS Vita.
Mobile Hotspots Are More Bang for Your Buck
By paying for the 3G PS Vita and an AT&T data plan, you are spending money for service for only one device when you could just as easily power multiple devices via a mobile hotspot. Just about every smartphone released in the last year comes equipped with a mobile hotspot feature, which for an additional monthly fee can convert 3G and 4G connections into Wi-Fi that can be used by anything from notebooks to game consoles, including the PS Vita. In fact, AT&T uses the same pricing structure for its mobile hotspot plans that it does for the 3G PS Vita. Either way you're getting the same amount of data per month (250MBs for $15 or 3GBs for $30), but you get to choose how you use it instead of limiting it to just your PS Vita.
What's more, mobile hotspots are identified as standard Wi-Fi networks by the PS Vita, so even if you're using a 3G or 4G connection you will have access to the full range of online-enabled features of the system. In simpler terms, while the 3G model's networking won't allow you to download games or play realtime multiplayer over AT&T's network, a mobile hotspot will.
Finally, using a mobile hotspot affords you a greater degree of control over what service provider you use. If AT&T has terrible performance in your area, you can pick up a standalone hotspot from an alternative source or add the feature to your existing smartphone account. 3G and 4G mobile hotspot hardware can be expensive, but some providers offer discounts for set-term service agreements. Pricing between the major providers can vary, but at least you get the freedom of choice.
3G is On Its Way Out, Long Live 4G!
While 3G may be the dominant smartphone networking technology at the moment, it won't remain that way for long. Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile have been aggressively expanding the reach of their LTE networks over the past year, and by the end of the year most if not all of the leading mobile products will support 4G connectivity. What is the benefit of 4G LTE? Substantially higher data speeds. While the average 3G connection provides anywhere between 3 to 8Mbps, 4G speeds can offer speeds of 20 to 30Mbps depending on your area. While 3G connections are suitable for many basic functions, they are not nearly fast enough for consistent HD video streaming, speedy game downloads or realtime multiplayer. which is why Sony and AT&T are limiting them on the 3G model. Instead of spending the extra cash for a soon-to-be antiquated network platform, save your pennies for a 4G-enabled smartphone or mobile hotspot.
Do you plan on buying a 3G PS Vita? If so, why? Tell us why you think its worth the added cost in the comments section below.
[source ign.com]
The Vita's 3G Functions are Limited
It'd be one thing if the 3G-enabled PS Vita provided constant, unhindered connectivity to the system's entire suite of online features, such as realtime online multiplayer and full game downloads via PSN, but that simply isn't the case. In order to regulate network strain, AT&T and Sony will only allow for basic functions to be accessed over 3G, such as web browsing, PSN messaging, asynchronous multiplayer (i.e. turn-based games) and leaderboard access. If users want to play with other players online in realtime or download a
larger game (assumed to be 20MBs or more) from the PSN, they will be required to connect to a Wi-Fi network. While the ability to message friends over the PSN and check leaderboard scores anytime, anywhere is certainly helpful, we'd hardly consider it worth the added monthly expense.
larger game (assumed to be 20MBs or more) from the PSN, they will be required to connect to a Wi-Fi network. While the ability to message friends over the PSN and check leaderboard scores anytime, anywhere is certainly helpful, we'd hardly consider it worth the added monthly expense.
By paying for the 3G PS Vita and an AT&T data plan, you are spending money for service for only one device when you could just as easily power multiple devices via a mobile hotspot. Just about every smartphone released in the last year comes equipped with a mobile hotspot feature, which for an additional monthly fee can convert 3G and 4G connections into Wi-Fi that can be used by anything from notebooks to game consoles, including the PS Vita. In fact, AT&T uses the same pricing structure for its mobile hotspot plans that it does for the 3G PS Vita. Either way you're getting the same amount of data per month (250MBs for $15 or 3GBs for $30), but you get to choose how you use it instead of limiting it to just your PS Vita.
What's more, mobile hotspots are identified as standard Wi-Fi networks by the PS Vita, so even if you're using a 3G or 4G connection you will have access to the full range of online-enabled features of the system. In simpler terms, while the 3G model's networking won't allow you to download games or play realtime multiplayer over AT&T's network, a mobile hotspot will.
Finally, using a mobile hotspot affords you a greater degree of control over what service provider you use. If AT&T has terrible performance in your area, you can pick up a standalone hotspot from an alternative source or add the feature to your existing smartphone account. 3G and 4G mobile hotspot hardware can be expensive, but some providers offer discounts for set-term service agreements. Pricing between the major providers can vary, but at least you get the freedom of choice.
3G is On Its Way Out, Long Live 4G!
While 3G may be the dominant smartphone networking technology at the moment, it won't remain that way for long. Verizon, AT&T, Sprint and T-Mobile have been aggressively expanding the reach of their LTE networks over the past year, and by the end of the year most if not all of the leading mobile products will support 4G connectivity. What is the benefit of 4G LTE? Substantially higher data speeds. While the average 3G connection provides anywhere between 3 to 8Mbps, 4G speeds can offer speeds of 20 to 30Mbps depending on your area. While 3G connections are suitable for many basic functions, they are not nearly fast enough for consistent HD video streaming, speedy game downloads or realtime multiplayer. which is why Sony and AT&T are limiting them on the 3G model. Instead of spending the extra cash for a soon-to-be antiquated network platform, save your pennies for a 4G-enabled smartphone or mobile hotspot.
Do you plan on buying a 3G PS Vita? If so, why? Tell us why you think its worth the added cost in the comments section below.
[source ign.com]
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