NetGear + AT&T = Unite PRO 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot WiFi #LifeConnected

How funny is it that whenever we go somewhere, before we ask where the restroom is, we ask, “Is there WiFi?” Sucking up the data on our mobile family plan is no fun, especially if you happen to accidentally go over your limit. Been there, done that. With so many blog-related events lately, I was more than happy to try out the AT&T Unite Pro by NETGEAR mobile hotspot.

AT&T Unite Pro Mobile Hotspot

Set up was pretty straight-forward as I just could log in on my laptop and enter my review code for 1 GB or 30 days of usage (no pre-paid service available for the Pro right now, only the earlier model the Unite). Pairing was equally as easy, even when we connected several devices. The amount of data used and what’s left is clearly shown on the screen. Options are simple but each menu takes some digging to find out other features packing in this compact device.

The Unite Pro really came in handy while traveling down Highway 5 to get some work done (of course, I was not the driving at that time) and for non-stop Instagramming while out and about. Neither Disneyland or Disney California Adventure had WiFi so it was fantastic when we had to stand in line for 2-3 hours for the Anna and Elsa Frozen meet-and-greet- for my daughter and her friend. It was also nice to use the AT&T 4G LTE network (where available) when I was in a dead zone with my current cell phone provider. This seemed pretty stable and had full bars most of the time.

As a blogger, I’ve learned to always carry a mobile battery charger with me. The fact that the Unite Pro doubles as one is awesome. Unfortunately, my stressed out self forgot to pack a cable. That would have been so great to use, especially since my daughter let her phone get down to 1% . . .

The full color screen looks great and the display is easy on the eyes. Touchscreen was responsive and options are labeled clearly. The bummer is that the password is displayed right on the main screen and, even if you take that off (Setting -> Display -> Wi-Fi Info on Home), it’s still really easy to get the password in the settings (About Device -> Device Information). It would have been nice to have a PIN or something to hide that screen from anything that might happen to pick it up. Starting up does go a bit slow but the screen goes on immediately when you wake it from sleep mode.

Using the AT&T Unite Pro Mobile Hotspot

At first it seemed to run out very quickly but that was because all our apps were automatically updating when it sensed the WiFi. After searching my phone’s options, I was able to turn that off (on my phone, not the Unite Pro device). I just wish the Unite Pro would have alerted me to check that feature ahead of time so I didn’t use up unnecessary data. After that, I had a ton of data left and only ended up using half of it. I hate wasting anything so that was kind of a bummer.

If you don’t have mobile hotspot / tethering to connect to your tablets and laptops this is a clever option. Even for us, being able to use the AT&T network when our provider’s signal is weak, was a nice thing to have. The AT&T Unite Pro is $49.99 with a 2-year contract ($199.99 without) and in white or black. It’s eligible for the Mobile Share Plan at $20/month and uses the group data or the DataConnect Plan at $50/month for 5 GB data. Check this out to see if it’s right for you and your family!

I received this device and 1GB of data for review purposes. All opinions are my own.