Tech Check

 

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Test Drive Success!

We are able to capture a decent 5G signal from our hill-top, and a mobile-carrier switch to T-mobile is under way. Their Magenta plan does more for us at the same price we're paying now, and adding internet this way will save us quite a bit. The risk is out there for signal clogging in bad weather or too many trees, but for now we're giving it a shot!

It should be noted that we had ~5Mpbs with the old landline internet, and 5g to wifi isn't much faster here on the edge of civilization. Since access is more important than absolute speed, we feel no need to go for 5g phones on this system. Let competition increase¹ and prices fall, at once that happens we will likely dip our toes into the highest ends of tech speed on the road.

¹ In fact, my primary reason not to go 5g is that all manufacturers have decided to adopt 7-inch screens with a 20:9 screen ratio. Most people dislike it - I however, pretty much detest it. I've ordered a Moto e5 Plus for $39 with 4g,  a 6" 18:9 screen and a mix of specs that suit me better. It might have a decent camera and a bit less battery life² but I don't care. I'd like a small-body 5g Android phone, and I'll wait for someone to introduce one. I'm not the only person seeking a phone that doesn't reach my knees when in a pants pocket!

² No surprise since it's a smaller device. It needs less power to drive the smaller screen and also has less space to add a monster battery. It uses the prehistoric µUSB port but still has a speedy recharge cycle. Oh no, no USB/c.?!?  Surprise: I don't care.